Yield target approach under integrated nutrient management for assessing fertilizer requirements of onion in Mollisols of Uttarakhand

The response of onion to the selected combinations of 4 levels of N, P, K and 3 levels of FYM with simultaneous variations in initially available soil forms of these nutrients were studied under soil test crop response (STCR) calibration in an Aquic Hapludoll. The bulb and leaves yield with plant and soil analysis data were utilized to formulate equations each for inorganic and organic mode connecting the fertilizer doses with varying yield targets at different fertility levels. The validity of the equations has been tested in the valedictory trial, targeted and actual yields have been shown to be within ± 4.14% and target yield gave higher yield, net benefit and B/C ratio with or without FYM over farmer's practice. The results of valedictory trial clearly indicate the superiority of yield target over other approaches.