Author(s):

Vishal B Shahi, Sudarshan K Dutta and Kaushik Majumdar

Abstract: The SSNM is need-based feeding of crops with nutrients in right source, right rate, right time and right place while, recognizing the inherent spatial variability which enhances crop productivity, profitability, NUE and avoids nutrient wastage. This paper deals with the SSNM technologies approaches and tools which are able to enhance NUE, crop productivity and profitability in wheat crop. The SSNM caters to help in improving NUE as it provides an approach for feeding crops like rice, maize and wheat, etc with nutrients as and when needed. It is based on the concept when and how much to feed. The main benefit for farmers from improved nutrient management strategy is an increase in the profitability and reducing the cost and environmental threats. The SSNM reduces the wastage of fertilizers by preventing excessive use of fertilizers and avoiding fertilizer application when the crop does not require nutrient inputs. It also assures that N, P and K are applied in that ratio required by the intended crop. It aims to achieve high yield and high efficiency of nutrient use, leading to high cash value of the harvest per unit of fertilizer invested. Results from 3 year data from 2014 to 2016, 173 on-farm sites in four districts of Bihar showed that NE significantly increased wheat yields and economic returns compared to the generalized Farmers’ Fertilization Practice (FFP). NE’s impact on fertilizer use in wheat shifted K application upwards while also minute upwards N and P application rates. We used recent advances in information and communication technology (ICT) and computer based application of "Nutrient Expert for Wheat, Maize and Rice", which transform the science of SSNM into guidelines matching the field-specific needs and conditions of a farmer. Across all sites, NE wheat increased to yield and economic benefit (i.e. gross return above fertilizer costs) over FFP (Table-4). Recommendations from NE wheat also increased yield (by 63 t/ha) over FFP with large increase in fertilizer K (+50.88 kg K₂O/ha) and N and P fertilizer was minute increase N (+ 4.32 Kg N/ha) and P (+ 6.21 Kg P₂O₅/ha).So result revealed that nutrient expert application significantly increase higher grain yields over farmer fertilizer practice (FFP). Average wheat grain yield in NE practice was 45.32 Kg ha-1, which was 13.9% more than the Farmer Fertilizer Practices, with NE recorded an additional net income of Rs.8434 ha-1 over FFP respectively.

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