Application Of Organic Manure Research Articles

Assessment of Soil Fertility Status Using Soil Nutrient Index (SNI) With Special Reference to pH, SOC, Ec, N, P, K and S of Jabalpur Block in Jabalpur District, M.P, India

Soil nutrients are the key factors that influence crop productivity and plant growth. The present study gives information about the soil nutrient status of Jabalpur Block in Jabalpur District, Madhya Pradesh. 30 soil samples were collected from the field at a depth of 0-15 cm. Soil samples were collected using grid sampling techniques and the location of soil sampling sites was determined using GPS. Soil samples were further analysed to determine the soil nutrient index (SNI) using the soil chemical properties such as pH, OC, EC, and soil macronutrients i.e. N, P, K and Sulphur (S), etc. The nutrients are further categorized as low, medium, and high as per the soil nutrient index (NI). The spatial variation of soil nutrient parameters was represented by using the interpolation method in the ArcGIS environment. Based on the fertility measurement, the pH of the Jabalpur block ranges from 7.1 to 7.9, which is indicative of Neutral to alkaline nature, and organic carbon content ranges from 0.7 % to 1.78 %, indicating that the amount of SOC is medium to high along with available N ranging from (90kg/ha to 320kg/ha), available P with (20.16kg/ha to 47.04kg/ha) and available K of (29.12 kg/ha to 118kg/ha). The fertility status of Jabalpur block in this study is primarily constrained by soil pH, as well as N, P, K and S. Therefore, to enrich the soil fertility status of Jabalpur block, proper nutrient management practices, application of different organic manures, suitable cropping pattern and sustainable use of agricultural land are very essential.

Relationship between various Soil Qualities and Winter Rye Yield and its Components caused by the Application of Organic Manure

Relationship between various Soil Qualities and Winter Rye Yield and its Components caused by the Application of Organic Manure

Effect of organic manure, Biofertilizer and foliar spray of Ascorbic acid on vegetative growth and fruit quality of Basheqi cv. of Olive (Olea europaea L.)

ABSTRACT: This experiment was conducted in a private olive orchard located in the village of Kasara, Dohuk governorate, Kurdistan region, Iraq, during growing season 2021-2022 on 14 years old olive trees cv. Basheqi (Olea europaea L) planted at 4x8m apart in (silty clay loam) soil, under drip irrigation system. Three levels of Organic manure (poultry manure) at (0, 4 and 8) kg/tree was added to the soil at the second week of December in 2021 season, three levels of Bio-fertilizers (Bio Health) at conc. (0, 10 and 15) g.l-1 and three concentrations (0, 300 & 600 mg.l-1 ) of foliar spray of ascorbic acid. Bio-fertilizers and ascorbic acid was carried out two times per season, First: Prior-Flowering, Second: After Setting in order to investigate there influence on growth and Fruit Quality of olive trees. A factorial experiment with three replications was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), using one tree for each experimental unit. Results indicated that soil application of organic manure (poultry manure) at 8 Kg/tree significantly increased all studied characters {average leaf area, chlorophyll content, Protein % in Leaves, Fruit Total Soluble Solids TSS %, Total Carbohydrates %, Anthocyanin Content, Ascorbic acid (Vit.C), Percentage of Oil}. Soil application of biofertilizer (bio health) at 15g.l-1 significantly increased all study characters except TSS. Foliar application of Ascorbic acid at 600 mg/l-1 significantly increased average leaf area, total chlorophyll content, Protein % in Leaves, Ascorbic acid, Percentage of Oil. In comparison to other interactions, the interaction of (8 kg O.M./tree, 15 g.l-1 bio fertilizer, and 600 mg.l-1 ascorbic acid) appeared to be more efficient in enhancing all characteristics studied in this experiment.

