Vol. 11, Issue 7 (2022)

Author(s):
Vinay Arya, SK Trivedi, PS Tomar, SK Verma and Muneshwar Singh

Abstract:
Use of inadequate and unbalanced fertilizers accompanied by prohibited use of organic manures have made the soils not only deficient in the nutrients, but also deteriorated the soil health resulting in poor crop response to the recommended dose of NPK fertilizers in the region. In order to make the soil enriched with all the essential plant nutrients and also to maintain it health, it is much necessary to use organic source like FYM, vermicompost in conjunction with fertilizers. Such manures (FYM, vermicompost) not only supply macronutrients but also meet the requirement of micronutrients. In view of emerging deficiencies in recent time integration of inorganic, organic and bio-fertilizer is essential for maintaining soil health and productivity. Keeping these points in view, the experiments were conducted during 2017-19 on pearlmillet-mustard with sixteen treatments in R. B.D. with three replications. Results indicated that the subsequent increase in the levels of NPK from 50% to 150% resulted in enhancement of yield of pearlmillet and mustard suggesting that these crops need higher quantities of nutrients than recommended which is obvious as very high yields were achieved with 150% NPK. Devoid of P and K from fertilizer schedule adversely affected the yield of pearl millet. Supplementing each level of NPK with FYM produced beneficial effect on yield of both crops. Maximum grain yield and harvest index was observed with 100% NPK + FYM + Azo + PSB treatment followed by 100 % NPK + FYM and both were significantly higher to yield obtained with inorganic fertilizers applied treatments. Maximum net return (Rs. 69077.5/ha) was found in treatment 100% NPK + FYM + Azo + PSB closely followed by treatment 100% NPK + FYM treatment with Rs. 67606.8/ha while minimum net return (Rs. -1093/ha) was in control. Application of potassium and sulphur in adequate amount for stainable production under peralmillet-mustard cropping sequences and application of FYM is also recorded beneficial results in terms of economics because cost of FYM may be compensate by higher yield obtained with FYM treated plots.