Long-term manuring and fertilization influence soil inorganic phosphorus transformation vis-a-vis rice yield in a rice–wheat cropping system

A study on the rice–wheat cropping system was conducted at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India, to assess the effects of long-term manuring and fertilization on transformation of the inorganic phosphorus (P) fraction in soil after 22 years of the crop cycle. Soil samples were collected after Kharif from seven treated plots having different types of organic amendments like farm yard manure, paddy straw and green manuring with 50% substitution of nitrogen levels in rice crop only. The result showed that the yield trend of rice was maintained due to the buildup of P from various organic inputs. Although cultivation for 22 years without adding any fertilizer caused a significant decrease in almost all the forms of P viz. avail-P, saloid P, iron phosphorus fraction (Fe–P), aluminum phosphorus fraction (Al–P), calcium phosphorus fraction (Ca–P) and total P in control. Partial substitution of inorganic fertilizer N (50%) with organics, however, caused a significant increase in almost all the P fractions in soil over the control. The relative abundance of all the fractions of inorganic P irrespective of treatments was as follows: Fe–P > reductant soluble P fraction > occluded P > Al–P > Ca–P > saloid P. Saloid and Fe–P were the dominating fractions responsible for 92% variation of available P and total P levels, respectively.     

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

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.     

The impact of a bio-fertilizer on the soil organic matter status and carbon sequestration—results from a field-scale study

Purpose

The application of bio-fertilizers is one of the management practices that can help to maintain or increase the content of organic matter (OM) and improve soil fertility in arable soils. While some results have been obtained in relation to the influence of bio-fertilizers on organic matter content, less in known about the fractional composition of humus.

Materials and methods

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the bio-fertilizer UGmax on soil total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and the fractional composition of organic matter (C of humic acids (CHAs), C of fulvic acids (CFAs), and C in humins) in the humus horizon of an arable field. Measurements were taken in 2005 before the application of UGmax and in 2008, 3 years after its application, which was done in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Forty soil samples were taken in 2005 (the control year without UGmax), while 20 samples were taken after UGmax treatment and 20 from the control in 2008. Samples were always collected after the plants were harvested.

Results and discussion

After the 3-year period of the experiment, the TOC content was 6.3 % higher in plots on which UGmax was applied in comparison to the control, while the DOC content was 0.19 percentage points lower after 3 years of bio-fertilizer use as compared to the initial year of the experiment. The contribution of DOC to TOC decreased significantly after the application of UGmax in comparison with the control. The content of CFAs and its contribution in the TOC pools in soil without UGmax was higher at the end of the experiment compared to the beginning, while there was an inverse relationship in the soil with the bio-fertilizer. In comparison with the control, organic matter in the soil treated with UGmax had a higher content of C of humic acids, C in humins, and higher CHAs/CFAs ratio.

Conclusions

We conclude that the use of a bio-fertilizer that increases the stable fractions of organic matter provides evidence of an increase in the soil OM stability. In turn, the contribution of the organic matter fractions that are more resistant to decomposition is crucial for increasing soil carbon sequestration.

     

Influence of summer legume residue recycling and varietal diversification on productivity,energetics, and nutrient dynamics in basmati rice–wheat cropping system of western Indo-Gangetic Plains

A field experiment was conducted on summer mungbean residue recycling (SMBRR) and basmati rice–wheat cropping system (BRWCS) at New Delhi, India. The SMBRR enhanced the system productivity and net returns by ～19.1% and 22.1% compared to summer fallow (SF) with highest magnitude under genotypic sequence of P 2511/HD 2967. Two genotypes each in basmati rice (PB 1 and P 2511) and wheat (HD 2967 and HD 2733) responded well to SMBRR with respect to grain yield efficiency index (GYEI) ≥ 1.0. SMBRR also registered ～13.5% higher microbial biomass carbon (MBC) than SF. Soil organic carbon (SOC) storage also increased by ～6.8% in 0–30 cm soil layer. The rice–wheat–summer mungbean system produced significantly highest energy efficiency compared to the rice–wheat–summer fallow system with highest values under genotypic sequence of P 2511/HD 2967 as a result of better yield expression. Overall, SMBRR with suitable genotypic sequence improved the system productivity, profitability, and nutrient dynamics in BRWCS, which are vital for long-term sustainability of this system.     

