COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF CROP RESIDUES INCORPORATION AND THEIR APPLICATION AFTER COMPOSTING ON SOIL PROPERTIES AND PERFORMANCE OF MAIZE
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Date
2017
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Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University
Abstract
A field experiment entitled “Comparative assessment of crop residues
incorporation and their application after composting on soil properties and
performance of maize" was conducted during kharif, 2016 at Agricultural
College Farm, Bapatla to study the influence of crop residues and their composts
on soil properties (physical, physico-chemical properties, available nutrient status
and biological activity) and performance of maize (Pioneer-3396) in terms of
yield, nutrient content and uptake.
The experiment was laid out in RBD with nine treatments replicated thrice.
The treatments comprised of T1 - 100% RDFN (120 kg N), T2 - 100% RDFN +
25% N through rice straw, T3 - 100% RDFN + 25% N through rice compost, T4 -
100% RDFN + 25% N through maize stalk, T5 - 100% RDFN + 25% N through
maize compost, T6 - 75% RDFN + 25% N through rice straw, T7 - 75% RDFN +
25% N through rice compost, T8 - 75% RDFN + 25% N through maize stalk and
T9 - 75% RDFN + 25% N through maize compost.
The experimental soil was clay in texture, non-saline and slightly alkaline
in reaction. The soil was low in available nitrogen, medium in phosphorus, high in
potassium and sufficient in sulphur. The available Fe, Mn and Cu were above
their respective critical limits while, Zn was deficient. Calculated quantities of
crop residues and composts were applied one month and seven days, respectively
before sowing the crop to supply required level of nitrogen. Recommended dose
of fertilizer nitrogen was applied in three equal split doses as per the treatments.
Entire quantity of phosphorus (60 kg ha-1
P2O5) was applied as basal, while
potassium (60 kg ha-1 K2O) in two equal splits. Foliar spray of 0.2 per cent ZnSO4
was given twice on observation of zinc deficiency. Among the organic sources
tested (rice straw, rice compost, maize stalk and maize compost), maize compost
was found to be superior with respect to nutrient composition, followed by rice
compost. The crop was harvested at 110 days after sowing. Soil samples collected
at sowing, knee high, tasseling and harvest stages and plant samples collected at
harvest stage were analyzed following standard procedures.
Inorganic fertilizer along with crop residues or composts didn’t show
marked difference in water holding capacity (harvest), pH and EC of the soils. All
integrated treatments recorded comparable values of organic carbon and were
significantly superior to the inorganic treatment. The treatment supplied with
100% RDFN + 25% N though maize compost was found to be significantly
superior to control (100% RDFN) in available nutrient content (except K and Zn)
and biological activity. No significant influence of treatments was recorded
related to potassium and zinc. Application of 100% RDFN + 25% N though rice
compost was identified as next best treatment followed by 75% RDFN + 25% N
though maize compost in maintaining overall soil quality.
The performance of maize in terms of kernel yield, stover yield, nutrient
content and uptake was significantly influenced by the imposed treatments. The
treatment supplied with 100% RDFN + 25% N through maize compost recorded
maximum kernel yield, stover yield, nutrient content and uptake and it was
followed by treatment supplied with 100% RDFN + 25% N through rice compost
and 75% RDFN + 25% N through maize compost.
From the present study, it can be concluded that application of 100%
RDFN + 25% N through maize compost resulted in maximum yield, improved
soil water holding capacity, nutrient status and biological activity followed by the
treatments supplied with 100% RDFN + 25% N through rice compost and 75%
RDFN + 25% N through maize compost. Since, maize compost with 75% RDFN
exhibited comparable performance to that of best treatments, in improving yield
and soil properties it can be stated that substituting nitrogen through maize
compost can reduce the fertilizer nutrient requirement by 25 per cent while,
improving the quality of produce.
Description
D5455
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