Effect of site-specific nutrient management on productivity, soil fertility and nutrient uptake in maize (Zea mays)

A field experiment was conducted during the spring season of 2015 and 2016 at Crop Research Centre, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, to study the effect of site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) on productivity, soil fertility and nutrient uptake of spring maize (Zea mays L.). Typic Ustochrept series soil of the experimental field was well-drained, sandy loam, slightly alkaline, low in soil organic carbon and available N, medium in available P, K and S with optimal DTPA-Zn and B content. Eleven treatments comprising 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) NP, 100% NPK (RDF), 100% NP (RDF) + 125% K, 100% NP (RDF) + 150% K, 125% NPK (RDF), 150% NPK (RDF), 100% NP (RDF) + 3 t/ha crop residue, 100% NP (RDF) + 5 t/ha FYM, 100% NP (RDF) + 3 t/ha sulphonated pressmud (SPM), site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) (+K) and SSNM (−K), were replicated thrice in randomized block design. The 2 years pooled experimental results revealed that, the maximum Kernel yield was observed with SSNM option which was significantly higher over the others. Maximum N, P, K, S, Zn and B uptake (179.10 kg/ha, 44.68 kg/ha, 171.32 kg/ha, 40.13 kg/ha, 379 g/ha and 253 g/ha), respectively, was recorded with SSNM followed by 150% NPK application. Fertilizer use as per SSNM also resulted in higher yield and uptake than 100% RDF. Improved soil-fertility parameters, viz. soil available K, S, DTPA-Zn and B, were also noticed with SSSM which remained significantly higher than the others. Improved K rates (25 and 50%) in RDF or additive use of organics (FYM/SPM/crop residue) also had positive influence on the yield, nutrient uptake and soil parameters.