Optimization of Farmyard Manure to Substitute Mineral Fertilizer for Sustainable Productivity and Higher Carbon Sequestration Potential and Profitability under Gardenpea-French Bean Cropping System in the Indian Himalayas

Carbon sequestration potential (CSP) and sustainability of gardenpea-french bean cropping system was assessed with farmyard manure (FYM) application vis-à-vis mineral fertilization as recommended NPK (NPK) and integrated nutrient management practices (INM) after six years’ cropping in Indian Himalayas. Application of 20 tons FYM ha^?1 provided highest CSP (0.527 Mg C ha^?1 year^?1) in soil and sustainability index. With the help of quadratic equations, it was estimated that maximum profit (optimum yield) and turn over of invested money could be achieved with application of 20.0 and 15.6 t FYM ha^?1, respectively. Application of 5.9 and 8.9 tons FYM ha^?1 would substitute NPK and INM, respectively. Pod number plant^?1 was the most important yield-contributing attribute as found from principal component analysis. Pod yield could be modelled through multiple linear equation with help of yield attributes.     

Effect of Mycorrhiza,Organic Sources,Lime, Secondary and Micro-nutrients on Soil Microbial Activities and Yield Performance of Yam Bean (Pachyrhizus erosus L.) in Alfisols

Effect of integrated use of mycorrhiza, lime, inorganic fertilizers, and organic manures on microbial activities and yield performance of yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus L.) was studied for two consecutive kharif (rainy) seasons during 2013–14 and 2014–15 in an acid Alfisol. The experiment was laid out with 16 treatments consisting of graded doses of soil test–based nitrogen, phosphors, and potassium (NPK); lime; mycorrhiza; organic sources, that is, farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, and green manure; secondary magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) and micronutrients zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄ and borax). Significantly highest mean tuber yield (29.61 t ha^?1) was recorded due to integrated application of lime + FYM + NPK + ZnSO₄. Graded doses of NPK showed a mean yield response of 65%, 134%, and 191% due to addition of 50%, 100%, and 150% of NPK over control, respectively. Inoculation of vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) combined with NPK and FYM recorded a mean tuber yield of 25.14 t ha^?1. Highest mean dry matter (18.85%) was recorded due to application of 150% NPK, whereas highest starch content on fresh weight basis was recorded due to integrated use of lime + FYM + NPK + MgSO₄ (11.11%). Application of 150% NPK has recorded highest dehydrogenase activity (2.018 µg TPF h^?1 g^?1) and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis assay (2.012 µg g^?1 h^?1). Fungal inoculation of VAM in combination with lime + FYM + NPK recorded highest acid and alkaline phosphatase activities (82.20 and 67.02 µg PNP g^?1 soil h^?1, respectively). Soil biological activities and phosphatase activities had highly significant relationship with tuber yield and biochemical constituents of yam bean. The study emphasized the conjunctive use of soil test–based inorganic fertilizers, lime, and organic manures to enhance the enzymatic activities and to realize higher crop yields of yam bean in acid Alfisols.     

Effects of Farmyard Manure and Inorganic Fertilizers on Sorghum Growth,Yield, and Nitrogen Use in a Semi-Arid Area of Ethiopia

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of the combined use of farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizer on the growth and yield of sorghum and on soil chemical properties in a semi-arid area in northeastern Ethiopia. Twelve treatments comprising factorial combinations of four levels of farmyard manure (0, 5, 10, and 15 t ha^?1) and three levels of inorganic fertilizers (0%, 50%, and 100% of the recommended rate) were compared in a randomized complete block design with three replications over a period of six years. The results revealed significant improvements in the growth and yield of sorghum due to the main and interaction effects of farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizer application. The combined application of farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizers increased post-anthesis dry-matter production by 147%–390% and grain yield by 14%–36%. The main effects of farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizers increased stover yield by 8%–21% and 14%–21%, respectively. Farmyard manure application increased total nitrogen (N) uptake by 21%–36%, grain protein yield by 8%–11%, and grain protein concentration by 20%–29%. Application of farmyard manure along with 50% of the recommended inorganic fertilizer rate resulted in a grain yield equivalent to, or greater than that for 100% of the recommended inorganic fertilizer rate, thus effecting a 50% savings of inorganic N and phosphorus (P) fertilizer. Application of 5, 10, and 15 t farmyard manure ha^?1along with 100% of the recommended fertilizer rate and 5, 10, and 15 t farmyard manure ha^?1 along with 50% of the recommended fertilizer rate can be recommended for farmers who can and cannot afford to buy inorganic fertilizers, respectively.     

