Sustainable intensification of integrated application of NPK fertilizers, biofertilizers and farmyard manure: Impacts on soil health, nutrient dynamics, and profitability of baby corn (Zea mays L.)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Sustainable intensification of agriculture requires nutrient management strategies that not only maximize crop yields but also enhance functional soil health and improve nutrient-use efficiency. INM is a resource-efficient, soil-restorative, and economically viable strategy for sustainable intensification of crop. By improving soil fertility, nutrient dynamics, and farm profitability, integrated practices offer a robust alternative to fertilizer-dependent systems and directly support national goals of soil health management, climate-resilient agriculture, and sustainable food security. Baby corn is a short-duration and high-value crop, is increasingly recognized as a promising option for crop diversification and farmer profitability in India. However, its high nutrient demand and the widespread reliance on chemical fertilizers alone threaten soil fertility and long-term system sustainability. By improving soil fertility, nutrient dynamics, and farm profitability, integrated practices offer a robust alternative to fertilizer-dependent systems and directly support national goals of soil health management, climate-resilient agriculture, and sustainable food security. The results showed that integrated nutrient regimes significantly enhanced soil organic carbon, available N, P, and K outperforming fertilizer-alone and control treatments. The combination of (RDF @ 100% + FYM @ 7.5 t ha-1 + Pseudomonas @ 100 %) recorded the highest baby corn yield and produced comparable yields, indicating potential for fertilizer reduction without yield penalties. Economic evaluation revealed maximum profitability under integrated practices, with gross returns of ₹1,68,350 ha-1, net returns of ₹1,21,610 ha-1, and a benefit-cost ratio of 3.60.
Authors: Durgvijay Yadav, Arun Alfred David, Vikram Singh, Ram Bharose, Amreen Hasan, Shressti Maurya, Palash Chaoudhary, Nikhil Yadav, Shalini Singh
Institution: Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4414186049
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: