Effect of Integration of Fertilizers and FYM on Productivity and Soil Health of Rainfed Potato

A field trial was conducted during two consecutive summer seasons of2012 and 2013 at ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Shillong, Meghalaya to evaluate the integration of nutrient sources on productivity and soil health under rainfed potato cultivation in north eastern hill region of India. There were six treatments of integrated nutrient management viz., 100% Recommended dose of fertilizers,75% RDF through synthetic fertilizers and 25% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through FYM, 50% RDF and 50% RDN through FYM, 25% RDF and 75% RDN through FYM, 100% RDN through FYM and control (no application of any sources of nutrients). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replications. Nutrient management practices showed the significant improvement on growth and yield attributes of potato over control plot. Highest productivity of potato tubers (t/ha) was noticed with application of 75% RDF through synthetic fertilizers along with 25% RDN through FYM. Similarly, the maximum net return was associated with application of 75% RDF and 25% RDN through FYM under investigation. Application of 75% Recommended dose of nutrients through synthetic fertilizers in combination with 25% Recommended dose of nitrogen through FYM was more profitable for sustainable production of potato in the north eastern hill region of India.