The effect of Zn and biogas slurry (BGS) was evaluated under rice-wheat cropping system. The combined application of Zn and BGS was more effective than single application in enhancing crops yield, Zn-uptake, zinc use efficiency (ZnUE) and DTPA-extractable Zn in postharvest soil. The BGS besides enhancing efficiency of applied Zn, was also effective in exploiting native Zn to make it available for crops. The depletion in soil was lower in case of low Zn status soil. The ZnUE was almost doubled when applied along with 50 to 100 q dry BGS ha−1. The Zn:BGS ratio of 1:500 has emerged as the suitable ratio for better utilization of applied and native Zn.
Calciorthent, rice-wheat system, Zn-amended BGS, crop yields, ZnUE, Zn depletion