Suitability of Lime,Green Leaf,and Farm Yard Manure and Inorganic Fertilizers for Sustaining Green Gram Yield and Rainwater Use Efficiency Under Moist Sub-Humid Alfisols in India

Field experiments were conducted to assess the effect of nutrients management practices on yield and rainwater use efficiency of green gram (Vigna radiata), and soil fertility under moist sub-humid Alfisols at Phulbani, India, during 2005–2008. Ten treatment combinations of lime @ 10% and 20% of lime requirement (LR) @ 8.3 t ha^?1, farmyard manure (FYM) @ 5 t ha^?1, green leaf manure @ 5 t ha^?1, and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N–P–K) (20–40–20 kg ha^?1) were tested. The analysis of variance indicated that treatments differed significantly from each other in influencing yield and rainwater use efficiency. Application of lime @ 20% LR + FYM @ 5 t/ha + 40 kg P + 20 kg K ha^?1 was superior with maximum mean yield of 531 kg ha^?1, while lime @ 10% LR + FYM @ 5 t ha^?1 + 40 kg P + 20 kg K ha^?1 was the second best with 405 kg ha^?1 and maintained maximum soil fertility of nutrients. The superior treatment gave maximum sustainability yield index of 67.5%, rainwater use efficiency of 0.49 kg ha^?1 mm^?1, improved soil pH, electrical conductivity, and soil nutrients over years.     

Continuous Cropping,Fertilization, and Organic Manure Application Effects on Potassium in an Alfisol under Arid Conditions

Effects of continuous cropping and addition of organic manures (farmyard manure, FYM, and groundnut shells, GNS) along with inorganic fertilizers on nonexchangeable potassium (K) release kinetics in a K-deficient Alfisol were studied in a 20-year manurial experiment under arid conditions. There was a depletion in available K under continuous cropping without K input (control) as compared to other treatments such as 100% nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK), 50% NPK + 4 metric tons (MT) groundnut shells ha^?1, 50% NPK + 4 MT FYM ha^?1, and 100% organic (i.e., 5 MT FYM ha^?1). Over 20 years of cropping without K input, available K was reduced from 155 kg ha^?1 (in 1985) to 82 kg ha^?1 (in 2005), showing a negative balance of 73 kg ha^?1. Soil in control plots showed available K in the deficient range (<50 mg kg^?1), whereas four other fertilizer and manurial treatments were greater than the critical limit. Considerable improvements in nonexchangeable K-release parameters such as step K and cumulative K release were observed in manured plots over control. Parabolic diffusion and first-order kinetic equations explained K release from soils. Potassium-release rates were drastically reduced in control plots, and there were increased release rates with continuous addition of manures. Results suggest that soils with groundnut shells or FYM (4 MT ha^?1) along with 50% inorganic fertilizer additions could maintain greater K release rates after 20 years of cropping as compared to cropping without K input.     

Long-term effects of fertilization and manuring on productivity and soil biological properties under rice (Oryza sativa)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) sequence in Mollisols

