Assessment and Comparison of Soil Quality Using Principal Components Analysis (PCA) & Expert Opinion (EO) Methods in different Rice-based Cropping Systems in Alfisol

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to assess and compare soil quality using principal components analysis (PCA) and expert opinion (EO) methods in different rice-based cropping systems in Alfisol. In both the PCA and EO methods rice cultivation in rotation with legumes (chickpea and field pea) sustained significantly better soil quality than that of RW and RF cropping systems and established a good relationship between soil quality index (SQI) and defined soil functions. The study confirmed that the integration of legumes into the rice-based cropping systems will ensure the maintenance of soil quality and environmental stability under intensive” cultivation. However, the PCA method was found comparatively better for soil quality assessment in the North Hill region.