Integrated nutrient management in maize (Zea mays)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system

A field experiment was conducted during 2011-12 and 2012-13 at New Delhi, to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield attributes, yield and economics of maize (Zea mays L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.} cropping system. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) during the first year of maize and in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) in successive crops with 3 replications, consisting of 5 different treatments in rainy and winter season each comprising 25 treatment combinations. The results revealed that 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF-120 kg N, 60 kg P2O5 and 40 kg K2O/ha) + 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN-120 kg N/ha) through crop residue mixed farmyard manure resulted in significantly higher maize grain yield (4.24 t/ha) over the control (2.23 t/ha) during first year, but during the second year (5.25 t/ha) it was significantly higher than the control (3.07 t/ha) and 50% RDF + 25% RDN + biofertilizer (4.83 t/ha). Application of 100% RDF to maize recorded significantly maximum net profit ((sic)28.22 x 10(3), 42.74 x 10(3) (sic)/ha), followed by 75% RDF + 25% RDN. However, benefit: cost (B:C) ratio of 1.33 and 1.60 were recorded significantly higher under the control over the other treatments followed by 100% RDF, during 2011 and 2012 respectively. In wheat crop, 100% RDF showed significantly higher growth and yield attributes over the control. The maximum wheat grain yield (4.97 t/ha) and net returns (66.96 x 10(3)) were recorded with the application of 100% RDF through chemical fertilizers, whereas, maximum B: C ratio (2.76) was recorded in control.