Integrated nutrient management in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)–chickpea (Cicer arietinum) cropping sequence under irrigated conditions

A field experiment was conducted during 2001–02 and 2002–03 at Rahuri, Maharashtra, to study the effect of integrated nutrient management in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]–chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cropping sequence under irrigation. Application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + farmyard manure (FYM) + biofertilizer [Azospirillum and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB)] gave significantly higher plant height, dry mater, yield attributes and grain and fodder yields of sorghum, and was on a par with application of 100% RDF through inorganics alone showing 25% saving of nutrients. The residual effect of application of 5 tonnes FYM/ha to preceding sorghum resulted in significantly higher growth, yield attributes and yield of chickpea owing to 100% RDF to chickpea and at par with that of 50% RDF showing 50% saving of nutrients. The net monetary returns and benefit: cost (B: C) ratio of a sequence were significantly higher owing to 100% RDF which were at par with that of 75% RDF + FYM + biofertilizer. The fertilizer levels to chickpea showed the highest net monetary owing to 100% RDF and highest B: C ratio owing to 50% RDF. Significantly higher nutrient balance was recorded because of 75% RDF + FYM + biofertilizers applied to sorghum and 100% RDF applied to chickpea.