Crop Yield and Soil Fertility Status of Long-Term Rice-Rice-Wheat Cropping Systems

Abstract

Balanced nutrient supply is important for the sustainable crop production. We evaluated the effects of nutrient management practices on soil properties and crop yields in rice (Oryza sativa L.) -rice -wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) system in a long-term experiment established at National Wheat Research Program (NWRP), Bhairahawa, Nepal. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block experiment with nine treatments and three replications. Treatments were applied as: T1-no nutrients added, T2-N added; T3-N and P added; T4-N and K added; T5-NPK added at recommended rate for all crops. Similarly, T6-only N added in rice and NPK in wheat at recommended rate; T7-half N; T8-half NP of recommended rate for both crops; and T9-farmyard manure (FYM) @10 Mg ha -1 for all crops in rotation. Results of the study revealed that rice and wheat yields were significantly greater under FYM than all other treatments. Treatments that did not receive P (T2, T3, T7, T8) and K (T2, T4) had considerably low wheat yield than treatments that received NPK (T5) and FYM (T9). The FYM lowered soil pH and improved soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (P), and exchangeable potassium (K) contents than other treatments. Management practices that ensure nutrient supply can increase crop yield and improve soil fertility status.

Determination of Indigenous Nutrient Supplying Capacity of Soil Through Omission Plot Experiment for Wheat in Western Terai of Nepal

“…The gap between maximum observed and national average yield as well as declining yield trend requires utmost research attention. Stagnation and even decline in yields in wheat has been shown by long-term experiment of National Wheat Research Program, Bhairahawa, Nepal (Rawal et al, 2017). Due to conventional blanket and imbalanced fertilizer application, nutrient use efficiency in wheat is very low (Regmi et al, 2002).…”

Long-Term Impact of the Continuous Use of Organic Manures on Crop and Soil Productivity under Maize–Potato–Onion Cropping Systems

“…The data also indicate that in the maize-potato-onion system, potato and onion (vegetables) yields showed more favourable trends than maize yields (Figure 4). The maize grain production showed positive trends, but some fluctuations may have been caused by seasonal changes in temperature and humidity [44]. Additionally, the crop's productivity in an organically managed field was lower in the first year than in the following years because soil fertility levels rise with time when organic materials are introduced to the organic management system [45].…”

Integrated and Site-Specific Fertilizer Application Role in Rice-Wheat Cropping System

“…In neighboring Punjab, India, the depletion of essential nutrients, especially P and K, triggered low yield of rice and wheat. In a long-term rice-rice-wheat network trial, long-term FYM application will increase exchangeable K [35]. Potassium showed a negative apparent balance ranging from 52.2-181.5 kg K/ha/year with a mean of 134.52 kg K/ha/year and recommended the combined use of organic manure, where available, with inorganic fertilizers for yield trends and nutrient budgeting under long-term (28-year) nutrient management in the rice-wheat crop system.…”