Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
TABLE 6.2
Average Crop Yields (Mg ha
−1
) under Different Fertilizer
Treatments and Yield Difference Compared with Farmyard
Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer Combination
Yield Difference (± S.E.) Comparing
Crop Type
Avg. Yield ± S.E.
FYM + IF to FYM Only
FYM + IF to IF Only
Maize
2.63 ± 0.57
+0.563 ± 0.072
0.869 ± 0.128
Millet
1.76 ± 0.35
−0.073 ± 0.024
0.631 ± 0.078
Rice
3.56 ± 0.46
+1.185 ± 0.115
0.590 ± 0.230
Wheat
1.98 ± 0.26
−0.012 ± 0.004
0.312 ± 0.066
Source:
Adapted from Sherchan, D.P., C.J. Pilbeam, and P.J. Gregory,
Experimental
Agriculture
, 35, 1, 1999.
Note:
FYM, farmyard manure; IF, inorganic fertilizer; S.E., standard error.
Sherchan and Karki (2006) reported significantly higher yields with the addition of
combinations of compost and chemical fertilizer, as well as FYM and fertilizer for
wheat, maize, and rice (Figure 6.2). In Laos, Linquist et al. (2007) also reported that
combined applications of crop residues and commercial fertilizers enhanced soil
nutrient balance, particularly during years of irregular and fluctuating soil moisture
levels. Studies in China gave similar results of increases in SOC, nitrogen, microbial
biomass carbon, and nitrogen upon application of pig manure with reduced rates of
commercial fertilizers (Xu et al. 2007).
25
20
15
Rice
Wheat
Potato
10
5
0
Control
Compost
Comp. + fert.
Chem.
fertilizer
FYM + fert.
FIGURE 6.2
Wheat, rice, and potato yields under different FYM and chemical fertil-
izer treatments. (Modified from Sherchan, D.P., and K.B. Karki. 2006. Plant nutrient
management for improving crop productivity in Nepal. Improving plant nutrient manage-
ment for better farmer livelihoods, food security and environmental sustainability. In:
Proceedings of a Regional Workshop, Beijing, December 12-16, 2005. FAO RAP Publ.
2006/27, pp. 41-57.)
