Effect of integrated nutrient management on performance of rainfed fodder maize-rapeseed cropping system

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted on integrated nutrient management in rainfed fodder maize-rapeseed cropping system to know its effect on crop productivity, economics and soil fertility. Results showed that herbage yield (19.07 t ha-1), rapeseed yield (596 kg ha-1) and biomass yield (7209 kg ha-1) of this cropping system increased significantly by supplying 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through FYM/mustard cake + 50% recommended dose of NPK (RDF) through chemical fertilizers with or without Azotobacter. The above fertility treatments improved soil fertility, increased NPK balance in spite of greater NPK removal and paid high return over other fertility treatments. Integration of 50% N (30 kg N ha1 ) through organic manures (FYM/mustard cake) and 50% RDF (30 kg N, 6.7 kg P and 12.5 kg K ha-1) through chemical fertilizers and biofertilizer (Azotobacter) was recommended for improving crop productivity, soil fertility, nutrient balance and maximizing economic return from this cropping system in Terai region of Indian sub-tropics.