Asian Research Thesis Index

Abstract

Application of organic manures and its integration with chemical fertilizers could be effective in order to manage nitrogen for sustainable production of maize (Zea mays L.). Therefore, a field study was performed at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan to evaluate the different nitrogen sources for sustainable production of autumn maize. Poultry manure (PM) compost, press-mud (PrM) compost and urea were used as nitrogen sources. The study comprised of two experiments which was carried out during 2011 and 2012. In experiment-I treatments were control, 2 t ha -1 PM compost, 4 t ha -1 PM compost, 6 t ha -1 PM compost, 8 t ha -1 PM compost, 10 t ha -1 PM compost, 2 t ha -1 PrM compost, 4 t ha -1 PrM compost, 6 t ha -1 PrM compost, 8 t ha -1 PrM compost and 10 t ha -1 PrM compost. However, in experiment-II treatments were control, 100% N from PM compost, 75% N from PM compost + 25% N from urea, 50% N from PM compost + 50% N from urea, 25% N from PM compost + 75% N from urea, 100% N from PrM compost, 75% N from PrM compost + 25% N from urea, 50% N from PrM compost + 50% N from urea, 25% N from PrM compost + 75% N from urea and 100% N from urea. The results of experiment-I showed that crop growth rate, 1000-grain weight, biological yield, grain yield, grain protein and soil inorganic N, organic matter and water holding capacity were recorded maximum with the application of 10 t ha -1 PM compost compared to unfertilized control. Results of HYDRUS-2D model showed that maximum inorganic N was predicted in soils amended with 10 t ha -1 PM compost. However, 10 t ha -1 PM compost also gave maximum gross and net income and benefit cost ratio. The results of experiment-II showed that application of 25% N from PM compost + 75% N from urea gave maximum crop growth rate, 1000-grain weight, biological yield, grain yield, grain protein and soil inorganic N. The maximum soil organic matter and water holding capacity were attained where 100% N from PM compost was applied. However, HYDRUS-2D model predicted maximum soil inorganic N where 25% N from PM compost + 75% N from urea was applied. Moreover, economic analysis depicted that maximum gross and net income and benefit cost ratio were attained due to incorporation of 25% N from PM compost + 75% N from urea. This study suggested that 10 t ha -1 PM compost and 25% N from PM compost + 75% N from urea could be utilized successfully in agro-climatic conditions of Faisalabad, Pakistan for sustainable production of maize.

Add/Update Thesis