Utilization of Phosphorus by Maize as Influenced by Various Sources of1 Organic Matter and Applied Phosphorus

In a field experiment, response of maize to crop residues, organic manures and fertilizer P was studied considering the role of capacity, intensity and rate of release parameters of phosphorus availability in soil. Incorporation of poultry manure, castor cake and farmyard manure into soil resulted in significantly higher maize yield besides bringing about favourable Changes in soil P indices, whereas, wheat straw and rice husk were found to have no significant effect. Significant increase in P uptake by maize was observed in FYM treated soil followed by that treated with castor cake, poultry manure, rice husk and wheat straw over control. Addition of fertilizer P brought about significant increase in grain yield and P utilization by maize.