Author(s):

Pushpa HM, Subbarayappa CT, Srinivasamurthy CA, Ramakrishna parama VR, Yogananda SB and Venkate Gowda J

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted in F block, ZARS, V.C. Farm, Mandya, Karnataka during 2014 to study the direct and residual effect of humanure, pit toilet sludge and sewage sludge application on growth and yield of maize and cowpea. In the experiment, three fecal sludges as nutrient sources along with three levels of fertilizers (75, 100 and 150 percent of recommended dose of fertilizers) were compared with FYM alone, recommended dose of fertilizer alone and recommended dose of fertilizer along with FYM were evaluated with thirteen treatments, replicated thrice in RCBD design. The results revealed that better growth and higher yield of maize and cowpea was recorded with higher the levels of manure and fertilizer application. Significantly higher plant height (203.65 cm) and number of leaves per plant (14.25) in maize were recorded with 150 % K through humanure + balance N and P through fertilizers to supply 150 % N and P and was on par with 150 % P through pit toilet sludge + balance N and K through fertilizers to supply 150 % N and K (189.26cm and 13.24 respectively) and 150 % P through sewage sludge + balance N and K through fertilizers to supply 150 % N and K (183.23 cm and 12.74 respectively) at 90 DAS (days after sowing). The lower plant height (117.11 cm) and number of leaves per plant (8.19) were recorded in control. Similarly, the test weight (31.50 grams), grain yield (87.52 q ha^-1) and stover yield (93.93 q ha^-1) recorded were significantly higher in treatment which received 150 % K through humanure + balance N and P through fertilizers to supply 150 % N and P. The increase in grain yield was to the tune of 16.99 %, 34.34% and 88.90 percent over RDF (100 % NPK + FYM), RDF alone and FYM alone treatments. The test weight (27.29 grams), grain yield (38.96 q ha^-1) and stover yield (42.55 q ha^-1) were lower in absolute control. The residual effect of anthropogenic solid wastes showed similar trend as main crop. The higher (92.51 cm and 10.28 respectively) plant height and number of branches per plant were recorded in 150 % K through humanure + balance N and P through fertilizers to supply 150 % N and P. The lower (37.02 cm and 6.30 respectively) plant height and number of branches per plant were recorded in plots did not receive any fertilizers and manures. The yield parameters (number of pods per plant and test weight) were recorded higher (36.33 and11.92 gram) in 150 % K through humanure + balance N and P through fertilizers to supply 150 % N and P whereas the lower (18.27 and 9.24) yield parameters (number of pods per plant and test weight) were recorded in control plot (T₁₃). The higher (1.94 and 3.2 t ha^-1) seed and haulm yield were recorded in150 % K through humanure + balance N and P through fertilizers to supply 150 % N and P whereas the lower (1.0 and 1.65 t ha^-1) yield (seed and haulm) were recorded in plots which did not receive any fertilizers and manures (T₁₃).

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