Effect of integrated nutrient management in maize (Zea mays)-mustard (Brassica compestris var toria) cropping system in mid hills altitude

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during rainy and pre-rabi winter seasons of 2001-02 to 2002-03 under upland dry terraces on fixed site at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya to find out suitable integrated nutrient management techniques for maize (Zea mays L.)-mustard (Brassica campestris L. var toria Duth.& Full.) cropping system. At the inception of the experiment, the soil was sandy loam in texture, acidic reaction having low status of available N and P and medium in available K. The growth, yield attributes and economics of maize were best in substitution of 50% of the recommended dose of NPK through farmyard manure while yield was slightly more with 25% substitution but was comparable with 50% substitution through farmyard manure. In mustard these parameters had best reflection in treatment involving 100% of NPK substitution through farmyard manure in maize and getting 100% NPK in mustard which was at par with 50% N through farmyard manure and 50% NPK through fertilizer to maize and 100% NPK to mustard crop. The maize equivalent yield, net return and benefit: cost ratio for whole system established superiority of the 50% substitution of NPK through farmyard manure in maize + 100% NPK in mustard, followed by 25% of NPK substitution through farmyard manure + 75% NPK through fertilizer and getting 100% NPK in mustard over all other treatments.