Long Term Impact of Fertilization and Intensive Cropping on Maize Yield and Soil Nutrient Availability under Sandy Clay Loam Soil (Inceptisol)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of crop productivity and soil nutrient availability under continuous cropping and fertilization. A single nutrient application or omission of nutrient or mineral fertilizer alone can deteriorate the soil nutrient availability and yield in long run. The result revealed that soil pH and EC have not changed substantially even after the repeated application of fertilizers over five decades. The use of balanced fertilizers either alone or integrated with organic manure (FYM) has significantly increased the grain and straw yield of maize. The yield increment of maize was observed 13.9 percent higher than 100% NPK and 18.3 percent higher than without the addition of S (S free). Balanced fertilization can improve the soil nutrients (N, P, K & S) and soil organic carbon instead addition of FYM @ 10 t ha-1 could increase the SOC and soil nutrients in long run in a sustainable manner. Concerning nitrogen, single nutrient (N alone) plots received low available nutrients and yield also it’s deteriorated the soil nutrients over long period. A build-up of available soil P and S was observed due to its continuous addition through fertilizer but soil K has reduced because of intensive cropping and high-yielding cultivars. Hence, for sustainable roduction, application of a recommended dose of mineral fertilization (100% NPK) along with FYM @ 10 t ha-1 may be used to achieve a higher yield, stable nutrient balance and soil quality over decades.