Effect of integrated nutrient management on productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) and residual fertility status of soil

摘要

Maize(Zea mays L.) occupies a pride place among cereal crops in India. It plays an important role in agricultural economy as staple food for larger section of rural population. Integrated nutrient management or balanced fertilization is very crucial in order to achieve its potential yield. N, P, K, S and Zn have specific vital roles in growth, and development of crops. Over use of chemical fertilizers harm the biological power of soil, which must be prevented because all nutrient transformations aremediated by soil. Organic matter is the source of energy to the soil micro flora and organic carbon content is considered to be an index of the soil health. Integrated nutrient management (INM) is a flexible approach to minimize the use of chemical sources of nutrients along with maximization of their efficiency and farmer's profit. Integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers not only recorded significantly greater root-shoot dry matter but also accelerated their growth compared to inorganic fertilizer application (Ghosh et al. 2003).