Integrated nutrient management in potato (Solarium tuberosum)-vegetable cropping sequence under rainfed conditions in hilly areas of Meghalaya

A field trial was conducted during the summer season (March-July) and autumn season (August-December) of 1997–99 at Central Potato Research Station, Shillong, to study the economic feasibility of integrated nutrient management in potato (Solarium tuberosum L.)-vegetable cropping system under rianfed conditions in hilly areas of Meghalaya. Potato-radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cropping system gave the highest productivity as well as net return over potato-cabbage [Brassica oteracea L. convar. botrytis (L) Alef. var. botrytis L.] cropping system. Recommended dose of fertilizer NPK to both the crops in sequence remained most productive and profitable than other nutrient treatments tried, as it gave significantly higher potato equivalent yield (PEY), better plant stand and also had significantly higher residual effect. The net monetary return as well as available NPK status of soil from different fertilizer schedule followed the same pattern as that of PEY. The treatment receiving recommended dose of NPK to potato and only recommended N to autumn crop was inferior to treatment receiving recommended N and half PK to both the crops Positive balance of NPK in soil was observed at higher levels of NPK application.