Effect of Continuous Application of Fertilizers, Farmyard Manure and Lime on Soil Fertility and Productivity of the Maize-Wheat System in an Acid Alfisol

Abstract

ABSTRACTA study on the long-term effect of fertilizers and amendments on crop productivity and changes in soil fertility in maize-wheat cropping system in an acid Alfisol was carried out in randomized block design (RBD) with 11 treatments. Continuous application of chemical fertilizers along with farmyard manure (FYM) or lime significantly influenced the grain and straw/stover yield and the uptake of nutrients by wheat and maize crops significantly. The organic carbon content increased from 7.9 to 12.1 g kg−1, cation exchange capacity (CEC) from 12.1 to 14.6 cmol (p+) kg−1 and available phosphorus from 21.9 to 75.2 kg ha−1 through the integrated use of organic and fertilizers for the last 42 years while the status of available nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) declined over the years in all the treatments. Continuous application of urea alone resulted in a drastic decline in soil pH at both depths. Imbalanced use of fertilizers led to a significant reduction in the productivity of both crops and depleted the soil fertility.