Effect of Different Forms of Fertilizers and Approaches of Nutrient Recommendations on Maize Yield and on Post Harvest Soil

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2012 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, GKVK, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore to study the effect of different forms of fertilizers and approaches of nutrient recommendations on maize crop yield and nutrient status of post harvest soil in red sandy loam soil. There were ten treatments including control, which was replicated three times. The investigations revealed that number of grains per cob and grain weight per cob were significantly higher (554.87 and 188.00 g respectively) in 100 per cent STCR approach applied through soluble fertilizers. 100 and 50 per cent STCR approach applied through soluble fertilizers recorded significantly higher grain yield (94.74 and 84.56 q ha⁻¹ respectively) as compared to 100 per cent of RDF appliedthrough conventional fertilizers(73.72 q ha⁻¹). The significantly highest EC (0.078 dS m⁻¹) was found where 100 per cent STCR approach was applied through conventional fertilizers. Available N status of the soil was significantly highest (224.42 kg N ha⁻¹) where 100 per cent STCR approach was applied through soluble fertilizers as compared to control (169.60 kg N ha⁻¹). Significantly highest available phosphorus and potassium (79.68 kg P₂O₅ and 173.63 kg K₂O ha⁻¹ respectively) values were foundin 100 per cent STCR approach applied through conventional fertilizers. The highest available sulphur (33.31 mg kg⁻¹) was found where, 100 per cent STCR approach was applied through soluble fertilizers as compared to 100 per cent STCR approach was applied through conventional fertilizers (30.03 mg kg⁻¹). Where ever smaller quantities of fertilizers were applied the net gain or net loss was found to be lower as compared to higher doses.