Effect of irrigation and nutrient management approaches on maximizing productivity and economics of maize (Zea mays L.)- chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cropping sequence under command area

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at AICRP on water management, Belavatagi, UAS, Dharwad, during 2013-14 on soil deficient in available nutrients to study the effect of irrigation and nutrient management approaches on maximizing productivity, and economics of maize (Zea mays L.)-chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cropping sequence under command area. The results revealed that, crop receiving irrigation at 0.8 IW/CPE recorded significantly higher maize grain yield (70.80 q/ha) with higher gross return (Rs.88,924 ha-1), net return (Rs. 65,804 ha-1) and B-C ratio (3.84) compared to other treatment. However, in pooled analysis, the yields were on par with different irrigation levels. Among different level of boron applied to soil or through foliar application from 2 to 6 kg granubour/ha increased the yield over no boron application. But significant results obtained at 6 kg granubour/ha application and foliar application of 0.5 % of FeSO4 and 0.5 % of ZnSO4 with borax @ 0.1 % at 30 and 45 DAS. The interaction effects between irrigation and boron levels showed that, irrigating the crop at 0.8 IW/CPE along with foliar application of 0.5 % FeSO4 and 0.5 % ZnSO4 with borax @ 0.1 % at 30 and 45 DAS recorded higher yield, higher gross returns, net returns, B-C ratio and WUE over the treatments. But, it was on par with all the treatments that receive the boron either through soil or foliar application. During Rabi season chickpea was grown as succeeding crop after maize in Kharif the results showed that, irrigating at 0.8 IW/CPE with Granubor (boron) @ 6 kg/ha followed by growing of chickpea with 0.6 IW/CPE recorded significantly yield and economics.