Long-term effect of chemical fertilisers and organic manures on sustainability of rice (Oryza sativa)-horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) cropping sequence under rainfed upland soil

Abstract

A long-term field experiment was conducted since 1994 to 2004 in the rainfed upland red and laterite soils of dry1and agriculture research fann, Phulbani, Orissa for maximising the yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) - horsegram [Macrotyloma uniflonan (Lanl.)Verd.] cropping sequence through use oforganic and inorganic source ofnutrient alone or their combinations on sustainable basis. The results showed that rice of yield of 1.87 tonnes/ha was obtained in the treatment receiving 30 kg N through farmyard manure although rice yield of 1.84 tonnes/ha was achieved with the treatment receiving 50% N through chemical fertiliser and 50% N through farmyard manure that was higher than the chemical fertiliser alone. The use of 50% N through other organic manures like Glyricidia and Cassia leaves along with 50% of P and K dose of fertilisers were more or less at par with the use of 50% chemical fertiliser. Horsegram was grown on residual fertility and moisture. The residual effect of farmyard manure (0.41 tonne/ha) gave higher grain yield of horsegram than the other treatments.