Co-implementation of deficit irrigation and nutrient management strategies to strengthen soil-plant-seed nexus, water use efficiency, and yield sustainability in fodder corn

Abstract

Water scarcity-induced nutrient deficiency, low feed quality, and unsustainable fodder yields are important challenges for livestock production in tropical and subtropical countries, jeopardizing sustainable development goal-2: zero hunger. In this context, optimizing the co-benefits of deficit irrigation and fertilizer rates is crucial for strengthening the soil–plant–seed nexus, yield sustainability, water use efficiency (WUE), and the viability of progeny seed. Field experiments were carried for three years (2018–2021) in a split-plot design on a sandy loam soil of central India. Results revealed that moderate irrigation (I2) favored fodder corn root surface architecture (improved root length; 26.85–32.2 %, root weight; 24.5–31.45 %, and surface density; 24.51–32.87 %) and nutrients uptake (N, P, and K) due to increased nutrient accessibility. Likewise, balanced application of N, P, K, and Zn (N4; 120:60:40:20 kg ha⁻¹) had improved the corn roots and nutrient uptake (N; 93.56 kg ha⁻¹, P; 40.33 kg ha⁻¹, and K; 101.5 kg ha⁻¹). As a result, the integration of I2 × N4 had greater leaf area, seed (4.86 t ha⁻¹) and stover (9.62 t ha⁻¹) yields, WUE, and sustainable yield index (0.90). Furthermore, I2 × N4 enhanced the relative feed value and relative feed quality of corn seed and stover. Thus, maintained the vigor of progeny seedling (29.76 %). Therefore, the co-implementation of moderate deficit irrigation and balanced nutrition (I2 × N4) could optimize functional associations, minimize yield variations while improving WUE (by 28.6 %), root activity, optimize nutritional quality of corn feed (seed + stover), and increase the vigor of progeny seeds by strengthening soil–plant–seed nexus in limited conditions. By examining the interactions between soil, plant, and seed health, the research provides valuable insights into how irrigation and fertilization can work together to improve overall crop and feed quality.