Journal of Environmental Biology

Studies on long term impact of STCR based integrated fertilizer    use on pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system in semi arid condition of India

 

V.K. Sharma*, R.N. Pandey and B.M. Sharma

Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, India

*Corresponding Author E-mail: vksharma.iari@gmail.com

 

 

 

 Publication Data

Paper received:

11 July 2013

 

Revised received:

01 January 2014

 

Accepted:

03 March 2014

 

Abstract

A long term field experiment on pearl millet - wheat cropping system with soil test crop response correlation (STCR) based fertilizer application was initiated during kharif - 2003 on a sandy loam soil (Typic Halustept) at a research farm of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. The aim of the experiment was to study the impact of STCR based integrated fertilizer application for targeted yield of pearl millet - wheat cropping sequence yield and changes in soil health. The result showed a significant and positive impact of integrated use of the fertilizer with FYM on productivity of the cropping sequence and soil fertility. The STCR based integrated fertilizer recommendations with FYM produced significantly higher grain and straw yields of pearl millet and wheat crops as compared to other treatments. The highest average (2003 to 2010-11) grain and straw yield of pearl millet (2.85 and 6.59 t ha^-1) and wheat (5.32 and 7.17 t ha^-1) was recorded with the application of  STCR based integrated fertilizer recommendations (T₂) for targeted level of yield 2.5 and 5.0  ha^-1, respectively. Average increase in grain and straw yield of pearl millet was 203 and 197 % and 196 and 193 % of wheat under T₂ treatment over control (T₄).  After harvest of wheat crops (2010-11), the physical, biological properties and fertility status i.e. available N, P and K of soil were improved in the treatments where STCR based integrated fertilizer dose with 10 t FYM (T₂) and FYM @ 20 t ha-1 (T₁) were applied in both the crops and were significantly higher as compared to T3 treatment except available phosphorus.  Economic analysis based on average yield of eight cropping sequence (2003 to 2010-11), pearl  millet - wheat cropping sequence gave maximum net return of Rs. 1,00,907 ha-1 yr^-1 and total return of Rs. 64,992/ ha^-1 yr^-1 over control with STCR based integrated fertilizer recommendations (T₂). It is concluded that STCR based integrated fertilizer can be adopted by the farmers of arid region for getting higher yield, profit and improving soil health.  Â Â 

 

 Key words

 

Economics, Nutrient, Pearl millet, STCR, Soil characteristics, Wheat 

 

 

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