Effect of long-term balanced and imbalanced inorganic fertilizer and FYM application on chemical fraction of DTPA-extractable micronutrients and yields under rice–wheat cropping system in mollisols

The imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers under intensive cultivation practices over a period of years leads to various soil-associated problems particularly nutrient availability. Thus, to examine the effect of long-term application of balanced and imbalanced inorganic fertilizer and farm yard manure (FYM) application on the chemical fraction of DTPA-extractable micronutrients under rice–wheat cropping system after 29 years, the observations were recorded from the ongoing field experiment at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India. An application of balanced inorganic fertilizer with FYM in rice, while without FYM in wheat significantly improved the DTPA-extractable Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu after rice and wheat crops in both the surface and sub-surface soil layers. Lowest DTPA-extractable Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu were recorded, in surface and sub-surface soil under rice and wheat crops in control. The highest DTPA-extractable Zn, in both surface and sub-surface layers of rice (3.31, 1.62 mg kg⁻¹, respectively) and wheat (2.96, 0.99 mg kg⁻¹, respectively) was recorded because of application of N₁₈₀+P₈₀+K₄₀+Zn(F) + FYM in rice and N₁₈₀+P₈₀+K₄₀+Zn(F) in wheat. However, the DTPA-extractable Fe, Mn and Cu were highest in rice and wheat because of N₁₂₀+P₄₀+K₄₀+FYM and N₁₂₀+P₄₀+K₄₀ application, respectively. The balanced use of inorganic fertilizer with FYM (N₁₈₀+P₈₀+K₄₀+Zn(F) + FYM) in rice and without FYM [N₁₈₀+P₈₀+K₄₀+Zn(F)] in wheat supported the highest rice (6.74 t ha⁻¹) and wheat (3.50 t ha⁻¹) grain yields, while lowest in control. Based on the study results, long-term application of FYM at 5 tonnes ha⁻¹ in rice crop sustained the availability of DTPA-extractable cationic micronutrients to rice and wheat in Mollisols.     

Evaluation of press mud cake as a source of nitrogen and phosphorus for rice–wheat cropping system in the Indo-Gangetic plains of India

Press mud cake (PMC) is an important organic source available for land application in India. Adequate information regarding availability of nitrogen and phosphorous contained in PMC to rice–wheat (RW) cropping system is lacking. In field experiments conducted for 4 years to study the effect of PMC application to rice as N and P source in RW system, application of 60 kg N ha⁻¹ along with PMC (5 t ha⁻¹) produced grain yield of rice similar to that obtained with the 120 kg N ha⁻¹ in unamended plots. In the following wheat, the residual effects of PMC applied to preceding rice were equal to 40 kg N and 13 kg P ha⁻¹. Immobilization of soil and fertilizer N immediately after the application of PMC was observed in laboratory incubation. The net amount of N mineralized from the PMC ranged from 16% at 30 days to 43% at 60 days after incubation. Available P content in the soil amended with PMC increased by about 60% over the unamended control within 10 days of its application. The P balance for the no-PMC treatment receiving recommended dose of 26 kg P ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ was −13.5 kg P ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. The P balance was positive (+42.3 to 53.5 kg P ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) when PMC was applied to rice. Application of PMC increased total N, organic carbon, and available P contents in the soil.     

Tillage and residue management practices affect soil biological indicators in a rice–wheat cropping system in north-western India

Agricultural productivity relies on a wide range of ecosystem services provided by the soil biota. Sustainable management practices, such as tillage and residue management, can influence structure and function of the soil microbiota, with direct consequences for the associated ecosystem services. Although there is increasing evidence that different tillage regimes alter the soil biological indices, we only have a limited understanding of their temporal changes in a rice (Oryza sativa L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system. We evaluated the effects of combinations of tillage, crop residue management and green manuring on soil biological indicators after 5 years of the practising rice–wheat system (RWS). Four main plot treatments in rice included the following: (a) PTR_W0, puddled transplanted rice with no wheat straw retained; (b) PTR_W25, puddled transplanted rice with 25% anchored wheat stubbles retained; (c) PTR_W0 + Sesbania aculeate L. green manure (GM); and (d) PTR_W25+GM, puddled transplanted rice with 25% anchored wheat stubbles retained+ GM. There were three subplot treatments in the subsequent wheat crop: (a) CTW_R0, conventional tillage wheat with rice residue removed; (b) ZTW_R0, zero tillage wheat with rice residue removed; and (c) ZTW_R100, ZTW with 100% rice residue retained as mulch. The PTR_W25+GM treatment, followed by ZTW_R100, significantly increased soil microbial biomass carbon, basal soil respiration, microbial quotient and mineralization quotient measured during wheat-growing season. These biological indicators were higher at vigorous vegetative wheat growth stage than at flowering stage and decreased at maturity. The principal component analysis of the assayed variables showed that all the variables significantly contributed to the variability in parameters examined and were more related to maximum tillering stage of wheat growth than to maturity or at sowing of wheat. Three highly effective biological indicators were microbial biomass carbon, microbial quotient and mineralization quotient, which responded significantly to changes in tillage and residue management practices in the RWS. We conclude that crop residues and green manure have significant to improve soil biochemical processes by improving soil organic carbon and soil biological indicators in rice–wheat cropping system.     