Effect of Long-Term Application of Inorganic Fertilizers, Organic Manure, and Lime on Different Forms of Potassium in Soil under Maize-Wheat Cropping System

The field study was undertaken with the major emphasis on potassium fractionation and its contribution in acid alfisol soils as affected by adoption of continuous cropping, fertilization, and manuring under maize-wheat cropping system in same field over 62 years of crop cycles. The experiment consisted of fourteen treatments, replicated thrice times in a randomized block design, out of which nine treatments were selected for the present study. The selected treatments were as follows - control, T2-100% N, T3- FYM, T4-100% NP, T5-100% NPK, T6- 1/2(N+FYM) + P(A-X/2) + K(B-Y/2) (INM), T7-100% NPK + Lime where the lime application in LR once in 4 years, T8-Lime+ FYM+ P(A-X) + K(B-Y), T9-Lime+N. Surface soil (0-15cm) and subsurface soil (16-30 cm) samples were collected after the harvest of wheat in 2017-18 to observe the initial Physico-chemical properties. Different fractions of potassium, viz., water-soluble K, exchangeable K, available K, 1NHNO3K, non-exchangeable K, Lattice K, and Total K were analyzed for the study. There was a significant difference among the different treatments with respect to potassium fractions in 0-15 cm, and 16-30 cm layers. Moreover, K fractions were significantly decreased with increasing depth of soil. Results showed that the percentage contribution of different forms of K with regard to the total K in surface soil and subsurface soil followed as: Lattice K (68.75-78.11%) > Non – Exchangeable K (19.15-25.49%) > Exchangeable K (1.65-2.45%) >Water soluble K (0.18-0.62%). Application of N and P without K caused depletion of soil, water-soluble K, available K, exchangeable K, non-exchangeable K, and lattice K because of continuous omission of potassium content during the all crop growing stages or the simultaneous leaching nature of residual potassium under same field of the experiment. Therefore, the present investigation stresses the vital importance of the inclusion of organic manure and lime in the fertilizer schedule to maintain soil K dynamics over the long run under the maize-wheat cropping system.

Impacts of long-term organic manure inputs on cultivated soils with various degradation degrees

With an increasing concern of soil health and sustainable development, organic manure application has been readdressed in recent years. In Northeast China, the agricultural industry is highly developed and organic manure resources are abundant, but soil degradation is serious due to extensive expansion of cultivation. Currently, limited information is available on how soils with various degradation degrees respond to long-term manure fertilization. Given that, a comparative study was conducted based on soil functional assessment of croplands with over 35 years of manure fertilization (maize straw compost, SA; cattle manure, CA) and various degradation degrees (none, light, moderate, and heavy). Soils in these croplands were loess-derived Mollisols and concentrated on a gentle to flat slope. Except for the difference in manure fertilization (SA and CA), similar field managements were adopted for these croplands during the past 35 years. Results showed that the impacts of erosion degradation and manure fertilization on soil physical structure lasted across the whole profile (0 ∼ 120 cm), while their impacts on soil nutrient properties were concentrated in shallow layers (<50 cm). Meanwhile, erosion degradation dominated 17.9% of the variance of soil physical structure, and soil profile depth contributed to 15.9% of soil nutrient variation. According to field validation regarding soil erosion modulus and crop yield, principal component analysis (PCA) with a nonlinear scoring method showed a good performance on the integrated soil functional index (ISI) assessment in this study area. The ISI of these croplands was found to be minimally characterized by BD, SOC, TN, AK, sand content, and CEC (R2 >0.64, p < 0.001). In addition, manure fertilization could significantly improve the ISI and maize yield for degraded soils, but had a slight impact on these two indicators for non-degraded soils. In terms of contribution to ISI improvement, SA (1.79% ∼ 283.73%) generally outperformed CA (4.53% ∼ 212.83%), while the latter was more effective in altering soil structure in deep layers (>70 cm). Generally, the ISI and maize yield were more susceptible to erosion degradation than manure fertilization. The obtained results provide useful information for a better cropland management in Northeast China.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Manures on Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) cv. Arka Anamika

