Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Fertility, Nutrient Uptake and Yield of Rice-Pea Cropping System on an Upland Acid Soil of Jharkhand

A field experiment was conducted during kharif and rabi seasons for two consecutive years of 2004–05 and 2005–06 with rice (Oryza sativa L.) and pea (Pisum sativum), grown in a sequence at Zonal Research Station, Darsai on an acid upland soil (Alfisol) of East Singhbhum to study the effect of N, P and K fertilizers with or without FYM, lime, sulphur and boron on yield, nutrient uptake and fertility status of soil available N, P, K and S. The highest grain yield of rice and pea was recorded in the treatment receiving 50% of recommended dose NPK fertilizers along with application of 5 t FYM + 250 kg lime + 20 kg S + 1 kg B ha⁻¹. Integrated use of FYM, lime, sulphur and boron with 50% RDF increased considerably total N, P, K and S uptake by rice-pea cropping system over the existing farmer's practice. Application of lime @ 250 kg ha⁻¹ in furrows along with 5 t FYM ha⁻¹ and 50% RDF significantly improved the pH of soil after harvest of pea crop. Integrated nutrient management enhanced the organic carbon and available N, P, K and S contents in the soil. Highest net income and benefit:cost ratio was obtained with 50% RDF and integration of FYM, lime, sulphur and boron. Productivity of upland rice–pea cropping system and health of upland acid soil of East Singhbhum could be sustained by conjunctive use of FYM, lime, sulphur, boron along with 50% of the recommended NPK fertilizers.