Influence of different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on maize (Zea mays)

A field experiment was conducted at Breeder Seed Production farm of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2011 and 2012, to find out most efficient and economic combination of different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients to increase the productivity of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) without deteriorating the soil qualities. Integrated application of 25% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) with biofertilizers (Azotobacter chroococcum + phosphate-solubilizing bacteria), green-manuring with sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) and incorporation of compost @ 10 tonnes/ha improved soil physico-chemical properties, viz. pH, bulk density and infiltration rate, and the nutrient status of soil in respect of organic carbon, available N and available P. Maize grain yield was increased by 252.38% over the control and 147.62% over application of 100% RDF with combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, which was 7.4 tonnes/ha with highest gross returns ( 95.9 × 10³/ha) and net returns ( 54.2 × 10³/ha). Maximum benefit: cost ratio (1.30) was also observed in combined use of 25% RDF, compost, biofertilizers and green manuring and it was followed by application of 100% RDF (1.26), which was responsible for deterioration of nutrient status of soil.