Long term effect of integrated nutrient management on Rabi sorghum-chickpea rotation

Field experiments were conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Bijapur for eight years (1998–99 to 2006–07) to find out the effect of integrated plant nutrient supply system, with special reference to N, on rabi sorghum-chickpea crop rotation. The pooled analysis of eight years data showed that application of 15 kg N through sunnhemp plus 20 kg N through fertilizer significantly increased rabi sorghum grain (1577 kg ha⁻¹) and fodder (2923 kg ha⁻¹). Similarly, application of 15 kg N through compost plus 20 kg N through inorganic fertilizer significantly produced highest chickpea grain yield (993 kg ha⁻¹). Soil properties such as organic carbon and available nutrients contents increased significantly with organic source of nutrients. Application of compost or sunnhemp (as a green manure) reduced the bulk density of the soil and improved infiltration rate, water stable aggregates, hydraulic conductivity, available water content and maximum water holding capacity of the soils.