Effect of integrated nutrient management on productivity, profitability, nutrient uptake and soil fertility in rainfed maize (Zea mays)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Sub Station, Aklera, Jhalawar (Rajasthan) in two consecutive rainy ( kharif) seasons of 2008 and 2009 to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management on productivity, profitability, nutrient uptake and soil fertility in maize ( Zea mays L.). Application of 150 % RDF (N 60 P ) produced significantly higher plant height (207.3 cm), dry matter (149.1 g/plant), number of cobs/plant (1.4), 22.5 number of grains/cob (209), grain (3.22 t/ha) and biological (8.23 t/ha) yield, net return (`19,251/ha) and B: C ratio (1.90), N, P and Zn uptake compared to control. However, RDF + FYM 10 t/ha produced higher plant height, dry matter, number of cobs/plant, number of grains/cob, grain, biological yield and Zn uptake and RDF + Zn in net re- turn, B: C ratio and Zn uptake. Significant built up of organic carbon (0.74%), available N (316.0 kg/ha) and avail- able P (10.8 kg/ha) was registered with RDF + FYM 10 t/ha. Maximum P balance (3.3 kg/ha) was recorded under application of FYM 10 t/ha alone and Zn content (0.45 mg/kg) was recorded under RDF + Zn.