Effect of crop residue retention and phosphorus fertilization on P use efficiency of maize (Zea mays) and biological properties of soil under maize-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system in an Inceptisol

Abstract

A field experiment was initiated in the year 2013 while current study was undertaken after two years of experimentation, i.e. in the year 2015-16 to study the effect of crop residue retention (CCR) and phosphorus fertilization in maize (Zea mays L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system on yield and P use efficiency of maize at IARI Research Farm, New Delhi. Results indicated that crop residue retention significantly enhanced grain and straw yield of maize from 5.44 and 8.01 t/ha (No-CR) to 5.88 and 8.40 t/ha in 75% CR, respectively. Whereas, the treatment 50% RDP + PSB and AM significantly enhanced grain (6.22 t/ha), straw (9.07 t/ha) and biological (15.2 t/ha) yield of maize over 100% RDP, except grain yield. The combined use of 50% RDP + PSB and AM increased the grain yield by 1.46% over 100% RDP. The enhancement in total P uptake was 69% and 14% due to application of 50% RDP + PSB and AM and 75% CRR, respectively over control. The higher apparent recovery (ARP) of P, 18.1% and 28.2% were recorded under 75% CR and 50% RDP + PSB and AM treatment, respectively, whereas highest agronomic efficiency (AE) of P (34.7and 51.2 kg grain/kg P) were found under 25% CRR and 50% RDP + PSB and AM treatment, respectively. Soil biological properties, viz. DHA, MBC and MBP also significantly enhanced under 75% CRR and 50% RDP + PSB and AM treatments.

Keywords

• Apparent P recovery
• Crop residue retention
• Maize
• Soil biological properties
• Yield