Soil properties, root growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.)- wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system as influenced by sources and levels of phosphorus

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted for two years (2006-07 and 2007-08) at IARI, New Delhi during the kharif and rabi seasons on sandy loam soil to assess the effect of single super phosphate and rock phosphate with different levels of phosphorus and biofertilizer on maize (Zea mays L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend Fiori & Paol ) cropping system. The results revealed that in maize the soil organic carbon content showed an increasing trend with the application of phosphorus at 45 and 90 DAS during both the years of study, however, the treatment differences were non-significant. Application of biofertilizer recorded significantly higher soil organic carbon at 45 and 90 DAS as compared to without biofertilizer in both the years. Residual effect of phosphorus, application of biofertilizer and direct application of phosphorus to wheat did not cause perceptible variation in soil organic carbon at 45 and 90 DAS in both the years of experimentation. Bulk density remained unaffected by application of phosphorus and biofertilizer during both the years of investigation in maize. Same result also found in wheat crop. Application of 90 kg P2O5/ ha through SSP recorded higher root dry weight and root volume in maize. In wheat crop, 90 kg P2O5/ ha through SSP being at par with 90 kg P2O5/ ha recorded higher root dry weight and root volume applied to maize crop. Application of 90 kg P2O5/ ha through SSP recorded higher productivity of maize. Performance of succeeding wheat was markedly superior when maize received 90 kg P2O5/ ha irrespective of sources of fertilizer. Direct application of phosphorus to wheat up to 90 kg P2O5/ ha recorded higher productivity of wheat. Application of biofertilizer had also beneficial effect on productivity and root growth of both maize and wheat crop.