Not Available

Not AvailableA field investigation was carried out at ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram during 2013–15 to devise the best nutrient management strategy in basmati (Oryza sativa L.)– wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend Fiori and Paol) cropping system. Investigation used six nutrient management practices, viz. 100% organic; 75% organic + innovative practices; 50% organic + 50% inorganic; 75% organic + 25% inorganic; state recommendation and 100% inorganic. Grain yield and nutrient uptake of basmati rice and wheat were found at par under organic (100% organic and 75% organic + innovative practices) and integrated nutrient management practices (50% organic + 50% inorganic and 75% organic + 25% inorganic), however it was significantly higher compared to 100% inorganic nutrient management. Organic nutrient management, i.e.100% organic and 75% organic + innovative practices resulted in 42.4 and 37.7% higher grain yield in case of basmati rice and 29.3 and 39.7% higher yield in case of wheat, respectively over 100% inorganic; besides being superior in terms of soil available N, P, K and organic carbon. Additional net returns to the tune of ` 53.2 × 103/ha and ` 59.7 × 103/ha from basmati rice-wheat cropping system was recorded under 100% organic and 75% organic + innovative practices, respectively over 100% inorganic. Nutrient management through 75% organic + innovative practices in basmati rice–wheat cropping system resulted in ` 6.5 × 103/ha additional returns over 100% organic nutrient management and it also scored highest in terms of nitrogen use efficiency of both basmati rice (48.5 kg/kg N) and wheat (38.1 kg/kg N). A significantly higher residual soil fertility in terms of available N, P, K and organic carbon in soil as compared to 100% inorganic nutrient management was also observed.Not Availabl