PhD thesisPotassium fertilization is often ignored in cereal-based cropping systems assuming
sufficient K reserves in the alluvial soils of north-western India. However, the responses
to K have now widely reported due to continuous mining and little additions through
external sources. Little known on the effects of integrated K management on soil
biological properties and yield performance of corn grown in sequence with wheat. A field
experiment was conducted during 2010-2012 to find out the performance of corn (Zea
mays L.)–wheat (Triticum aestvum L. emend Fiori & Paol.) cropping system with K
fertilization through muriate of potash and farmyard manure (FYM) at New Delhi, India.
The experiment was laid out in the randomized block design with seven treatments
replicated thrice. Results revealed that treatment applied with 90 kg K supplemented 60 kg
K through MOP and 30 Kg K through FYM significantly increase grain yield (100.9% and
99.3%) and stover yield (45.8% and 33.6%) during 2010 and 2011 respectively in the corn
crop. A positive correlation observed between yield and soil biological properties, viz.,
bacterial population, actinomycetes, cellulose degrading bacteria, phosphorus solubilizing
bacteria, potassium solubilizing bacteria, dehydrogenase activity, phosphatase activity,
fluorescein diacetate and β-glucosidase. It concluded that application of FYM could be an
alternative option for sustainable management of agricultural land and restore its fertility
compared to the use of K fertilizers