Long-term effects of chemical fertilizers and farmyard manure (FYM) in rice (Oryza sativa)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system were monitored for two consecutive years after 38 and 39 years on productivity and soil biological properties of Mollisols. The study encompasses varying chemical fertilizer levels of optimum fertilizer rate (120, 26 and 37 kg ha^?1 N, P and K, respectively) for both the crops. The treatments were application of 50% NPK, 100% NPK, 150% NPK, 100% NPK + hand weeding (HW), 100% NPK + Zn, 100% NP, 100% N, 100% NPK + 15 t FYM ha^?1, 100% NPK(-S) and unfertilized control. The rice and wheat yields were highest with 100% NPK + 15 t FYM ha^?1. This treatment also gave maximum and significantly more counts of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes in soil than all the other treatments after crop harvest. The soil microbial biomass C (410.0 and 407.5 µg g^?1) and N (44.53 and 48.30 µg g^?1) after rice and wheat, respectively, were highest with 100% NPK + 15 t FYM ha^?1, which were significantly higher over all the other treatments. The activities of soil enzymes like dehydrogenase, acid and alkaline phosphatase, arylsulphatase and urease and CO₂ evolution rate with 100% NPK + 15 t FYM ha^?1 were also found significantly higher over the other treatments. Fertilizer treatments with 100% NPK and 150% NPK were comparable and significantly better than application of 50% NPK, 100% N, 100% NP and 100% NPK(-S) in various studied soil biological properties. Integrated use of 100% NPK with FYM sustained the higher yields and soil biological properties under rice–wheat cropping system in Mollisols. Application of Zn and hand weeding with 100% NPK were found better over 100% NPK alone in rice and wheat productivity. Imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers had the harmful effect on soil biological health.     

Influence of boron fertilization on cauliflower productivity,nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status in an acid Alfisol in Northwestern Himalaya

ABSTRACT

Modern agriculture over the years has resulted in depletion of boron (B) from soil which has been emerged as a serious obstacle for sustainable agriculture. We studied the availability of B in soil and cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) productivity under different levels of B fertilization. A field experiment was conducted during 2013–2014 and 2014–2015, at experimental farm of Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur on silt-clay loam soil (acid Alfisol) under mid hill wet temperate condition. Different levels of B for the study included 0, 0.75, 1.5, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 30 kg B ha^?1 along with recommended dose (RD) of NPK and farmyard manure (FYM, 20 t ha^?1). The application of B influenced biological yield significantly up to 5 kg ha^?1. Highest curd yield in 2013–2014 (11.03 t ha^?1) and 2014–2015 (12.93 t ha^?1) was recorded in 1.5 and 0.75 kg ha^?1 B along with NPK + FYM, respectively. At higher rates of boron i.e. 10, 20 and 30 kg ha^?1, due to toxic effects, a reduction in curd yield was recorded in both years. Maximum mean uptake of N, P and K by leaves and curd was recorded with the application of boron at 1.5 kg ha^?1, whereas mean B uptake was highest when boron was applied at 2.5 kg ha^?1. The highest mean value (1.79 mg kg^?1) of soil available boron was recorded with 30 kg B ha^?1. Application of boron at 2.4 kg ha^?1 was worked out as optimum dose for cauliflower.     

Effect of short-term supply of farmyard manure on maize growth and soil parameters in pot culture

Farmyard manure (FYM) improves various soil parameters and to a large extent, the availability of water and nutrient to crops when it is applied to the soil. This study aims to further investigate the short-term effects of different levels of FYM on maize plants and soil parameters. Maize plants grown in pot culture were treated with no FYM (control), recommended NPK (inorganic fertilizers), and FYM at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 t ha^?1 along with recommended NPK, and the cultures were analyzed 8 weeks after germination. Soil bulk density and soil pH decreased with the increasing levels of FYM, whereas soil porosity, soil organic matter (SOM), soil water content, plant height, root and shoot yield, and NPK uptake of maize were increased compared with the control or recommended NPK, respectively. The present results indicate that short-term application of higher FYM levels improves soil properties. Furthermore, the application of FYM at only higher rates significantly increases the nutrient uptake of maize plants due to improved soil properties. The supply of different amounts of nutrients increases biomass and nutrient uptake in plants.     

