Effect of NPK fertilizer on growth and yield of maize under different jhum cycles in Mizoram

Lalrammuanpuia Hnamte , C. Lalrammawia, B. Gopichand

Science Vision 16 (2), 59-67 | Published on 30 June 2016 |

Abstract

Intensive jhum cultivation is the biggest ecological threat due to its associated problems such as biodiversity loss, deforestation, soil erosion and the gradual reduction of land productivity in Mizoram. The intrinsic practice of jhum cultivation still dominated the farming system in Mizoram to a large margin. Four levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium soil fertilizer application in local maize variety was conducted in 2 years, 3 years and 5 years jhum cycles. Strong significant (P<0.05) response to fertilizer application occurred in the growth and yield performance of maize. Different period of jhum cycles also had significant (P<0.05) effect in growth and yield with highest productivity in longest jhum cycle. Taking account of the poor soil nutrient content and the acidic soil in Mizoram, application of urea at lower rate under longer jhum cycle may be adopted.

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