Assessing Soil Physical and Chemical Properties Under Long Term Fertilization After Forty-Eight Years in North-Western Himalayas

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present investigation was carried out in an on-going long-term fertilizer experiment, initiated during 1972 at experimental farm of Department of Soil Science, Choudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya Palampur, to study the long-term effect of fertilizers and amendments on soil physical and chemical properties in an acid Alfisol under maize–wheat cropping system. The experiment consisted of 11 treatments with 3 replications with randomized block design. The soil of the experimental site was silt loam and classified taxonomically as “Typic Hapludalf” (Subgroup). Long-term use of integrated nutrient management practices significantly improved the available Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium as compared to control. Effect of long-term application of inorganic fertilizers and amendments on soil chemical properties was studied. Soil organic carbon content was increased in 100% Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium + Farm Yard Manures applied plots. Application of inorganic fertilizers along with Farm Yard Manures increased the Mean weight diameter (MWD) and Geometric mean weight diameter (GMD) over control. The available Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium and Diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) extractable micronutrients cation were optimum in 100% Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium + Farm Yard Manures applied treatments.