The field experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Research CRC Farm – 1 of the Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, ITM University Gwalior (M.P.) during the year 2022 to study the effect of organic and inorganic manure on growth, yield and quality of okra. The experiment was laid out in the randomized block design with three replications and twelve treatments viz. FYM, Vermicompost, FYM + Vermicompost, 50% RDF + FYM, 50 % RDF + Vermicompost, 50 % RDF +FYM + Vermicompost, 75% RDF +FYM), 75% RDF + Vermicompost, 75% RDF +FYM +Vermicompost, 100% RDF +FYM), 100% RDF + Vermicompost, 100 % RDF +FYM + Vermicompost. A single standard variety (Arka Anamika) is sown with the different treatment combination with the plant to plant and row to row spacing maintained at 45 cm x 60 cm respectively. On the basis of the study, the results indicated that the application of 100% RDF +FYM + Vermicompost in Arka Anamika recorded significantly higher plant height (80.20 cm), number of branches per plant (8.58), number of leaves per plant at 90 DAS (68.83). However, higher yield (5.89q /ha) was recorded with the application of the 100% RDF +FYM + Vermicompost. Thus, integrated application of organic and inorganic manures improves the growth and yield of okra crop.

Effects of Fertilizer Application Patterns on Foxtail Millet Root Morphological Construction and Yield Formation during the Reproductive Stage in the Loess Plateau of China

With crop yields continually increasing, chemical fertilizer consumption in China is increasing in parallel. The excessive use of synthetic fertilizer can lead to soil compaction, acidification, and degeneration, which can all be mitigated through additional organic manure application. The combined application of organic manure and inorganic fertilizer plays crucial roles in the root morphology and yield formation of dryland crops. In this study, foxtail millet (Chang Sheng 07) was used as the experimental material and sown in a dry farming area with five different fertilizing patterns, which were composed of chemical N, P, organic manure, and microbial manure. These patterns included a single application of 45 kg·ha−1 of nitrogen fertilizer as the control (N45), the combined application of 60 kg·ha−1 of nitrogen fertilizer with 30 kg·ha−1 of phosphorus fertilizer (N60P30), the combined application of 90 kg·ha−1 of nitrogen fertilizer with 45 kg·ha−1 of phosphorus fertilizer (N90P45), 60 kg·ha−1 of nitrogen fertilizer and 40 kg·ha−1 of phosphorus fertilizer with 2000 kg·ha−1 of organic manure (N60P40-O), and 60 kg·ha−1 of nitrogen fertilizer and 40 kg·ha−1 of phosphorus fertilizer with 5 kg·ha−1 of microbial manure (N60P40-M). Each treatment was performed with four repeats. The results show that (1) the different fertilization patterns had significant effects on the morphological construction of foxtail millet roots, and the root length (RL) with N60P40–O underwent a significant increase of 88.23% and 61.59% in the two stages, respectively, (2) as confirmed by the correlation analysis, the root surface area (RSA) was positively correlated with the RL and root volume (RV), (3) the yields with N90P45 and N60P30 exhibited a significant increase of 54.43% and 59.86%, and those with N60P40–O and N60P40–M stably increased by 13.12–24.11% compared to those with N45, and (4) the water use efficiency (WUE) of foxtail millet under the N60P30 and N90P45 patterns significantly increased by 33.40–62.39%, while that under the N60P40–O and N60P40–M patterns increased by 12.89–29.20%. In summary, the application of additional organic matter and microbial manure promoted the morphological construction of foxtail millet roots, led to better stability in grain production, and is an ecofriendly option in terms of sustainable land use.

Impact of Biofertilizers and Organic Manures on Herbage Production of Kasuri Methi (Trigonella corniculata L.) CV. – Pusa Kasuri

A study was conducted at the Research field, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Gwalior M.P. during rabi 2021-22. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the plant in terms of various parameters such as AGR, CGR, leaf area, fresh leaf yield and dry leaf yield. The results of the study indicated that the application of organic manures and biofertilizers improved the plant growth and yield. The highest median AGR (0.311 and 0.395 g/day) at 30-60 and 60-90 DAS, CGR (7.99 and 12.21 g/m2/day) at 30-60 and 60-90 DAS, leaf area (93.90 cm2), fresh leaf yield (5.78 Kg/plot) and (96.26 q/ha), dry leaf yield (0.49 Kg/plot) and (8.18 q/ha) were observed in the plants treated with FYM (16 t/ha) + Vermicompost (4 t/ha) + Rhizobium (10 ml/kg seed) + PSB (10 ml/kg seed) + KSB (10 ml/kg seed) as compared with control.

Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management on Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil, Growth, Flowering and Yield of Guava Grown as a Component Crop in Coconut-Based Cropping System

An experiment on integrated nutrient management in guava grown as a component crop in a coconut-based cropping system was conducted under the coastal condition of Odisha. Adoption of integrated nutrient management like the application of organic manures with or without NPK fertilizers resulted in improvement in the physico-chemical properties of soil, which was reflected in terms of pH, organic carbon content, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potash content. Among the different combination of integrated nutrient management applied in guava, the plant height, canopy spread, flushing intensity, yield and yield attributing parameters. The maximum available soil nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium contents were estimated to be maximum in the treatment applied with 50% RDF +50% N through vermicompost + FYM +bio fertilizer, while the soil pH was highest owing to application of 75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost + FYM which was at par with results obtained with application of 75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost and 75% RDF +25% N through vermicompost + FYM +bio fertilizer.

Effect of Organic Manures and Natural Farming on Quality and Economics of Carrot

The objective of the experiment was to examine the effects of organic manures and natural farming on the quality and economics of carrots. It was conducted at the research farm of the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Centre of Excellence for Organic Farming of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, during the rabi season. Three replications and eight treatments were included in the RBD design of the experiment. Three different organic manures were applied: FYM, vermicompost, poultry manure and in combination with biofertilizer (Azatobacter and PSB). Treatment of cow based bio-formulations (Ghanajeevamrit and Jeevamrit) and control was also included as treatment where no biofertilizer and manure were used. The study revealed significant improvements in almost all quality attributes due to the combined application of organic manures along with biofertilizer. Among different treatments, vermicompost + biofertilizer surpassed all other treatments by giving maximum root yield (283.4 qha-1), maximum content of the total sugar (8.79%), reducing sugar (4.09%), non-reducing sugar (4.64%), TSS (11.5°Brix) and Chlorophyll content in leaves (4.37 nmol cm-2). Also, the treatment vermicompost + biofertilizer gave maximum gross return (Rs. 425100 ha-1), net return (Rs. 232873 ha-1), and Benefit Cost ratio (2.21). It was also observed during the study that control treatment showed lowest findings among all the treatments.

Application of bio-organic amendments improves soil quality and yield of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) plants in saline calcareous soil

The impact of bio-organic amendments on crop production is poorly understood in saline calcareous soils. The aim in the present study was to determine the effects of the application of organic manure along with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on soil quality, and morpho-physio-biochemical responses, seed yield (SY) and essential oil yield (EOY) of fennel plants (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) grown in saline calcareous soils. Eight treatments of farmyard manure (FM) or poultry manure (PM) individually or combined with Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp) and/or Lactococcus lactis (Ll) were applied to saline calcareous soil in two growing seasons. Either FM or PM combined with LAB had beneficial effects on lowering ECe, pH and bulk density and increasing total porosity, organic matter, and water and nutrient retention capacities in addition to total bacterial population in the soil. Growth, nutrient uptake, SY and EOY of plants were also enhanced when fennel seeds were inoculated with Lp and/or Ll and the soil was amended with any of the organic manures under unfavorable conditions. Compared to control (no bio-organic amendments), FM + Lp + Lt or PM + Lp + Lt treatment signficantlly (P ≤ 0.05) increased plant height by 86.2 or 65.0%, total chlorophyll by 73 or 50%, proline by 35 or 45%, glutathione by 100 or 138%, SY by 625 or 463% and EOY by 300 or 335%, respectively, in fennel plants. Co-application of the naturally occurring microorganisms (i.e., LAB) and organically-derived, nutrient-rich fertilizer (i.e., FM or PM) is recommended to improve yield of fennel plants in saline calcareous soils.

