Effect of FYM, gypsum and iron pyrites on fertility status of soil and yield of wheat irrigated with high RSC water

A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive rabi seasons of 2001–02 and 2002–03 taking wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as a test crop to study the effect of farmyard manure, gypsum and iron pyrite on fertility status of the post-harvest soil. Four levels of FYM as main plot treatments and three levels of gypsum and pyrites each as sub-plot treatments were surface-mixed and irrigated with high RSC water. The application of farmyard manure @ 20 t ha⁻¹ showed significant increase in available P and K content of the soil. The perceptible improvement in available N, S and Fe content of soil, grain and straw yields was recorded up to 30 t FYM ha⁻¹. The gypsum @ 50% GR recorded significant increase in available N, P, K, S and Fe content of soil, grain and straw yield over control whereas pyrite @ 50% GR brought about significant increase in the available P, S and Fe content of soil, grain and straw yield over control. Higher grain and straw yield observed under combined application of 20 t FYM ha⁻¹ + gypsum @ 50% GR while available S content of post harvest soil was higher under 30 t FYM ha⁻¹ + gypsum/pyrite @ 50% GR. Interactive effect of FYM and pyrite showed higher grain and straw yield and highest available S content of soil was observed under application of 30 t FYM ha⁻¹ + pyrite @ 50% GR. Combined application of gypsum and pyrite both at 50% GR exhibited significantly higher available S content in the soil.