Influence of Moisture Conservation Practices and Soil Amendments on Moisture Content and Biological Properties in Soils under Semi-arid Climatic Conditions of Central India

Abstract

An investigation was conducted during kharif 2016 and 2017, to assess the “Influence of moisture conservation practices and soil amendments on moisture content and biological properties in soil at Integrated Farming System Research, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Dr. PDKV, Akola with seven treatments replicated thrice in randomize block design. The treatments consisted of normal sowing, recommended dose of fertilizer + opening of furrow at 30 DAS, recommended dose of fertilizer + opening of furrow at 45 DAS, 75% recommended dose of nitrogen and 100% P and K through chemical fertilizer + 25% N through green leaf manuring (Glyricidia) at the time of sowing and opening of furrow 30 DAS, 75% recommended dose of nitrogen and 100% P and K through chemical fertilizer + 25% N through green leaf manuring (Glyricidia) at the time of sowing and opening of furrow 45 DAS, 75% of recommended dose of fertilizer + farm yard manure @ 2.5 tonnes after opening of furrow at 30 DAS, 75% of recommended dose of fertilizer + farm yard manure @ 2.5 tonnes after opening of furrow at 45 DAS. The moisture content and biological properties were significantly enhanced with application of 75% recommended dose of nitrogen and 100% P and K through chemical fertilizer + 25% N through green leaf manuring (Glyricidia) at the time of sowing and opening of furrow 30 DAS. The integration of moisture conservation practices and soil amendments have greater significance in improving the soil properties and sustainability of soil in changing climatic conditions of rainfed agriculture.