Effect of Organic, Biological and Chemical Sources of Plant Nutrients on Soil Health and Performance of Maize (Zea Mays L.) in Light Textured Soil

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of organic, biological and chemical sources of plant nutrients on soil health and performance of maize (Zea mays L.) in light textured soil at crop research center of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and technology, Meerut (U. P.), during kharif season of 2022. The experiment was conducted with nine treatments consisting the organic, biological and chemical sources of plant nutrients in RBD with three replications. Sujata (Hybrid) variety of maize was grown as test variety. Soil of experimental field was sandy clay loam in texture, low in available nitrogen, organic carbon, medium in available phosphorus and potassium with alkaline in reaction. The result revealed that additional application of 25% RDF did not result any significant improvement in grain yield of maize and most of the growth and yield parameter although yield was slightly higher. Substitution of 25% RDF through vermicompost (@ 2-t ha-1) or combined application of NPK consortia, biostimulant and NPK consortia, biostimulant, vermicompost over 50% RDF produced statistically similar grain yield to 100% RDF applied through chemical fertilizer. Sub optimal fertilization resulted in significant reduction in grain yield than 100% RDF. Soil pH and electrical conductivity differ non significantly due to application of different treatments but organic carbon differ significantly. Higher values were recorded in treatments of integration of organic, biological and chemical fertilization. At harvest availability of nutrient was slightly higher in treatments of organic, biological and chemical fertilization integration. Total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake by maize crop 135.94, 38.8 and 169.13 kg ha-1 respectively was maximum with the application of 125% RDF. On the basis of experiments, it can be concluded that 25% RDF requirement of maize crop can be substituted through the application of vermicompost or NPK consortia and biostimulant and their combined application. These treatments also improved the soil fertility than 100% RDF. Although organic or biological fertilization also improved soil fertility and soil health but yield decline significantly. Organic and biological treatments improved the chemical properties of soil which may improve the sustainability of production.