Influence of balanced fertilization on productivity and nutrient use efficiency of maize (Zea mays)-chickpea (Cicer arietinum) cropping system

A field experiment conducted during 2012–13 and 2013–14 at Gadag, Karnataka, India to study on-farm response of maize (Zea mays)-chickpea (Cicer arietinum) cropping system to fertilizers NPK input revealed that application of 150 kg N, 75 kg P2O5, 37.5 kg K2O and 25 kg ZnSO4/ha to maize and 25 kg N, 50 kg P2O5 and 15 kg ZnSO4/ha to chickpea recorded significantly higher grain and stover/haulm yields. Maize-grain equivalent yield, net returns, benefit: cost ratio and total NPK uptake by maize-wheat cropping system (203.14 kg/ha) were recorded over rest of the treatments. This treatment also recorded the maximum production efficiency (88.80 kg/ha/day) and nitrogen use efficiency (35.20 kg/kg) in maize and 49.36 kg/kg in chickpea. Response studies indicated that maximum response was noted with NPK+ZnSO4 in maize (12.89 kg/kg) and NPK in chickpea (7.73 kg/kg).