Poultry litter as a nitrogen and phosphorous source for the rice–wheat cropping system

Poultry litter (PL) is an important nutrient source; however, no information is available regarding its value in supplying N and P in rice–wheat (RW) production. A three-year field study was conducted at Ludhiana, Punjab, India on a loamy sand soil to identify optimum combination of PL and N and P fertilizers for a sustainable RW production. The litter was applied to rice at 5 Mg ha⁻¹ as a single application and supplemented with different rates of N. The residual effect of PL and the direct effects of the different combinations of N and P were studied in the following wheat. Nitrogen and P mineralization from PL was studied under controlled conditions in the laboratory, and macronutrient input–output balances were estimated from field results. About 46% of the N from PL was released after 60 days of incubation. The release of P from the PL occurred mainly during the initial 20 days after incubation, accounting for 15–17% of the total P. Combining PL with fertilizer N (40 kg ha⁻¹) increased rice yield and nutrient uptake similar to what was obtained with the application of recommended fertilizer N (120 kg ha⁻¹). In the following wheat, the residual effect of PL was equal to 30 kg N ha⁻¹ and 13 kg P ha⁻¹. After three annual cropping cycles and PL application, mean soil organic C increased by 17%, Olsen-P by 73%, and NH₄OAc-extractable-K by 24%. Most treatments had positive P but negative K balances. About 11% of the net P balance was recovered from the soil as Olsen-P. The study showed that optimum N and P fertilizer doses for an RW system receiving 5 Mg ha⁻¹ of PL are 40 kg N ha⁻¹ for rice and 90 kg N + 13 kg P ha⁻¹ for the following wheat. Safe and effective management of PL should be based on P balance, particularly when regular applications of PL are to be made in the RW system.     

Amelioration of saline–sodic soil with gypsum can increase yield and nitrogen use efficiency in rice–wheat cropping system

A 2-year field experiment was conducted to determine crop yield and N use efficiency (NUE) from a saline–sodic soil (clay loam) with and without application of gypsum. Treatments included two N application rates (15% and 30%) higher than the recommended one to the normal soil, and gypsum added at 50% and 100% of soil gypsum requirement (SGR) to the saline–sodic soil, both cultivated with rice and wheat during 2011–2013. Results revealed a decrease in pH of saturated soil paste (pH_s), electrical conductivity of saturation extract (EC_e), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and exchangeable sodium percentage with N fertilizer along with gypsum application in saline–sodic soil. However, the effect was most prominent when gypsum was added at 50% of SGR. Crop yield and NUE remained significantly lower (p < 0.05) in saline–sodic-soils as compared to normal soil. However, gypsum application reduced this difference from 47% to 17% since both yield and NUE increased considerably. Crop yield and NUE remained higher for wheat than for rice. During first year, higher doses of N with gypsum application at 50% SGR proved most effective, whereas, in subsequent year, recommended N along with gypsum at 50% SGR became more profitable. All these results lead us to conclude that gypsum application can ameliorate saline–sodic soil thereby increasing crop yield and NUE.     

Effects of conservation tillage drills on soil quality indicators in a wheat–oilseed rape rotation: organic carbon,earthworms and water-stable aggregates

The effects of five conservation tillage drills with crop residue levels covering between 17% and 79% of the soil, and tillage depths ranging from 25 to 200 mm, were examined over 3 years. The tillage systems ranged from a relatively disruptive Farm System to a Low Disruption system, with three intermediate treatments labelled Sumo DTS, Claydon and Mzuri. The study involved field sites on a clay or clay loam soil, where winter wheat and oilseed rape were grown in rotation. In the clay field, the Mzuri and Low Disruption treatments, which produced the highest residue coverage, showed the greatest increase in surface total soil organic carbon (1.1 and 0.48 Mg C ha⁻¹, respectively) between years 1 and 3. The least disruptive tillage system also resulted in the highest density of earthworms (181–228 m⁻²), and the most disruptive system produced the lowest densities (75–98 m⁻²). In the third year, the least disruptive system also showed a higher proportion of water-stable aggregates (29.8%) than the other treatments (22.7%–25.3%). Linear regressions showed positive relationships of both soil organic carbon and earthworm density with surface residue cover, and of the proportion of water-stable aggregates with soil organic carbon.     

