Long-Term Effects of Continuous Cropping and Fertilization on Crop Yields and Soil Fertility Status

Abstract

The long-term effect of manures and fertilizers on the yields of finger millet-maize cowpea in a rotation and nutrient uptake by crops are being studied in Coimbatore since 1972. The data on yields show that deletion of potassium from the fertilizer schedule did not have any deleterious effect on yield. Nitrogen application alone, remarkably reduced the yield of crops. Application of FYM along with NPK increased the crop yields and nutrient uptake by the crops and enhanced the nutrient status.