Study on the effect of organic and inorganic sources on the soil fertility, microbial population and nutrient uptake in sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata)

Abstract

Sweet corn is emerging as a popular vegetable and not much research has been carried out so far in India in order to develop appropriate nutrient management practices with available renewable nutrient sources to lift up the productivity of the crop. Therefore, afield experiment was conducted insandy loam soils to test the various organic and inorganic nutrient input sources in sweet corn during Rabi, 2021-22 at Agricultural College Farm, Naira, Srikakulam. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design, replicated thrice with nine treatments viz., T1: Control, T2: (100% RDF(180-60-60) NPK Kg ha-1), T3: (75% RDF + Biochar @ 2 ton ha-1 + Vermicompost @ 2 ton ha-1), T4: (75% RDF + Poultry manure @ 2 ton ha-1 + Waste decomposer), T5: (75% RDF Paddy straw @ 10 ton ha-1 + Waste decomposer), T6: (50% RDF + Biochar @ 2 ton ha-1 + Vermicompost @ 4 ton ha-1), T7: (50% RDF + Poultry manure @ 4 ton ha-1 + Waste decomposer), T8: (50% RDF + Poultry manure @ 2 ton ha-1 + Paddy straw @ 10 ton ha-1 +Waste decomposer), T9: (50% RDF + Biochar @ 1 ton ha-1 + Paddy straw @ 10 ton ha-1 + Poultry manure @ 2 ton ha-1 + Waste decomposer). Results revealed that, application of 100% RDF (180-60-60) NPK Kg/ha resulted in significantly higher primary nutrient uptake (NPK) by the stover of sweet corn plant. The application of organic along with inorganic nutrient input sources resulted in higher Nitrogen Use Efficiency i.e., Agronomic Efficiency (63.57) and Apparent N Recovery (1.20). The integrated nutrient management treatments having substitution of 25 to 50% RDF with different organic sources of nutrition i.e., biochar, poultry manure and paddy straw with waste decomposer resulted in higher microbial population. Whereas the highest returns per rupee invested was obtained with application of 100% RDF treatment.