Performance of organic and inorganics in potato-garlic sequence under zero tillage in the mid hills of Himachal Pradesh

CT : Experiment was conducted during 2002-03 and 2003-04 on slightly acidic soil at the Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla to assess the value of integrated use of locally available organic crop residues of wheat and paddy alongwith farmyard manure for P and K management in potato-garlic cropping sequence under zero tillage. The study revealed that integrated use of paddy or wheat residues @ 2.5 t/ha alongwith 100% recommended dose of N, P and K improved yields of potato and garlic, and resulted in higher uptake of nutrients and subsequent higher recoveries of P and K. The leaf analysis showed that P and K concentrations were higher in presence of combined application of residues/FYM, and P and K in early stages of crop growth. The effect of crop residue was more pronounced in the second year as compared to first year. After two cycles of potato-garlic sequence, integrated approach resulted in higher soil organic carbon content and maintained soil fertility for P and K.