Global Maize Project in India: Dharwad, Karnataka - Site Specific Nutrient Management in Maize-Wheat cropping system in Northern Karnataka
This project was initiated to assess the short and long term effects of ecological intensification of maize production on productivity, environmental impact, and profitability of farmers growing maize in Northern Karnataka. This project also helps in understanding the yield potential of maize based cropping system in the region and helps develop long-term nutrient management strategies for sustaining improved maize productivity in the region.
IPNI-2009-IND-GM35
29 Feb 2012
2011 Annual Interpretive Summary
Evaluation of the maize-wheat cropping systems using ecological intensification (EI) with application of 180-90-100 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha and FP (farmer’s practice) with application of 115-52-45 kg/ha resulted in maize grain yields of 3.9 t/ha and 2.8 t/ha, respectively. A 23% higher net return of INR 24,003/ha with benefit-to-cost (B:C) ratio of 2.67 was realized with EI than with FP. Grain yield of wheat using EI with application of 130-70-60 kg N-P2O5-K2O and FP with application of 115-52-45 kg/ha was 4.1 t/ha and 3.2 t/ha, respectively.
Rate and application studies found that 240 kg N/ha application could generate 7.2 t/ha maize, which was higher than the 6.2 t/ha produced with 160 kg N/ha. Net returns and B:C ratios with 240 and 160 kg N/ha were INR 48,067 (3.76) and INR 41,206 (3.59), respectively. Application of N in three splits with and without the use of leaf color charts (LCC) resulted in equivalent maize yields of 4.9 and 4.7 t/ha, but these results were superior to N provided in two splits. Grain yields in the succeeding wheat crop were 4.2 and 3.6 t/ha using 150 and 100 kg N/ha, respectively. Application of N in three splits with and without the use of leaf color charts (LCC) resulted in equivalent wheat yields of 3.1 t/ha. However, the results were superior to N provided in two splits, which recorded a grain yield of 2.7 t/ha, respectively.
Studies on indigenous soil nutrient supply indicated ample NPK (250-120-120) and NPK rates derived through site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) (200-90-100) resulted in maize yields of 7.7 and 6.9 t/ha, respectively. Omitting N, P, and K from ample NPK resulted in a maize yield of 2.7, 6.1, and 6.6 t/ha, respectively. In wheat, ample NPK (150-110-100) and SSNM rates (120-60-50) produced 4.2 and 4.1 t/ha. Nitrogen, P, and K omission recorded a wheat yield of 1.8, 3.8, and 3.9 t/ha, respectively.
Considering the results obtained from experiments in the previous year, N rate for wheat in the EI treatment was slightly improved from 130 to 150 kg/ha. Soil and plant analysis have been carried out and the data on nutrient uptake is currently being compiled at the time of this report. IPNI-23