Nitrogen leaching and soil organic carbon sequestration of a Barley crop with improved N use efficiency – A regional case study

The potential of modified spring barley crops with improved nitrogen (N) use efficiency to reduce nitrogen (N) leaching and to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) storage was assessed at the regional scale. This was done using simulation model applications designed for reporting according to the Helcom (Helsinki Commission) and Kyoto protocols. Using model simulations based on modified crops N dynamics and SOC were assessed for three agro-ecological regions (latitudes ranging 55°20′–60°40′ N) in Sweden over a 20-year period. The modified N use properties of spring barley were implemented in the SOILNDB model (simulating soil C, N, water and heat, and plant N dynamics) by changing the parameters for root N uptake efficiency and plant N demand within a range given by previous model applications to different crops. A doubling of the daily N uptake efficiency and increased N demand (by ca 30%) reduced N leaching by 24%–31%, increased plant N content by 9%–12%, depending on region. The effects of the modified crop on SOC was simulated with the ICBM model, resulting in an increased SOC content (0–25 cm depth) by 57–79 kg?C?ha^?1?y^?1. The results suggest that a modified crop might reduce N leaching from spring barley area, in a range similar to the targets of relevant environmental protection directives, a result which held more in the northern than southern regions. The simulated SOC increase on a hectare basis was highest for the central region and least for the most northern region. For the total agricultural area the share of spring barley area was small and more crops would need to be modified to reach the emission reduction targets.     

Evaluation of rice–legume–rice cropping system on grain yield,nutrient uptake,nitrogen fixation,and chemical,physical, and biological properties of soil

To achieve higher yields and better soil quality under rice–legume–rice (RLR) rotation in a rainfed production system, we formulated integrated nutrient management (INM) comprised of Azospirillum (Azo), Rhizobium (Rh), and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) with phosphate rock (PR), compost, and muriate of potash (MOP). Performance of bacterial bioinoculants was evaluated by determining grain yield, nitrogenase activity, uptake and balance of N, P, and Zn, changes in water stability and distribution of soil aggregates, soil organic C and pH, fungal/bacterial biomass C ratio, casting activities of earthworms, and bacterial community composition using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) fingerprinting. The performance comparison was made against the prevailing farmers’ nutrient management practices [N/P₂O₅/K₂O at 40:20:20 kg ha⁻¹ for rice and 20:30:20 kg ha⁻¹ for legume as urea/single super-phosphate/MOP (urea/SSP/MOP)]. Cumulative grain yields of crops increased by 7–16% per RLR rotation and removal of N and P by six crops of 2 years rotation increased significantly (P < 0.05) in bacterial bioinoculants-based INM plots over that in compost alone or urea/SSP/MOP plots. Apparent loss of soil total N and P at 0–15 cm soil depth was minimum and apparent N gain at 15–30 cm depth was maximum in Azo/Rh plus PSB dual INM plots. Zinc uptake by rice crop and diethylenetriaminepentaacetate-extractable Zn content in soil increased significantly (P < 0.05) in bacterial bioinoculants-based INM plots compared to other nutrient management plots. Total organic C content in soil declined at 0–15 cm depth and increased at 15–30 cm depth in all nutrient management plots after a 2-year crop cycle; however, bacterial bioinoculants-based INM plots showed minimum loss and maximum gain of total organic C content in the corresponding soil depths. Water-stable aggregation and distribution of soil aggregates in 53–250- and 250–2,000 μm classes increased significantly (P < 0.05) in bacterial bioinoculants-based INM plots compared to other nutrient management plots. Fungal/bacterial biomass C ratio seems to be a more reliable indicator of C and N dynamics in acidic soils than total microbial biomass C. Compost alone or Azo/Rh plus PSB dual INM plots showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher numbers of earthworms’ casts compared to urea/SSP/MOP alone and bacterial bioinoculants with urea or SSP-applied plots. Hierarchical cluster analysis based on similarity matrix of DGGE profiles revealed changes in bacterial community composition in soils due to differences in nutrient management, and these changes were seen to occur according to the states of C and N dynamics in acidic soil under RLR rotation.     

