Validation of fertilizer adjustment equations based on yield target concept and complimentary use of organic and biofertilizers along with inorganic fertilizers in rainfed maize (Zea mays) : wheat (Triticum aestivum) system in wet temperate zone of Himachal Pradesh

Field experiments were conducted with maize (Zea mays L.) during rainy (kharif) season of 2001 and 2002 and wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol) during winter (rabi) season of 2001 - 02 and 2002 - 03 at Palampur for validation of already developed fertilizer adjustment equation along with organic and biofertilizers for fertilizer recommendations based on yield target concept in wet temperate zone of Himachal Pradesh. Different nutrient sources fertilizer recommendation methods along with varying levels of targeted yields of maize and wheat were evaluated. Results indicated that fertilizer recommendations based on targeted yield concept were more precise and dependable up to the yield targets of 5.0 tonnes/ha for maize and 3.0 tonnes/ha wheat, respectively. Moreover, with the application of farmyard manure @ 5.0 tonnes/ha fertilizers dose could be reduced by 50, 17 and 31 kg/ha for N, P 2 O 5 and K 2 O, respectively. With the use of phosphobacteria and Azotobactor, there could be further reduction to 25 kg/ha of N and 25 kg/ha of P 2 O 5 for the fertilizer dose.