Effect of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on the winter crops-rice cropping system in sub-humid tropics of India

A field experiment was conducted during 2005–2006 and 2006–2007 on a winter crops-rice (Oryza sativa L.) cropping system at the Agricultural Experimental Farm of the Indian Statistical Institute, Giridih, Jharkhand, to evaluate nutrient management packages on yield and soil fertility status. Eight nutrient management practices were evaluated on three cropping sequences: linseed-rice, niger-rice and barley-rice. Significantly, a higher seed yield of winter crops was recorded where 100% nutrient through inorganic fertilizers was applied. Total biomass yield, barley equivalent yield, nitrogen and potassium uptake were also highest in this treatment. Maximum grain yield and harvest index of rice grown after the harvest of winter crops on residual soil fertility was registered where 100% nutrient was applied through organic manure to the previous winter crops. Lentil-rice grown on 25% N nutrient supplied through VC and 75% through inorganic fertilizers recorded the highest rice equivalent yield. The maximum economic return value was registered under the barley-rice sequence. Among the different sequences lentil-rice recorded maximum nutrients uptake values. Linseed-rice sequence built up the residual soil nitrogen maximum and barley-rice sequence increased the residual soil phosphorus content.