Effect of inorganic, organic and integrated nutrient management on productivity, profitability and soil health in maize (Zea mays) - potato (Solanum tuberosum) - onion (Allium cepa) cropping system in central plain zone of Uttar Pradesh

A field experiment on critical evaluation of inorganic, organic and integrated use of nutrient in terms of yield and soil health of maize (Zea mays) - potato (Solanum tuberosum) - onion (Allium cepa) cropping system was conducted at Kanpur during six consecutive years (2003–04 to 2008–09). The experiment was comprised of seven treatments, out of them one inorganic, one integrated, three organic and two were organic + bio-fertilizer. The highest productivity of maize cob, potato tuber and onion bulb was recorded with the application of 100% inorganic fertilizer, followed by integrated, organic and organic + bio-fertilizer treatments. In the initial year, the yield differences between inorganic and integrated and among integrated and organic treatment was wider and became narrower year after year of crop production. Potato equivalent yield was higher under 100% inorganic treatment (T₇) and found comparable to T₆(organic + bio-fertilizer) treatment. Soil properties after six crop cycle showed maximum improvement in organic carbon content and available status of nitrogen with organic and organic treatments, followed by integrated and inorganic treatment; while maximum improvement in available status of phosphorus and potassium were recorded with inorganic treatment, followed by integrated and organic