Nutrient management on crop productivity and changes in soil organic carbon and fertility in a four–year-old maize-wheat cropping system in Indo-Gangetic plains of India

ABSTRACT

The aim of this investigation was to prepare and evaluate organic manures (vermicompost, compost and FYM) and mineral fertilizers on crop productivity and changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) and fertility under a four-year-old maize-wheat cropping system. The results demonstrated that yields and nutrient uptake by crops increased significantly in plots receiving manures and mineral fertilizers either alone or in combination than unfertilized control. Application of manures and fertilizers also enhanced SOC, mineral N, Olsen-P and ammonium acetate-extractable K (NH₄OAc-K) after both the crops. Surface soil maintained greater build-up in SOC, mineral N, Olsen-P and NH₄OAc-K than sub-surface soil. Plots amended with manures at 5 t ha⁻¹ and 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) had pronounced impact on improving SOC and fertility after both the crops indicating that integrated use of manures and mineral fertilizers could be followed to improve and maintain soil fertility, increase crop productivity under intensive cropping system.

KEYWORDS:

• Nutrient management
• organic manures
• mineral fertilizers
• crop productivity
• soil

Acknowledgments

The senior author thanks the Head, Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi for providing facilities for successful completion of the research works.