Response of wheat (Trificum nestivum) and maize (Zea mays) to bioeompost prepared from distillery eMuent and pressmud

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during 2002-04 to evaluate the response of 'Raj 3765' wheat (Triticum aestivunz L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) and 'Ganga Safed 2' maize (Zea mays L.) to biocompost prepared from distillery effluent and pressmud. Chemical co~npositiono f biocompost was pH 7.7, EC 12.56 dSim, organic C 36.33%, N 1.90%, P 1.85%, K 1.48 %, Zn 255.2 ppm, Mn 347.8 ppm, Cu 91.1 ppm and Fe 58.57 ppm. Incorporation of biocompost alone or in combination with N and P fertilizers markedly improved the growth and yield of maize and wheat. The grain yield of wheat recorded highest when biocompost was applied @ 5 tonneslhawith 50 % N and P fertilizers. The cob yield of maize was highest when biocornpost was applied @ 5 tonneshawith 50 % N and P fertilizers which was at par with the treatment 2.5 tonnesi ha biocompost with 75% N and P. Use of biocompost @ 5 tonnesiha with 50% N and P improved the physical and chemical status particularly nitrogen and potassium content of the soil.