Direct Effect of FYM, vermicompost, biofertilizer, sulphur and zinc on growth and yield on maize (Zea mays L.) and their residual effect on succeeding wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in maize-wheat cropping system

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the Student Instructional Farm (SIF), CS Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, during the kharif and Rabi seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20. The experiment comprised fourteen treatment combinations involving the application of Nitrogen, FYM (Farm Yard Manure), Vermicompost, Sulphur, Zinc, Azotobacter, and PSB (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria) for maize, while only RDF (Recommended Dose of Fertilizer) in the ratio 120:60:40 was given to all wheat treatments. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) and replicated thrice. The growth and yield of maize showed a significant increase with rising doses of RDN (Recommended Dose of Nitrogen) from 75% to 100%. Marked improvement in yield was observed with the additional application of 25% RDN through Vermicompost (VC) or FYM in addition to 100% RDN through chemical fertilizer. The application of RDN significantly increased the grain, stover, and biological yield of maize, which further increased with the addition of 25% N-VC either with 75% or 100% RDN. The application of 100% RDN + 25% N-VC + S + Zn + Az + PSB significantly produced higher maize yields compared to any other treatments except 100% RDN + 25% N-FYM + S + Zn + AZ + PSB. Vermicompost was found to be more effective for higher yields than FYM. The nutrient content and uptake by maize increased with increasing doses of RDN. For wheat, the applied 75% or 100% RDN + S + Zn + AZ + PSB with Vermicompost or FYM significantly increased the growth and yield. Wheat yield varied from 37.61 to 47.85 q ha-1, with the highest and significantly superior yield recorded in T14 followed by T13. The system yield, which represents the cumulative yield (maize + wheat), is the result of direct and residual responses to nutrients applied in kharif and Rabi. The highest and significantly superior system yield was found in treatments involving VC or FYM followed by RDN with S and/or Zn.