Effect of integrated nutrient management on productivity, profitability, nutrient uptake and soil fertility in rainfed maize (Zea mays)

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Sub Station, Aklera, Jhalawar (Rajasthan) in two consecutive rainy (kharif) seasons of 2008 and 2009 to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management on productivity, profitability, nutrient uptake and soil fertility in maize (Zea mays L.). Application of 150% RDF (N₆₀ P_22.5) produced significantly higher plant height (207.3 cm), dry matter (149.1 g/plant), number of cobs/plant (1.4), number of grains/cob (209), grain (3.22 t/ha) and biological (8.23 t/ha) yield, net return ( 19,251/ha) and B: C ratio (1.90), N, P and Zn uptake compared to control. However, RDF + FYM 10 t/ha produced higher plant height, dry matter, number of cobs/plant, number of grains/cob, grain, biological yield and Zn uptake and RDF + Zn in net return, B: C ratio and Zn uptake. Significant built up of organic carbon (0.74%), available N (316.0 kg/ha) and available P (10.8 kg/ha) was registered with RDF + FYM 10 t/ha. Maximum P balance (3.3 kg/ha) was recorded under application of FYM 10 t/ha alone and Zn content (0.45 mg/kg) was recorded under RDF + Zn.