Effect of the Combined Nutrient Fertilization on Elephant Foot Yam under Coastal Condition

As the demand for chemical fertilizers has seen a steep upward trend which has resulted in damage of soil as well as human health. Integrated use of chemical fertilizers along with organic manures has been seen as a alternative method to reduce the dependence upon chemical fertilizers. Hence a the field experiment was carried out to study the effect of intergrated nutrient management practices on available nitrogen, phosphorus, potash in soil along with uptake and economics of elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeonifolius (Dennst.) Nicolsan) cv. Gajendra. The study was laid out in randomized block design with thirteen treatments with three replications. Corms were cut into pieces weighing 800 g for planting, dipped in cow dung slurry and placed for drying. After drying, they are placed in the pits and covered with soil. The treatments comprised of three levels of Farmyard manure (FYM) (20 t ha-1), Vermicompost (5 t ha-1), consortium bio fertilizer (5 Kg ha-1) and organic manures of different combinations. The observations of soil properties were recorded before and after harvesting. From the study it was observed that soil organic content was increased significantly due to the application of organic manures along with biofertilizers, whereas soil physical and chemical properties were unaffected.

Effect of Nutrient Management Practices on Carbon Pools Following 13 Year of Cropping with Soybean (Glycine max) Based Cropping Systems in Vertisol of Central India

Organic manure application has its significant impact on the soil health. Low organic matter in tropical soils is a major factor contributing to their poor productivity. Soil properties have been continuously influenced by the management practices and land uses, in which latter one has been, identified as profound influence on soil properties especially on soil organic carbon. A thirteen year experiment on soybean based cropping system in a vertisol of central india under organic farming was used for this investigation An investigation was carried out on “Soil organic carbon dynamics under long-term nutrient management in soybean based cropping system” at the Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal on an on-going research project on organic farming. The effect of organic, integrated and inorganic nutrient management was assessed in three cropping systems viz. soybean (JS 335)-wheat (Malwa Shakti), soybean-mustard (Pusa Bold) and soybean-gram (JG 130) on aggregate size fractions, carbon content in aggregate as well as soil organic carbon pools dynamics on a split plot experimental design with three replications. The study relevant to dynamics of soil organic carbon pools revealed higher content of soil organic carbon, labile carbon, water soluble carbon, SMBC as well as dehydrogenase activity that varied between 1.04 and 0.86 percent; 440 and 538 mg kg-1, 52.97 and 70.43; 288 and 375 mg kg-1, 88 and 137 µg TPF g-1 soil d-1, respectively in surface 0-15 cm soil under organic nutrient management.

The impact of participatory action research and endogenous integrated soil fertility management on farm-gate dietary outputs in northern Tanzania

In most developing countries, although agricultural extension and research devolved since 1980s to promote relevance, cost-effectiveness, ownership, and sustainability, participatory action research (PAR) have been run, albeit with limited empirical evidence on their impacts on farmers livelihoods. The study use a three-stage extended regression model (ERM) to estimate the effect PAR and the promoted agronomic practices on crop produce dietary outputs considering potential endogenous engagement, omitted variable bias, reverse causality, endogenous covariates, and factor simultaneity. Using a sample of 607 small family farms with varying levels of research engagement in the Northern Highlands of Tanzania, the study found that PAR was associated with increased farm-gate dietary outcomes: per-capita calories, proteins, and minerals produced by 139, 216, and 143 %, respectively, and consumption of farm-produced minerals by 74–200 %. The organic manure application was associated with increased the dietary outputs by 62–113 % while the application of inorganic fertilizer with increased protein and mineral outputs by 68 and 105 %, respectively. The crop diversification was associated with increased dietary outputs by 11–25 % while pest and diseases control with increased dietary outputs by 12–17 % but with reduced consumption by 13–14 %. Soil and water conservation measures including terracing were associated with decreased dietary outputs. These findings indicate that PAR contributes to nutritional outcomes of smallholder farmers contingent on the promotion of low-cost input sources and crop diversification which can be leveraged to inform upscaling of participatory policies, strategies, and technologies.

