Residual effect of organic wastes and chemical fertilizers on wheat yield under wheat-maize cropping sequence

A field experiment was executed to study the residual effect of organic wastes on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield applied to wheat – maize cropping system consecutively for two years either alone or in combinations with NPK mineral fertilizers. All organic wastes [municipal solid waste (MSW), crop residues (wheat/ maize), filter cake (industrial waste) and farm yard manure (FYM)] were applied at 3 t C ha^-1. Recommended NPK fertilizers were applied to wheat at120-90-60 and maize at 140-90-60 kg ha^-1 during the experimental period. After two years, wheat cv. Bathoor was sown on same plots without any fertilizer application. Data depicted that all organic wastes exhibited considerable residual effect on yield of wheat. Among organic wastes, filter cake increased grain yield by 42% while MSW by 39% over control. Overall, MSW + full NPK and filter cake + full NPK treatments resulted in higher residual impact on wheat biomass, straw and grain yields under irrigated conditions. It is concluded that organic wastes, specifically filter cake and MSW can have long - term impact on crop productivity.