Influence of Soil and Fertilizer Nutrients on Sustainability of Rainfed Finger Millet Yield and Soil Fertility in Semi-arid Alfisols

Productivity of rainfed finger millet in semiarid tropical Alfisols is predominantly constrained by erratic rainfall, limited soil moisture, low soil fertility, and less fertilizer use by the poor farmers. In order to identify the efficient nutrient use treatment for ensuring higher yield, higher sustainability, and improved soil fertility, long term field experiments were conducted during 1984 to 2008 in a permanent site under rainfed semi-arid tropical Alfisol at Bangalore in Southern India. The experiment had two blocks—Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and Maize Residue (MR) with 5 fertilizer treatments, namely: control, FYM at 10 t ha^?1, FYM at 10 t ha^?1 + 50% NPK [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K)], FYM at 10 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK (50 kg N + 50 kg P + 25 kg K ha^?1) and 100% NPK in FYM block; and control, MR at 5 t ha^?1, MR at 5 t ha^?1 + 50% NPK, MR at 5 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK and 100% NPK in MR block. The treatments differed significantly from each other at p < 0.01 level of probability in influencing finger millet grain yield, soil N, P, and K in different years. Application of FYM at 10 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK gave a significantly higher yield ranging from 1821 to 4552 kg ha^?1 with a mean of 3167 kg ha^?1 and variation of 22.7%, while application of maize residue at 5 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK gave a yield of 593 to 4591 kg ha^?1 with a mean of 2518 kg ha^?1 and variation of 39.3% over years. In FYM block, FYM at 10 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK gave a significantly higher organic carbon (0.45%), available N (204 kg ha^?1), available P (68.6 kg ha^?1), and available K (107 kg ha^?1) over years. In maize residue block, application of MR at 5 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK gave a significantly higher organic carbon (0.39%), available soil N (190 kg ha^?1), available soil P (47.5 kg ha^?1), and available soil K (86 kg ha^?1). The regression model (1) of yield as a function of seasonal rainfall, organic carbon, and soil P and K nutrients gave a predictability in the range of 0.19 under FYM at 10 t ha^?1 to 0.51 under 100% NPK in FYM block compared to 0.30 under 100% NPK to 0.67 under MR at 5 t ha^?1 application in MR block. The regression model (2) of yield as a function of seasonal rainfall, soil N, P, and K nutrients gave a predictability in the range of 0.11 under FYM at 10 t ha^?1 to 0.52 under 100% NPK in FYM block compared to 0.18 under MR at 5 t ha^?1 + 50% NPK to 0.60 under MR at 5 t ha^?1 application in MR block. An assessment of yield sustainability under different crop seasonal rainfall situations indicated that FYM at 10 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK was efficient in FYM block with a maximum Sustainability Yield Index (SYI) of 41.4% in <500 mm, 64.7% in 500–750 mm, 60.2% in 750–1000 mm and 60.4% in 1000–1250 mm rainfall, while MR at 5 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK was efficient with SYI of 29.6% in <500 mm, 50.2% in 500–750 mm, 40.6% in 750–1000 mm, and 39.7% in 1000–1250 mm rainfall in semi-arid Alfisols. Thus, the results obtained from these long term studies incurring huge expenditure provide very good conjunctive nutrient use options with good conformity for different rainfall situations of rainfed semiarid tropical Alfisol soils for ensuring higher finger millet yield, maintaining higher SYI, and maintaining improved soil fertility.     

Long‐term fertilization impacts on corn yields and soil organic matter on a clay‐loam soil in Northeast China

