Efficiency of P utilization by pigeonpea and wheat grown in a rotation

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted for three years to investigate the effect of direct, residual and cumulative P application on the grain yield, P removal and P use efficiency of pigeonpea and wheat grown in rotation. Four levels of P, i.e. 0, 13, 26, and 39 kg P ha^-1 were applied to either pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L., cv. AL 15) or wheat (Triticum aestivum, cv. WL 711) or to both crops. Maximum increase in wheat grain yield ranged from 1.5 to 1.9 t ha^-1 and in pigeonpea from 0.28 to 0.36 t ha^-1. On average, the grain yield of pigeonpea was 8–15% higher in the residual P treatment than by direct application. In wheat, cumulative P application (to both crops) resulted in highest grain yield, but it did not differ significantly from the direct effect. However, the residual effect of P (applied to previous pigeonpea) on wheat proved to be significantly inferior to direct application. Percent recovery of P from applied fertilizer decreased with P level. Total recovery in the complete rotation was higher where P was directly applied to wheat compared to pigeonpea. The P use efficiency was also highest in the treatment comprising direct application to wheat. Pigeonpea could utilize the residual P more efficiently, indicating that fresh application to this crop can be omitted without any reduction in yield.