Effect of magnesium on crop yields within maize–green manure–T. aman rice cropping pattern on acid soil

An experiment was conducted to study the response of maize to magnesium (Mg) and to find out the residual effect of Mg and green manure (GM) on transplanted aman (T. aman) rice in the maize–GM–T. aman cropping pattern. There were six treatments: T₁ (recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 0 kg Mg + 2 t CaCO₃ ha^?1), T₂ (RDF + 10 kg Mg + 2 t CaCO₃ ha^?1), T₃ (RDF + 20 kg Mg +2 t CaCO₃ ha^?1), T₄ (RDF + 30 kg Mg + 2 t CaCO₃ ha^?1), T₅ (RDF) and T₆ (2 t CaCO₃ ha^?1). The response of maize to Mg was quadratic and the optimum dose of Mg was found to be 19 kg ha^?1, which resulted in maximum yield of 10,507 kg ha^?1. The residual effect of Mg along with GM and reduced dose of chemical fertilizer resulted in significant increase of grain yield of rice. Thus, N₂₅₀P₆₀K₁₀₀Mg₁₉S₄₀Zn₅B₂ kg ha^?1 for maize, only 20 kg N ha^?1 for GM (Sesbania) and N₆₀P₉K₃₃S₁₀Zn₁B₁ kg ha^?1 for T. aman appeared as the best combination for maximizing the productivity and may be recommended for this pattern at non-calcareous light-textured soils of Bangladesh. Application of lime increased soil pH, and this together with fertilizer and GM tended to improve soil fertility and thus may be recommended for soil amelioration.     

Fate of 15N after combined application of rabbit manure and inorganic N fertilizers in a rice–wheat rotation system

The present study was carried out on pot experiments with rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Wuyujing 7) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Yangmai 6) rotation in a sandy and a clayey soil fertilized with ¹⁵N-labeled ammonium sulfate (AS) and ¹⁵N-labeled rabbit feces so as to study the mechanisms of reduction of fertilizer N loss by organic fertilizers. The treatments included: (1) control without any N fertilizer application; (2) fertilization with ¹⁵N-labeled AS (IF); (3) fertilization with labeled rabbit feces (OF); (4) fertilization with either 40% ¹⁵N-labeled rabbit feces and 60% unlabeled AS (IOF1) or (5) 40% unlabeled rabbit feces and 60% ¹⁵N-labeled AS (IOF2). In the rice season, the IOF treatments compared to the IF treatment decreased the percentage of lost fertilizer N from the sandy and clayey soils, whereas it increased the percentage of fertilizer N, present as mineral N and microbial biomass N (MBN). During the second season, when soils were cropped to winter wheat, the IOF treatments in comparison with the IF or OF treatment increased mineral N and MBN contents of soils sampled at tillering, jointing, and heading stages, and such increases were derived from the organic N fertilizer in the sandy soil and from the inorganic N fertilizer in the clayey soil. The increased MBN in the IOF treatments was derived from inorganic fertilizers applied both soils. Therefore, in the IOF treatment, during the rice season, the organic N increased the immobilization of inorganic N in MBN, while the inorganic N fertilizer applied to both soils stimulated the uptake of organic N and the organic N fertilizer increased the uptake of inorganic N by winter wheat; the inorganic N increased the recovery of organic N in the plant-soil system after harvesting the winter wheat.     

Impact of organic and inorganic nutrition on soil–plant nutrient balance in arecanut (Areca catechu L.) on a laterite soil

The study assessed the impact of continuous application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) on arecanut in India. Key parameters examined were biomass production, nutrient uptake, yield, soil fertility and net benefit. Pooled analysis of 8-year data revealed that nutrient application registered significantly higher yield (2585–3331 kg ha^?1) than no nutrition (1827 kg ha^?1). Yields in organic nutrition were around 85% of the yields obtained in inorganic NPK. The concentrations of leaf N and K were significantly higher with NPK than with vermicompost. Vermicompost significantly increased soil organic carbon and the availability of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu), but reduced exchangeable K in soil. The total uptake of K and Ca together contributed positively to 75% variability in total biomass production. Nutrient removal of iron (Fe), P, K and Cu positively influenced the yield with about 81% variability. Biomass partitioning and nutrient uptake pattern are important for fertilization program of arecanut.     

