Effect of cropping systems and integrated nitrogen management practices on N, P and K uptake by grain and stover of winter maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was carried out for two consecutive winter (rabi) seasons of 2013-14 and 2014-15 at Kanpur, India to find out the effect of cropping systems and integrated nitrogen management practices on N, P and K uptake by grain and stover of winter maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment consisted of three intercropping systems viz., maize + potato, maize + mustard and maize + linseed and three integrated nitrogen management practices viz., 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (100% RDN), 75% RDN through inorganics + 25% RDN through organics (75 + 25% RDN), and 50% RDN through inorganics + 50% RDN through organics (50 + 50% RDN) along with sole cropping of maize, potato, mustard and linseed. Results revealed that sole cropping of maize grain and stover recorded significantly higher value of N, P and K uptake over rest of the treatments, whereas in intercropping systems, maize + potato recorded maximum N, P and K uptake compared with other treatments. Amongst different integrated nitrogen management practices, treatment with 75 + 25% RDN revealed the maximum N, P and K uptake than other treatment combinations. The minimum value of N, P and K uptake was recorded with maize + mustard intercropping system. In the case of integrated nitrogen management practice, treatment 50% RDN through inorganics + 50% RDN through organics (50 + 50% RDN) recorded minimum value of nutrient uptake during both the years of experiment.