Effect of Long-term Integrated Nutrient Management on Productivity of Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) - Mustard (Brassica juncea) Cropping System and Soil Fertility in an Inceptisol

Abstract

The effect of varying levels of plant nutrients on pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) – mustard (Brassica juncea) cropping system productivity and available nutrients during 2003–2013 is being studied in an Inceptisol at Gwalior under the long-term permanent manurial trial. The results revealed that the application of recommended levels of NPK to pearl millet and mustard with organic manure (10 t FYM ha-1 yr-1) and biofertilizers (Azotobacter and phosphate solubilizing bacteria, PSB) resulted in 100.9 and 130.2 per cent increase over control in pearl millet and mustard yields, respectively. Increasing levels of NPK from 50 to 150% significantly increased the yield of both the crops. Integrated use of organic, inorganic and bio-fertilizers improved the soil status of available N and P by 83 and 20.3 kg ha-1, over the initial values. A declining trend (37 to 101 kg ha-1) from the initial value of available K (250 kg ha-1) was also recorded as a result of continuous cropping which was prevalent in all the treatments. This indicates a considerable mining of available K from the soil and suggest the need to adopt judicious fertilization.