A long‐term fertilization experiment with monoculture corn (Zea mays L.) was established in 1980 on a clay‐loam soil (Black Soil in Chinese Soil Classification and Typic Halpudoll in USDA Soil Taxonomy) at Gongzhuling, Jilin Province, China. The experiment aimed to study the sustainability of grain‐corn production on this soil type with eight different nitrogen (N)‐, phosphorus (P)‐, and potassium (K)–mineral fertilizer combinations and three levels (0, 30, and 60 Mg ha^–1 y^–1) of farmyard manure (FYM). On average, FYM additions produced higher grain yields (7.78 and 8.03 Mg ha^–1) compared to the FYM0 (no farmyard application) treatments (5.67 Mg ha^–1). The application of N fertilizer (solely or in various combinations with P and K) in the FYM0 treatment resulted in substantial grain‐yield increases compared to the FYM0 control treatment (3.56 Mg ha^–1). However, the use of NP or NK did not yield in any significant additional effect on the corn yield compared to the use of N alone. The treatments involving P, K, and PK fertilizers resulted in an average 24% increase in yield over the FYM0 control. Over all FYM treatments, the effect of fertilization on corn yield was NPK > NP = NK = N > PK = P > K = control. Farmyard‐manure additions for 25 y increased soil organic‐matter (SOM) content by 3.8 g kg^–1 (13.6%) in the FYM1 treatments and by 7.8 g kg^–1 (27.8%) in the FYM2 treatments, compared to a 3.2 g kg^–1 decrease (11.4%) in the FYM0 treatments. Overall, the results suggest that mineral fertilizers can maintain high yields, but a combination of mineral fertilizers plus farmyard manure are needed to enhance soil organic‐matter levels in this soil type.     

Yield,Nutrient Uptake,and Quality of Stevia as Affected by Organic Sources of Nutrient

A field experiment was conducted during 2008 and 2009 at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, India, to study the effect of organic sources of nutrient on yield, nutrient uptake, fertility status of soil, and quality of stevia crop in the western Himalayan region. The experiment comprised eight different combinations of organic manure [farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), and apple pomace manure (AP)]. Total leaf dry biomass increased by 149% over the control with application of VC 1.5 t ha^?1 + AP 5 t ha^?1. Application of organic manures enhanced organic carbon and available nutrient status of soil more than the control. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content in stem were significantly affected by the application of organic manures over the control. Stevia plants supplied with FYM 10 t ha^?1 + AP 2.5 t ha^?1 recorded more total glycoside than other treatments. Stevioside yield (kg ha^?1) was greater with application of FYM 10 t ha^?1 + AP 2.5 t ha^?1.     

Effect of different fertilization modes on soil organic carbon sequestration in acid soils

ABSTRACT

A meta-analysis of 297 treatment data from the Vezaiciai Branch of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry long-term field experiment published from 2006 to 2015 was used to characterize the changes in SOC under different fertilization treatments and residue management practices in Lithuania’s acid soil. A meta-analysis was performed to quantify the relative annual change (RAC) of SOC content and the average RAC rate of SOC under four fertilization modes (farmyard manure (FYM) (40?t?ha^?1)); alternative organic fertilizers (in the manure background (40?t?ha^?1)); FYM (60?t?ha^?1); alternative organic fertilizers (in the manure background (60?t?ha^?1)) in two soil backgrounds (naturally acid and limed soil). The average RAC under four fertilization modes was 1.46 g?kg^?1?yr^?1, indicating that long-term fertilization had considerable SOC sequestration potential. Incorporation of alternative organic fertilizers in unlimed soil showed negative effects (?0.39 and ?0.66 g?kg^?1?yr^?1) in the observed long-term experiment. The RAC in the limed soil with incorporated organic fertilizers (FYM and alternative organic fertilizers), compared to the control, and varied from 0.25 g?kg^?1?yr^?1 in the treatment with incorporated alternative organic fertilizers (in the manure background (40?t?ha^?1)) to 0.71 g?kg^?1?yr^?1 in the soil with FYM (60?t?ha^?1). In this study, the average RAC rate of SOC under organic fertilization treatments in limed soil (5.07–6.54%) was longer than organic fertilization in unlimed soil (2.11–3.49%), which might be attributed to the application of organic manure that would result in a slow release of fertilizer efficiency. Our results indicate that the application of manure (40 or 60?t?ha^?1) showed the greatest potential for C sequestration in agricultural soil and produced the longest SOC sequestration duration.     

