Chemical Parameters, Uptake of NPK, Availability of NPK and Economics of Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.) as Influenced by Different Nutrient Combinations Under Integrated Farming System

A field experiment was carried out during kharif season of 2011 at Integrated Farming System (IFS) unit, E and F Block of MARS farm, Raichur, Karnataka (India) to study the response of different nutrient combinations on chemical parameters, uptake of NPK, availability of NPK and economics of irrigated maize (Zea mays L.). The results revealed that among different nutrient combinations, IFS manure (5 t/ha) + V.C (2.5 t/ha) + 125% RDF recorded significantly higher organic carbon (0.97%), uptake of NPK (198.33, 52.00 and 179.67 kg ha⁻¹, respectively) and availability of NPK (288.67, 80.00 and 325.59 kg ha⁻¹, respectively). With respect to economic parameters, significantly higher gross returns (81,333 Rs./ha) was observed with the application of (5 t/ha) + V.C (2.5 t/ha) + 125% RDF. Whereas, net returns and benefit cost (B:C) ratio are concerned application of IFS manure (5 t/ha) + P.M. (1 t/ha) + 125% RDF was found significantly superior (58,211 Rs./ha and 3.86, respectively).