Effect of integrated nutrient management on baby corn-rice cropping system: Economic yield, system productivity, nutrient-use efficiency and soil nutrient balance

Abstract

The study was conducted to estimate the nutrient-use efficiency and soil nutrient balance of integrated nutrient management, five combinations of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients. Both partial factor productivity and agronomicuse efficiency of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was recorded maximum in F 3 (70% RD of NPK through inorganic fertilizers + 30% N through FYM), F 2 (70% RD of NPK through inorganic fertilizers + 30% N through vermicompost) and F 1 (recommended dose (RD) of NPK (150:26:33) through fertilizers), respectively. Apparently recovery efficiency for N and K was highest in F 1, whereas P in F 3. Physiological-use efficiency (PFP) was highest in F 3, followed by F 1 and F 2 treatment. INM showed actual N gain but apparent N losses. Maximum actual N gain was recorded where nutrients were applied through equal proportion (50:50) of organic and inorganic sources. Similar trend was recorded for actual and apparent P loss/gain as recorded for N. Results showed losses in actual K but gain in apparent K for all the treatments.