Integrated nutrient management in maize (Zea mays)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system

A field experiment was conducted during 2011–12 and 2012–13 at New Delhi, to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield attributes, yield and economics of maize (Zea mays L.)-wheat {Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.} cropping system. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) during the first year of maize and in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) in successive crops with 3 replications, consisting of 5 different treatments in rainy and winter season each comprising 25 treatment combinations. The results revealed that 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF-120 kg N, 60 kg P₂O₅ and 40 kg K₂O/ha) + 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN-120 kg N/ha) through crop residue mixed farmyard manure resulted in significantly higher maize grain yield (4.24 t/ha) over the control (2.23 t/ha) during first year, but during the second year (5.25 t/ha) it was significantly higher than the control (3.07 t/ha) and 50% RDF + 25% RDN + biofertilizer (4.83 t/ha). Application of 100% RDF to maize recorded significantly maximum net profit (28.22 × 10³, 42.74 × 10³/ha), followed by 75% RDF + 25% RDN. However, benefit: cost (B: C) ratio of 1.33 and 1.60 were recorded significantly higher under the control over the other treatments followed by 100% RDF, during 2011 and 2012 respectively. In wheat crop, 100% RDF showed significantly higher growth and yield attributes over the control. The maximum wheat grain yield (4.97 t/ha) and net returns (66.96 × 10³) were recorded with the application of 100% RDF through chemical fertilizers, whereas, maximum B: C ratio (2.76) was recorded in control.