Effect of long‐term fertilization and manuring on potassium release properties in a Typic Ustochrept

A long‐term fertilizer experiment, over 27 years, studied the effect of mineral fertilizers and organic manures on potassium (K) balances and K release properties in maize‐wheat‐cowpea (fodder) cropping system on a Typic Ustochrept. The treatments consisted of control, 100% nitrogen (100% N), 100% nitrogen and phosphorus (100% NP), 50% nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (50% NPK), 100% nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (100% NPK), 150% nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (150% NPK), and 100% NPK+farmyard manure (100% NPK+FYM). Nutrients N, P, and K in 100% NPK treatment were applied at N: 120 kg ha^—1, P: 26 kg ha^—1, and K: 33 kg ha^—1 each to maize and wheat crops and N: 20 kg ha^—1, P: 17 kg ha^—1, and K: 17 kg ha^—1 to cowpea (fodder). In all the fertilizer and manure treatments removal of K in the crop exceeded K additions and the total soil K balance was negative. The neutral 1 N ammonium acetate‐extractable K in the surface soil (0—15 cm) ranged from 0.19 to 0.39 cmol kg^—1 in various treatments after 27 crop cycles. The highest and lowest values were obtained in 100% NPK+FYM and 100% NP treatments, respectively. Non‐exchangeable K was also depleted more in the treatments without K fertilization (control, 100% N, and 100% NP). Parabolic diffusion equation could describe the reaction rates in CaCl₂ solutions. Release rate constants (b) of non‐exchangeable K for different depth of soil profile showed the variations among the treatments indicating that long‐term cropping with different rates of fertilizers and manures influenced the rate of K release from non‐exchangeable fraction of soil. The b values were lowest in 100% NP and highest in 100% NPK+FYM treatment in the surface soil. In the sub‐surface soil layers (15—30 and 30—45 cm) also the higher release rates were obtained in the treatments supplied with K than without K fertilization indicating that the sub‐soils were also stressed for K in these treatments.     

Integrated Fertilizer Management: Influence on Soil Nitrogen,Available Phosphorus,Potassium, Nutrient Uptake and Maize Yield

A field experiment was conducted on an Alfisol (kandic paleustalf) in Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria, for two seasons to assess the influence of inorganic and organic fertilizers on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), nutrient uptake and maize yield. The treatments consisted of three rates of organic fertilizer 0, 5 and 10 t ha^?1 in the form of poultry manure and NPK fertilizer (20:10:10) applied at 0 and 120 kg ha^?1. Maize (Zea mays) was used as the test crop. The results showed that the combined application of 10 t ha^?1 poultry manure and 120 kg ha^?1 NPK fertilizer enhanced the uptake of N, P and K better than other treatment combinations. Application of 10 t ha^?1 poultry manure alone gave the highest grain yield, which was 67.02% higher than the control in the first season. Complementary application of 5 t ha^?1 poultry manure with 120 kg ha^?1 NPK 20–10-10 was recommended for grain yield.     

Nutrient Management for Sustaining Productivity of Sunflower-Based Cropping Sequence in Indian Semiarid Regions

A comprehensive long-term study (2006–2010) was undertaken to develop a balanced and integrated nutrient supply system for sunflower-based cropping sequence considering the efficient utilization of residual and cumulative soil nutrient balance along with added fertilizers by the crops grown in rotation. The fertilizer application was done in potato and sunflower while greengram was raised as such on their residual effect. Significant response in yield was observed with 150% of the recommended nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) or inclusion of farmyard manure (FYM) with the recommended NPK in the cropping sequence indicating 6.2–7.0% gain in system productivity over the existing recommendations. Each additional unit of P and K nutrition prompted system productivity by 18.9 and 11.0 kg kg^?1 of applied nutrient, respectively. Apparent yield decline was observed in K and PK omission plots to the extent of 15.8 and 27.4% in potato, 10.5 and 23.9% in sunflower and 4.2 and 8.3% in greengram, respectively, compared to the recommended fertilization. The superiority of the FYM along with the recommended NPK (potato/sunflower) was evident on the overall profitability and sustainability of the system, highlighted by the significantly higher productivity (7.16 t SFEY ha^?1), sustainability yield index (SYI; 0.76), production efficiency (PE; 27.85 kg SFEY ha^?1 day^?1) and net returns (2520 USD ha^?1) with a B:C ratio of 2.91. Apparent change in potassium permanganate (KMnO₄)-N was negative in all the treatments while N and P balance was positive with 150% NPK fertilization. Nutrient uptake exceeded the replenishment with 100% NPK application and maintained net negative soil nutrient stock for all the primary nutrients, indicating the need for revalidation of the existing recommendations in the system perspective. Conspicuous improvement in residual soil fertility in terms of maximum buildup of soil organic carbon (14%) and enhancement in soil KMnO₄-N (4.2%), Olsen-P (19.4%), ammonium acetate (NH4OAc)-K (5.8%) and dehydrogenase enzyme activity (44.4%) was observed in FYM-treated plots over the initial values. The study suggested that the inclusion of legumes and FYM application with the recommended NPK in potato-sunflower cropping sequence will sustain the system’s productivity through the efficient use of nutrients, enhanced microbial activity and improved soil health while combating escalating prices of fertilizers as well as environmental issues in the Indo-Gangetic plains of India and similar environments.     

