Development of Integrated Fertilizer Prescription Based on STCR-IPNS for Brinjal through Inductive Cum Targeted Yield Model in Mannadipet Soil Series of Puducherry, India

Abstract

The Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) approach, incorporating the Integrated Plant Nutrient System (IPNS) with a focus on targeted yields, aims to balance the need for "fertilizing the crop" and "fertilizing the soil." This balance is essential for meeting the crop’s fertilizer requirements, improving yield, enhancing fertilizer efficiency, and maintaining soil health, while also ensuring profitability for farmers. Field trials using the inductive and targeted yield model were conducted on Typic ustropept soils in Puducherry. Fertilizer prescription equations (FPEs) were developed through IPNS, utilizing key parameters such as nutrient requirement (NR) and the contributions from soil (Cs), fertilizers (Cf), and farmyard manure (Cfym). Nomograms were created to set yield targets of 340, 360, and 380 q ha⁻¹ for brinjal, based on a range of soil test values. The amount of fertilizer contributed by applying FYM at 12.5 t ha⁻¹ was estimated as 50 kg N, 29 kg P₂O₅, and 46 kg K₂O, in conjunction with NPK fertilizers according to soil tests and the desired yield target.