Integrated use of crop residues and fertilizers for sustainability of potato (Solanum tuberosum) based cropping systems in Bihar

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Patna for 4 years (2002-03 to 2005-06) on a fixed site to study the effect of crop residues(CR) recycling along with 2 levels of recommended dose of NPK fertilizers (RDF) i.e. RDF and 125% RDF in two potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) based cropping systems [potato-onion ( Allium cepa L.)-rice ( Or yza sativa L.) and potato-wheat ( Tr iticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol)-rice]. Incorporation of CR has im- proved the mean rice equivalent yields of system by 7.86% as compared to their removal (24.15 t/ha). Incorpora- tion of CR decreased the bulk density and increased infiltration rate, water holding capacity, microbial population, soil fertility than the initial values as compared to no residue treatment after four years of study. Increasing levels of RDF also increased the yield but did not show any significant effect on soil physico-chemical properties. Incor- poration of residues along with RDF improved the crop productivity in both the cropping systems and was at par with 125% RDF. The residue incorporation with NPK fertilizer resulted in the highest yield, nutrient uptake, im- proved residual soil fertility and soil microorganism status and ultimately high benefit: cost ratio.