Nutrition management in maize (Zea mays L.)-potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)-onion (Allium cepa L.) cropping sequence through organic and inorganic sources.

摘要

The present investigation was earned out for three consecutive years (2003-04 to 2005-06) find out the suitability of organic source of nutrition (farm yard manure, vermicompost and non-edible cake) for maize, potato and onion crops grown in a sequence. Substantial improvement occurred in soil health with the use of organic sources compared with inorganic fertilizers. The organic carbon content was increased to 0.49% in organic farming treatments over its initial value (0.39%) and chemical treatment (0.38%). Organic sources helped to buildup the organic carbon 23.1% over the initial level at the end of third crop cycle, which proved the hypothesis true with consistent improvement in soil fertility. The addition of organic manures also improved the Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn status of the soil over time. The highest bacterial count of 102.8x106/cfug was reported in T₆ whereas the highest count of fungi (37.8x103/cfug) and actinomycetes (90.2x104/cfug) were recorded in the T₃. The maize crop in inorganic treatment (T₇) gave maximum productivity of 56.1 q/ha which was 33.0% more than organic treatment (T₂) receiving 1/3 N each from FYM, VC and NEC (41.9 k/ha). The data showed that organic sources of nutrition in a short span of only three years were enabled to produce yield which is equivalent to the chemical fertilizer treatment. Use of FYM, VC and NEC gave 192.3 q/ha maize equivalent yields that were about 20.0 q/ha less than that obtained with inorganic fertilizers (T₇). The maximum N-uptake (93.3 kg/ha) of maize grain was recorded in T₇ treatment, followed by T₁ treatment (78.8 kg/ha). The P-uptake in onion bulb was 38.6% more than the potato tubers. The K uptake in the maize stalk was 7.2 times more than the K uptake in maize grain. The N-uptake by potato and onion showed the same magnitude.