Direct and Residual Effect of Nutrient Management in Wheat–Maize Cropping Sequence

A field experiment was conducted during 2008–09 and 2009–10 at Bichpuri, Agra to study the response of wheat-maize cropping sequence to different nutrient management practices. The results revealed that the growth (number of tillers, plant height and dry matter), yield attributing characters and yields of wheat were maximum with the application of 150 kg N + 60 kg P₂O₅ + 40 kg K₂O ha⁻¹ closely followed by 150 kg N + 5 kg Zn + 10 t FYM ha⁻¹. The growth, yield attributes and yields of succeeding maize were maximum at the residual fertility of 150 kg + 20 kg S + 10 t FYM ha⁻¹ closely followed by 150 kg N + 5 kg Zn + 10 t FYM ha⁻¹. The uptake of N, P, K and S by wheat (200, 23.8, 184 and 30.4 kg ha⁻¹) and maize (104, 16.7, 182 and 20.2 kg ha⁻¹) was the highest at 150 kg N + 20 kg S + 10 t FYM ha⁻¹ and the lowest in control. The Zn uptake by both the crops was highest at 150 kg N + 5 kg Zn + 10 t FYM ha⁻¹. The residual available N, P, K and S in the soil after harvest of maize were maximum at 150 kg N +20 kg S + 10 t FYM ha⁻¹, and Zn (0.60 mg kg⁻¹) at 5 kg Zn + 20 t FYM ha⁻¹ application.