Influence of compost coated and blended phosphatic fertilizers on chemical composition and economics of maize (Zea mays L.) in Alfisols

A field evaluation was taken up to study the effect of compost coated and blended phosphatic fertilizers on chemical composition and economics of maize in Alfisols at College of Agriculture, V. C. Farm, Mandya during kharif 2020. The investigation included eight treatments that include 100, 75 and 50 per cent of compost coated DAP (T₃, T₄ and T₅, respectively) and compost blended rock phosphate (T₆, T₇ and T₈, respectively) along with recommended dose of nitrogen and potassium, keeping 100% RDF (using uncoated DAP) as check which was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design which are replicated three times. Results indicated that application of 75 per cent RDP through compost coated DAP with recommended dose of N and K (T₄) recorded higher nutrient content in keernel and stover viz., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur and micronutrients at harvest, respectively. This resulted in higher kernel and stover yield combined with gross returns and B:C ratio (3.02) indicating the application of 75 per cent RDP through compost coated DAP is optimum for obtaining higher yield and net returns.