Direct and residual effects of integrated sulphur fertilization in maize (Zea mays)- chickpea (Cicer arietinum) cropping system on Typic Ustochrept

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif and rabi season of 2000–04 at Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur to find out the performance of maize (Zea mays L.)-chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cropping sequence with sulphur fertilization along with farmyard manure (FYM). Inorganic S at 0 and 20 kg/ha was applied during kharif maize cultivation and in rabi season, three levels of S (0, 10 and 20 kg/ha) were applied with 2 levels of FYM (0 and 4 t/ha). Maize grain yield increased by 0.59 t with the application of 20 kg S/ha over control (1.99 t/ha). Significant positive effects of 20 kg/ha of S as manifested on growth, yield attributes, yield, S uptake, S utilization and economics of maize were not further carried over to following chickpea crop. However, in chickpea nodulation, grain and straw yield, protein content, and S uptake significantly increased due to application of sulphur along with FYM application. Higher mean nodule number (19.38), nodule dry weight (0.213 g/plant), grain yield

(1.69 t/ha), straw yield (1.78 t/ha), and S uptake (15.6 kg/ha) was found with the 20 kg/ha of S fertilization. But utilization of added S decreased with increased S supply. Net return and return per rupee investment of the system also increased due to application of S and FYM to chickpea.