A Critical Review on Sulphur Application in Rapeseed-mustard to Enhancing Productivity and Oil Quality

Sulfur (S) plays a vital role in determining the seed yield, oil content, quality, and resistance to various stresses in rapeseed-mustard. It is essential for chlorophyll formation, oil synthesis, seed protein, amino acids, enzymes, and glucosinolate in these plants. Sulphur also boosts mustard seed production. However, due to modern agricultural practices, including multiple cropping, the use of sulfur-free fertilizers, and limited organic manure application, soil sulfur levels are depleting rapidly in India. Indian soils typically contain between 10 to 6319 mg kg-1 of sulfur, with most agricultural soils averaging 30 to 300 mg kg-1. Adding sulfur increases mustard oil content by enhancing the activity of an enzyme called acetyl-CoA carboxylase, which is essential for oil synthesis. Sulfur also mitigates the harmful effects of heavy metal toxicity, especially from cadmium. Sulfur interacts with other nutrients in both positive and negative ways. Recommendations for sulfur fertilization in different mustard growing regions have been made based on various research programs. To maximize sulfur use efficiency, it's crucial to apply the correct amount based on soil tests and in balance with other limiting nutrients. Timing of sulfur application is also important; it's best applied at the beginning but can also be top-dressed 20-40 days after planting for optimal yield. Research suggests that mustard responds well to foliar spraying of thiourea during flowering and basal placement before sowing. This paper reviews the strategies to improve sulfur utilization through advancements in application rates, methods, and sulfur sources on rapeseed-mustard.

Response of Inorganic Fertilizers, Organic Manure and Biofertilizer on the Physical Parameters of the Soil under the Cultivation of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) CV. Arun

Application of inorganic fertilizer, biofertilizer and organic manure to the soil can have various effects on the physical parameters of soil, such as soil structure, porosity, water holding capacity, bulk density. The designed lay out 48 total soil samples were taken from different depths 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm. The optimal combination of these inputs depends on the type of soil, crop and climate. Generally, the application of organic manure can improve the soil structure and porosity, while the addition of biofertilizer can enhance the soil fertility and microbial activity. The use of inorganic fertilizer can provide essential nutrients for plant growth, but it should be applied in appropriate amounts and forms to avoid negative impacts on the soil quality. The conjunctive use of N P K and different vermicompost and rhizobium the treatment T16- [RDF @ 100 % + VC @ 100 % + Rhizobium @ 100 %] gave best results physical properties of soil.

Modeling a fertilisant dynamic transformation in ‘soil-plant’ system

The application of fertilizers is one of the conditions for obtaining the resistant cultures. Effectiveness of contribution fertilizers such as phosphorus, the nitrogen, etc…depends on many factors to knowing: properties of the soil, the request of the plants out of fertilizers (phosphorescence for example) and also on the form and the application method of fertilizers. Several results show that rational of organic and inorganic manure applications not only increase the production but also can support a stable level of the production. The mathematical model of the transformation of fertilizer in the system ‘soil plant’ is presented in this work. We showed that there is a stable mode for the system ‘soil plants’. The strategy of the fertilizer application, permitted to provide this regime, has been determinate.

Effect of Organic Manure and Foliar Application of Boron on Morphological and Economic Parameters of Sindh-1 and CKC-3 Cultivars of Cotton Under Semi-arid Climate

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) has a central position in agriculture, similarly it adds to Pakistan’s economy as trade profit. Most of the cotton growing areas of Pakistan are deficient in organic matter due to continuous mono-cropping. Concerning these issues, a one-year field research was conducted during Kharif season in 2021 to evaluate the effect of organic manure and foliar application of boron on morphological and economic characters of CKC-3 and Sindh-1 cultivars under semi-arid climate. Treatments included soil applied farmyard manure (FYM) and foliar application of boron (B): T1 = Control (0 FYM + 0 B), T2 = FYM @10 tons/ha1, T3 = 1% B, T4 = 2% B, T5 = FYM @10 tons/ha1 + 1% B, T6 = FYM@10 tons/ha1 + 2% B. Our results suggested that the treatment of soil applied FYM and foliar applied B @ FYM 10 tons/ha1 + 2% B significantly (P≤0.05) influence the morphological characters including, sympodial branches per plant, opened bolls per plant, seed cotton weight per plant (g), seed cotton yield (kg ha-1), lint yield per plant (g), and GOT (%) of both Sindh-1 and CKC-3 cultivars of cotton. However, CKC-3 performed better than Sindh-1 cultivar in most of the growth and yield related parameters under different treatment regimes. Hence, the optimum FYM and B foliar application levels for economical cotton production was considered to be FYM @10 tons/ha1 + 2% boron along with recommended dose of NPK fertilizers under semi-arid climate.

