Contemporary nitrogen management in maize (Zea mays)–Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) cropping system for maximizing yield, water productivity and profitability

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 2018–19 and 2019–20 at the research farm of ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur, Rajasthan to evaluate the effect of organic and inorganic nitrogen sources on yield, water productivity, system productivity and economics of maize (Zea mays L.)-mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.] cropping system. The experiment was conducted in split-plot design with recommended levels of fertilizers (RDF)/FYM/biofertilizer/mustard straw/Jivamrat in main-plots and recommended doses of nitrogen (RDN) 100, 125 and 150% in sub-plots to maize and Indian mustard and replicated thrice. Application of RDF + FYM @2.5 t/ha + Azotobacter + mustard straw @2.5 t/ha recorded highest SCMR (41.2), leaf area index (4.42), number of siliqua/ plant (440.7), number of seeds/siliqua (18.4), test weight (5.83 g) and seed yield (3.36 t/ha) of mustard. Application of RDN 150% recorded highest physiological and yield attributes and seed yield (3.22 t/ha) of mustard. Results also showed the highest physiological and yield attributes and grain yield (3.73 t/ha) of maize with RDF+FYM @2.5 t/ ha+Azotobacter+mustard straw @2.5 t/ha. System productivity (4.84 t/ha) and water productivity (2.14 kg seed/m3) were found higher with RDF+FYM @2.5 t/ha +Azotobacter+mustard straw @2.5 t/ha and RDN 150%. The highest net monetary return 51715, 81040 and 132755 `/ha and B:C ratio 3.09, 3.22 and 3.15 were recorded for maize, mustard and system with RDF+FYM @2.5 t/ha+Azotobacter+mustard straw @2.5 t/ha and RDN 150%, respectively. Thus, integrated use of RDF+FYM @2.5 t/ha+Azotobacter+mustard straw @2.5 t/ha with RDN @150% improved maize–mustard system yield and profitability under semi-arid climates.