Integrated Nutrient Management using P-fixation Factor in Rice-wheat Cropping System under Salt Affected Conditions

Salt affected soils are characterized by high soil pH, excessive salts on the surface/in the rhizopshere and nutrition imbalance resulting in reduced crop productivity. Addition of organic amendments improves the physical condition and ultimately the crop growth. Field experiments were performed to assess the integrated nutrient management in moderately salt affected soil conditions using P-fixation capacity of soils in rice-wheat cropping system. Suitable site was selected to follow the rice-wheat rotation in permanent layout. Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) was used as an organic source. Results revealed that combined application of MSWC with mineral fertilizer i.e., site specific use of mineral fertilizer with MSWC and integrated use of chemical fertilizers with MSWC in 80:20 ratio enhanced paddy/grain yield and improved the fertility status of the soil. The site specific integrated use of chemical fertilizer with MSWC in 80:20 ratio produced the highest biomass/paddy/wheat grain yield i.e., 8.48/2.55 and 5.43/2.58 Mg ha-1, respectively. Soil analysis was carried out before transplanting/sowing and after harvest of each crop. The pHs, ECe and SAR slightly reduced as compared to the initial values and this trend continued subsequently. Soil available P, organic matter, extractable K and Zn was enhanced especially in the site specific integrated use of chemical fertilizer with MSWC in 80:20 ratio. Minor increase in Co, Cu and Pb was observed with the application of MSWC in the treatments with integrated use of chemical fertilizers and site specific integrated use of chemical fertilizers with MSWC in 80:20 ratio. Copyright 2015 Friends Science Publishers