Nitrogen Management in Maize + Potato Inter Cropping System under Eastern Indo Gangetic Plains of Bihar

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during winter season of 2010-11 and 2011-12 at Central Potato Research Station, Patna on sandy loam soil under irrigated condition in factorial randomized block design with four replications to find the suitable nitrogen management for maize intercropped with potato (1:1) in additive series having 100 percent population of both the crops. The tuber yield of potato and grain and straw yield of maize was significantly higher under sole cropping. Inter cropping reduced the potato tuber yield, maize grain and straw yield by 4.33, 8.12 and 12.79% respectively. However, intercropping of maize + potato increased the maize grain equivalent yield, net return, benefit: cost ratio and nutrient uptake increased with increase in N dose to maize crop. Application of 120 kg N/ha to maize resulted in significantly higher values of potato tuber yield, maize grain and stover yield, Maize grain equivalent yield, net return, benefit: cost ratio and nutrient uptake but was at par with 90 kg N /ha. Application of N to intercropped maize in two equal splits as ½ N at knee high stage and ½ N at tasseling recorded significantly higher values of growth and yield attributes of maize, maize grain and stover yield, Maize grain equivalent yield, net return, benefit: cost ratio and nutrient uptake, though it recorded lowest value of growth and yield attributes of potato as well as tuber yield of potato.