Effect of conjoint use of bio-organics and chemical fertilizers on yield,soil properties under French bean–cauliflower-based cropping system

This study investigates the effect of conjoint use of bio-organics (biofertilizers + crop residues + FYM) and chemical fertilizers on yield, physical–chemical and microbial properties of soil in a ‘French bean–cauliflower’-based cropping system of mid hills of the north-western Himalayan Region (NWHR) of India. Conjoint bio-organics at varied levels of NPK chemical fertilizers increased yield of ‘cauliflower’ over corresponding single application. Incorporation of crop residues with 75% of the recommended NPK application resulted in the highest yield (19 t ha^?1). Conjoint use of bio-organics produced a yield (15.65 t ha^?1), which was statistically on a par with 75% of the recommended NPK application alone. This indicated a saving of 75% NPK chemical fertilizers. In the case of ‘French bean’, the effect was non-significant. The results also showed significant higher soil available N (351.3 kg ha^?1) under 75% NPK + biofertilizers, whereas the highest soil available K (268.3 kg ha^?1) was recorded under 75% NPK + crop residues. Lowest bulk density (1.03 Mg m^?3), highest water holding capacity (36.5%), soil organic matter (10.6 g kg^?1), bacterial (4.13 × 10⁷ cfu g^?1) and fungal (6.3 × 10⁷ cfu g^?1) counts were recorded under sole application of bio-organics. According to our study, we concluded that the combination of NPK fertilizers and bio-organics increased yield except French bean, soil available N, K and saved chemical fertilizers under ‘French bean–cauliflower’-based cropping system.     

Short-term changes in chemical and microbial characteristics of paddy soil in response to consecutive addition of organic ameliorants in a rice–rice–vegetable rotation system

With regard of the problems of soil acidification and soil degradation caused by high intensive planting in south China, a 2-year pot experiment consisting of six harvests under a rice–rice–vegetable rotation cropping system was conducted to assess the effects of NPK+ rice straw (RS) and combined application of RS with peanut bran, biochar, and organic fertilizer on soil chemical and microbial characteristics in paddy soil. The control treatment received chemical fertilizer alone. Results showed that RS and the combination of RS with organic ameliorants, especially NPK+ rice straw + biochar (RSBC) treatment led to the greatest improvement of soil pH, soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, and total nitrogen (TN) content, and urease (UE), acid phosphatase (ACP) and catalase (CAT) activities concurrently without yield sacrificing, which inferred that RSBC treatment could be an effective measure to alleviate soil acidification, boost carbon sequestration and nutrients content as well as soil enzyme activities in rice-rice-vegetable rotation system. Besides, Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that soil mineral nitrogen (N_min) content was negatively related to pH, and the available potassium (AK) content was positively related to UE and CAT activity but negatively related to ACP activity. Canonical correspondence analysis demonstrated the N_min and AK explained 27.2% and 13.7% of the variation in microbial species, respectively. Therefore, it is believed that soil N_min and AK content could be the primary factors of soil microbial properties under the rice-rice-vegetable rotation system.     

Changes in physico-chemical and biological properties of soil under conservation agriculture based pearl millet – mustard cropping system in rainfed semi-arid region

Poor soil health and low soil water content during crop growing period are major factor for low productivity of pearl millet – mustard rotation under rainfed semi-arid regions. The authors evaluated five different tillage and residue management practices for improving physico–chemical and biological properties of soil. Results showed that conservation agriculture (CA) practice (zero tillage (ZT) with 4 t ha^–1 residue retention) exhibited higher proportion of soil macro-aggregate. It also increased infiltration rate of about 15.2% over conventional tillage without residue but ZT increased soil penetration resistance in surface soil layer. In the residue applied plots, ~2–4% (w/w) higher soil water content was maintained throughout the season than the no-residue plots. CA practice had the highest soil organic carbon (4.96 g kg^–1) and microbial biomass carbon (188.3 μg g^–1 soil). Significant and positive correlation was also found between soil organic carbon with infiltration rate (r = 0.73**), mean weight diameter (r = 0.80**) and microbial biomass carbon (r = 0.86**). Thus, this study suggests that ZT with residue retention can be advocated in pearl millet – mustard rotations for improving, productivity, soil health and maintaining higher soil water content in rainfed semi-arid regions.