Influence of organic nutrient sources on soil fertility and performance of sugarcane in calcareous soil

A field experiment was conducted during 2018-19 to evaluate the effect of organic amendments on soil fertility, yield and quality of sugarcane in calcareous soil of Bihar. The treatments consisted of organic and inorganic nutrient sources viz., control, FYM, biocompost, vermicomposta-1,green manure, sugarcane trash and combination of organics FYM + BC+ VC (1: 1: 0.5) along with recommended dose of fertilizer (150: 85: 60 kg ha-1) in RBD. The application of nutrients through various organic sources significantly influenced the cane and sugar yield. However, highest cane yield was observed in RDF (85.86 t ha-1) which was at par with organic treated plots. Significant improvement in soil fertility in terms of organic carbon and available NPK was noticed due to addition of organic nutrient sources. The soil organic carbon, available N and K status was found highest in the treatment receiving FYM + BC+ VC (1: 1: 0.5) in combination. Application of vermicompost @ 5.0 t ha-1 was found superior for improving availability of P in soil. Addition of organic nutrient sources was found beneficial for improving the soil fertility and enhancing the cane and sugar yield in calcareous soil of Bihar.