Effect of yield target-based fertigation levels on productivity and economics of maize (Zea mays)-onion (Allium cepa) cropping sequence

A field experiment was carried out during 2015–16 and 2016–17 on clay-loam soil of Rahuri, Maharashtra, to study the effect of drip fertigation as per soil test crop response (STCR) equation on system productivity and economics of maize (Zea mays L.)-onion (Allium cepa L.) cropping sequence. The experiment was laid in a split-plot design with 3 replications. The treatment consisted of 4 main plot treatments of fertigation levels based on STCR equation for 10 t/ha yield target [(100%, 75%, 50% of STCR and general recommended dose fertilizers) GRDF] for the rainy season (kharif) maize (grain) and same set of treatments based on STCR equation for 0.5 t/ha yield target (100%, 75%, 50% of STCR and GRDF) was applied for winter (rabi) onion (seed) as subplot treatments. Fertigation of N and K as per 100%, of STCR equation for 10 t/ha yield target with FYM to kharif maize followed by fertigation of N and K as per 100%, of STCR equation for 0.5 t/ha yield target with FYM in 4 equal splits at 15 days interval up to 60 DAS to rabi onion recorded significantly maximum maize grain yield (9.84 t/ha) during the rainy season and onion seed yield (0.54 t/ha) during rabi season. The system productivity (57.50 t/ha), production efficiency (190.96 kg/ha/day) and net monetary returns (541.82 x 10³ ?/ha) were also higher under fertigation of N and K as per 100% of STCR equation to kharif maize, followed by fertigation of N and K as per 100% of STCR equation in 4 equal splits at 15 days interval up to 60 DAS to rabi onion.