Integrated nutrient management in basmati rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system

A field experiment was conducted during 2000–2001 to 2002–2003 to study the combined effect of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on grain yield of basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) in rice-wheat sequence. Six systems of manuring to rice and 3 levels of fertilizers for succeeding wheat were tried. Application of 50% recommended dose and 50% N through green-manure to rice with 100% recommended dose of fertilizers to wheat crop resulted in significantly higher system productivity and benefit soil fertility than that of all those treatments, in which, green-manure was not used. The application of 50% recommended dose and 50% N through green-manure to rice gave significantly higher net returns and benefit: cost ratio, irrespective of fertilizer level applied to wheat. Thus 50% NPK dose to rice and wheat crop can be saved without decrease in yield and with maximum net returns and benefit: cost ratio, when line of sunnhemp was grown along with after every sixth row of rice, cut at 45 days after sowing and trampled in inter row space of rice.