Long-term yield trend and sustainability of rainfed soybean–wheat system through farmyard manure application in a sandy loam soil of the Indian Himalayas

A long-term (30 years) soybean–wheat experiment was conducted at Hawalbagh, Almora, India to study the effects of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on grain yield trends of rainfed soybean (Glycine max)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) system and nutrient status (soil C, N, P and K) in a sandy loam soil (Typic Haplaquept). The unfertilized plot supported 0.56 Mg ha⁻¹ of soybean yield and 0.71 Mg ha⁻¹ of wheat yield (average yield of 30 years). Soybean responded to inorganic NPK application and the yield increased significantly to 0.87 Mg ha⁻¹ with NPK. Maximum yields of soybean (2.84 Mg ha⁻¹) and residual wheat (1.88 Mg ha⁻¹) were obtained in the plots under NPK + farmyard manure (FYM) treatment, which were significantly higher than yields observed under other treatments. Soybean yields in the plots under the unfertilized and the inorganic fertilizer treatments decreased with time, whereas yields increased significantly in the plots under N + FYM and NPK + FYM treatments. At the end of 30 years, total soil organic C (SOC) and total N concentrations increased in all the treatments. Soils under NPK + FYM-treated plots contained higher SOC and total N by 89 and 58% in the 0–45 cm soil layer, respectively, over that of the initial status. Hence, the decline in yields might be due to decline in available P and K status of soil. Combined use of NPK and FYM increased SOC, oxidizable SOC, total N, total P, Olsen P, and ammonium acetate exchangeable K by 37.8, 42.0, 20.8, 30.2, 25.0, and 52.7%, respectively, at 0–45 cm soil layer compared to application of NPK through inorganic fertilizers. However, the soil profiles under all the treatments had a net loss of nonexchangeable K, ranging from 172 kg ha⁻¹ under treatment NK to a maximum of 960 kg ha⁻¹ under NPK + FYM after 30 years of cropping. Depletion of available P and K might have contributed to the soybean yield decline in treatments where manure was not applied. The study also showed that although the combined NPK and FYM application sustained long-term productivity of the soybean–wheat system, increased K input is required to maintain soil nonexchangeable K level.     

Root Growth and Soil Water Dynamics in Relation to Inorganic and Organic Fertilization in Maize–Wheat

Agricultural productivity is increasingly becoming dependent upon soil fertility, which is generally thought to be supplemented through the application of nutrients mainly through inorganic fertilizers. The present study aims to characterize the soil physical environment in relation to long-term application of farmyard manure (FYM) and inorganic fertilizers in a maize–wheat cropping system. The treatments in both the maize and wheat systems included a control (without any fertilizer or FYM), FYM (farmyard manure at 20 t ha^?1), N₁₀₀ (nitrogen at 100 kg ha^?1), N₁₀₀P₅₀ (nitrogen and phosphorus at 100 and 50 kg ha^?1), and N₁₀₀P₅₀K₅₀ (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash at 100, 50, and 50 kg ha^?1). The treatments were replicated four times in a randomized complete block design in sandy loam soil. The root mass density in surface layers of both the crops was lower in FYM and higher in inorganic fertilizer plots. The root length density was found to be highest in FYM-treated plots and lowest in control plots. The periodic soil matric suction during wheat following maize remained highest in FYM plots followed by that in N₁₀₀ plots in all the layers. The soil water storage of wheat at harvest (rice–wheat) was highest (21.1 cm) in control and lowest (17.8 cm) in FYM-treated plots. The soil water status, root growth, and crop performance improved with balanced fertilization.     

Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on Growth,Yield, and Juice Quality and Residual Effects on Ratoon Crops of Sugarcane

ABSTRACT

Field experiments were carried out for three consecutive years (2003–2006) at Bangladesh Sugarcane Research Institute farm soil on plant (first crop after planting) and subsequent two ratoon crops of sugarcane. The main objectives of the study were to assess the direct and residual effects of organic and inorganic fertilizer on growth, yield, and juice quality of plant and ratoon crops. The plant crop consisted of four treatments. After harvesting of plant crop to evaluate the residual effects on ratoon crop the plots were subdivided except the control plot. Thus, there were seven treatments in the ratoon crop. Application of recommended fertilizer [nitrogen (N₁₅₀), phosphorus (P₅₂), potassium (K₉₀), sulfur (S₃₅), and zinc (Zn₃) kg ha^{? 1}] singly or 25% less of it either with press mud or farmyard manure (FYM) at 15 t ha^{? 1} produced statistically identical yield ranged from 67.5 to 69.0 t ha^{? 1} in plant crop. In the ratoon experiment when the recommended fertilizer was applied alone or 25% less of its either with press mud or FYM at 15 or even 7.5 t ha^{? 1} again produced better yield; it ranged from 64.8 to 69.2 in first ratoon and 68.2 to 76.5 t ha^{? 1} in second ratoon crops. Results showed that N, P, K, and S content in leaf progressively decreased in ratoon crops over plant crop. Juice quality parameters viz. brix, pol, and purity % remained unchanged both in plant and ratoon crops. Furthermore, organic carbon (C), available N, P, K, and S were higher in post harvest soils that received inorganic fertilizer in combination with organic manure than control and inorganic fertilizer treated soil. It may be concluded that the application of 25% less of recommended fertilizer (N₁₁₂, P₄₀, K₆₈, S₂₆, and Zn_2.2.5 kg ha^{? 1}) either with press mud or FYM at 15 t ha^{? 1} was adequate for optimum yield of plant crop. Results also suggest that additional N (50% extra dosage) keeping all other fertilizers at the same level like plant crop i.e. N₁₆₈, P₄₀, K₆₈, S₂₆, and Zn_2.25 kg ha^{? 1} either with press mud or FYM at 7.5 t ha^{? 1} may be recommended for subsequent ratoon crops to obtain good yield without deterioration in soil fertility.     

Integrated use of organic and inorganic inputs in wheat-fodder maize cropping sequence to improve crop yields and soil properties

A 2-year field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of two organics, farmyard manure and vermicompost, each at three rates (0, 5, 10 t ha^?1 and 0, 1, 2 t ha^?1, respectively), along with two levels of mineral fertilizer (75% and 100% of recommended dose), on crops yields and soil properties under a wheat–fodder maize cropping sequence. Individual addition of organics at a higher level increased yields of wheat and subsequent maize. Soil microbial biomass carbon was enhanced as both a direct and residual effect with the addition of farmyard manure followed by vermicompost and fertilizer treatments, and also by combined addition of manure with either vermicompost or mineral fertilizer. Farmyard manure increased the availability of soil macro- and micronutrients, whereas vermicompost influenced only the availability of micronutrients at wheat harvest. A residual effect of farmyard manure and mineral fertilizers was found for available N. Meanwhile, the residual status of micronutrients in the soil was either maintained or significantly improved due to organic amendments (Mn and Zn with farmyard manure; Fe and Zn with vermicompost). Interaction of farmyard manure and vermicompost at a higher level benefited the next crop by increasing the yield of fodder maize and improving the availability of P and metals in soil.     

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.