Balanced use of major nutrients for sustaining higher productivity of maize (Zea mays)-wheat cropping system in acidic soils of Jharkhand

A field experiment was conducted with maize (Zea mays L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum. L. emend. Fiori & Paol.). cropping system in acidic soils (Alfisol) of Ranchi, during the rainy and winter seasons from 1997 to 1999, to study the varying higher levels of N (180 to 240 kg/ha), P₂O₅ (60 to 120 kg/ha) and K₂O (100 to 200 kg/ha) on yields and NPK uptake by crops. An increase in grain yields to up to 33 and 30.0% of maize and wheat respectively was noticed, with the higher rates of NPK application (210:90:150 kg/ha) over the state recommended levels (100:60:40 kg/ha) respectively. Total NPK uptake by both the crops was significantly higher under the modified rates of NPK compared with the state fertilizers recommendations. In general, value: cost ratio with varying levels of NPK was higher in wheat than in maize over the state fertilizer recommendations.