Integrated nutrient management in predominant cropping systems in Haryana through participatory approach

Abstract

A field experiment with 3 predominant cropping systems, viz. rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat, (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiou and Pad.) cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)-wheat and pearlmillet (Pennesetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. emend.Stuntz]-wheat were carried out in participatory mode on farmers' fields in Haryana from 1994-95 to 1997- 98. Treatments comprised of 100% recommended NPK through chemical fertilizers, 50% recommended NPK through chemical fertilizers + 50% N through FYM, 75% recommended NPK through chemical fertilizers + 25% N through FYM and farmers' practice. The treatments 100% recommended NPK through chemical fertilizer, 50% through chemical fertilizer + 50% N through FYM and 75% NPK through chemical fertilizers + 25% N through FYM in rice-wheat cropping system gave 39.1, 17.5 and 23.1% higher net returns over farmers' practice. In cotton- wheat cropping system, the treatments 100% recommended NPK through chemical fertilizer, 50% NPK through chemical fertilizer + 50% N through FYM and 75% NPK through chemical + 25% N through FYM gave 87.2, 102.1 and 87.3% higher net returns over farmers' practice respectively. In pearlmillet-wheat cropping system, the net re- turns were 340.1, 378.1 and 380.2% more in treatments 100% recommended NPK through chemical fertilizer, 50% NPK through chemical fertilizer + 25% N through FYM over farmers' practice. Use of FYM in combination with chemical fertilizers in cotton-wheat and pearlmillet-wheat resulted 50% and 25% saving in chemical fertilizers, be- sides higher productivity over 100% chemical fertilizers alone. lntegrated nutrient supply in rice-wheat, cotton- wheat and pearlmillet-wheat cropping system gave positive nutrient balance.