Integrated nutrient management approach for enhancing productivity and economics of maize (Zea Mays L.) - toria (Brassica Campestris L.) cropping system

Integrated nutrient management (INM) approach for maize – toria cropping system was studied in a field experiment during 2003–04 and 2004–05. INM treatments effected significant differences on all the growth and yield attributing characters of maize over control. Among the organic sources of nutrients, application of FYM @ 2.5 t ha⁻¹ + Eupatorium @ 2.5 t ha⁻¹ increased the growth and yield attributes of maize, at par with FYM @2.5 t ha⁻¹ + Alnus @ 5 t ha⁻¹. However, application of FYM @ 2.5 t ha⁻¹ + Alnus @ 2.5 t ha⁻¹ recorded highest system productivity (41.08 q ha⁻¹), net return (Rs. 8.98 x103 ha⁻¹) and benefit: cost ratio (1.64) of the system followed by FYM @ 2.5 t ha⁻¹ + Eupatorium @ 2.5 t ha⁻¹ and Eupatorium @ 5 t ha⁻¹ alone. On the other hand, highest plant height (217.25 cm), basal girth (7.52cm), cob length (15.76 cm), grains cob⁻¹ (342.57), grain weight cob⁻¹ (105.90 g), 100 grain weight (29.66 g) and harvest index (0.117) were registered with 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) to maize followed by 50% RDF to toria. But, the highest residual effect of organics on number of branches plant⁻¹ (5.26), number of siliqua plant⁻¹ (67.44) and harvest index (0.30) of toria were recorded in plots where Eupatorium @ 5 t ha⁻¹ was applied to maize. The INM treatments of FYM@ 2.5t ha⁻¹ + Alnus @ 2.5 t ha⁻¹ followed by FYM @ 2.5 t ha⁻¹ + Eupatorium@ 2.5 t ha⁻¹ or Eupatorium @5 t ha⁻¹ with or without 100% RDF to maize + 50% RDF to toria was found to be beneficial in terms of maize equivalent yield (MEY), net returns and benefit: cost ratio for maize-toria cropping system.