System Productivity, Profitability and Nutrient Balance in Maize-toria Cropping Sequence as Influenced by Integrated Nutrient Management Practices

Abstract

Maize is a good alternative to rice and it can survive even in conditions related to global warming. Short duration crop like toria can be grown after maize in the rabi season with minimal management, thereby increasing farm income. The highest productivity of any cropping system can be achieved in a sustainable manner by using appropriate combination of various organic manures and inorganic fertilizers. The objective of this study was to identify suitable integrated nutrient management practices in maize with respect to system productivity, profitability and nutrient balance of maize- toria cropping sequence in Eastern Ghat High Land zone of Odisha. Results showed that application of STBFR + Green manure with cowpea + FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + Biofertilizers (Azotobacter + Azospirillum + PSB @ 4 kg ha-1 each) in maize resulted in significantly higher system productivity (9.14 t ha-1) of maize-toria cropping system expressed as maize equivalent yield along with highest net return (INR 57863 ha-1) and B: C ratio (1.83). Compared to other INM practices, this treatment combination improved post-harvest soil fertility with respect to available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium balance. Thus, integrating fertilizers as STBFR and green manure with cowpea + FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + Biofertilizers (Azotobacter + Azospirillum + PSB @ 4 kg ha-1) is not only efficient with respect to system productivity and profitability of maize- toria cropping sequence but also sustainable for soil health in experimental region.