Investigations on soil spatial variability and precision nutrient management based targeted yield approach in maize was carried out at Agricultural research station (ARS), Mudhol (Karnataka), India under irrigated condition during 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16. ARS, Mudhol is located in northern dry zone of Karnataka at 160 20! N latitude, 750 15! E longitude and at an altitude of 577.6 meter above mean sea level. To assess the spatial variability, the study area was divided into 20 x20 m size grids and subjected to soil nutrient analysis. Spatial variability of available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was assessed and soil fertility map was prepared. Management zones were delineated based on soil fertility status as LMH and LHH by using nearest neighborhood technique. Five target yields - 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 q ha-1 were evaluated with RDF and absolute control in the designated management zones. Nutrient prescription maps were generated based on site specific nutrient management concept and target yield. Nitrogen was applied in five splits (10, 20, 30, 30 and 10 % each at basal, 20 (V5), 35 (V10), 50 (V14) and 65 (R1) days after sowing, respectively) as per recommendations. The entire dose of phosphorus and potassium was applied as basal. Treatments differed significantly with respect to precision nutrient management through target yield approach. Significantly higher SPAD chlorophyll readings (57.6) and NDVI values (0.58) were recorded with target yield of 140 q ha-1 over target yield of 60, 80 q ha-1, RDF (49.7 and 0.47, respectively) and absolute control (28.9 and 0.19, respectively) at 60 DAS. Target yield levels achieved with 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 q ha-1 treatments were 78.6, 88.0, 112.9, 117.6 and 127.4 q ha-1 in LHH management zone and 76.5, 87.9, 101.4, 115.0 and 126.9 q ha-1, respectively in LMH management zone whereas, absolute control recorded significantly lower grain yield (27.7 q ha-1). Target yield of 60, 80, 100 and 120 q ha-1 were achieved over the years irrespective of management zones. Nutrient dynamics in soil indicated net gain in N and K and net loss of P in all target yield treatments