Soil aggregate-driven changes in nutrient redistribution and microbial communities after 10-year organic fertilization

Research studies on nutrient content and microbial communities after the application of organic manure have been reported, while available information about multi-interaction mechanisms of nutrient stoichiometry and microbial succession in soil aggregates remains limited. This work conducted a 10-year field experiment amended with cow manure (1.5 t/ha), during which the application of organic manure stimulated the fragmentation of soil macro-aggregates (>5 mm) and the agglomeration of soil micro-aggregates (<0.25 mm). Hence, the proportion of medium-size aggregates (0.25–5 mm) was increased in bulk soil, and there was an insignificant difference in the stability of soil aggregates. Meanwhile, the application of organic manure increased soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) and phosphorus (TP) in all soil aggregate fractions. SOC, TN and TP were higher in micro-aggregates (<0.25 mm) after the application of organic manure, thus the dominating phylum of bacteria and fungi was more abundance in micro-aggregates due to the increase in nutrient level. During the organic fertilization process, fungal communities significantly changed because the variation of carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C:N) in soil aggregates. Cultivated farmland in Northeast China showed a considerable capacity to sequestrate SOC during the organic fertilization process, but nitrogen may be a primary macro-element limiting soil productivity. Theoretically, organic manure amended with nitrogen fertilizer could be an effective measure to maintain microbial diversity and crop productivity in agro-ecosystems in Northeast China.

Standardization of Cultivation Practices of Kod (Kutaki, Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth.): An Endangered Medicinal Plant Species of Kashmir Himalaya, India

Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth (Scrophulariaceae) is a small creeping herbaceous alpine species commonly known as Kod or Kutaki, used by local and tribal people for curing fever, asthma, jaundice, stomach ache, indigestion, common fever and bronchial asthma. This has resulted in the loss of biodiversity of the species. Roots of P. kurroa have been used in traditional medicine for years for treating various kinds of diseases. The species has been ruthlessly harvested from the wild source and has become endangered. In the present investigation, an attempt was made to standardize the cultivation practices using organic manures and inorganic fertilizers in P. kurroa. The experiment comprised of 28 treatments {M1P0N0, M1P0N1, M1P0N2, M1P1N0, M1P1N1, M1P1N2, M1P2N0, M1P2N1, M1P2N2, M2P0N0, M2P0N1, M2P0N2, M2P1N0, M2P1N1, M2P1N2, M2P2N0, M2P2N1, M2P2N2, M3P0N0, M3P0N1, M3P0N2, M3P1N0, M3P1N1, M3P1N2, M3P2N0, M3P2N1, M3P2N2 and M0P0N0} with three replications each, including one control treatment. The dry root weight recorded by the application of poultry (20 tonnes ha-1), sheep (25 tonnes ha-1) and farm yard manure (25 tonnes ha-1), was 533.60, 509.60 and 476.70 kg ha-1, respectively. Dry root yield increased significantly with increasing levels of phosphorus (453.6 to 550.4 kg ha-1), and nitrogen (444.8 to 565.6 kg ha-1) as well. Application of organic manure and higher levels of inorganic fertilizers resulted in increase in the root weight with maximum dry root biomass of 640.00 kg ha-1 was observed in treatment M1 P2 N2 (20 tonnes of PM, 100 kg P and 150 Kg N ha-1) compared to the lowest dry yield of 328.0 kg ha-1 as observed in control treatment M0P0N0 (zero tonnes of FYM, 0 kg P and 0 kg N ha-1), although the effect of their interaction was non-significant. It is concluded that highest dry weight of root (692.80 kg ha-1) in P. kurroa was obtained by the application of phosphorus @ 100 kg ha-1 as compared to various organic manures or/different levels of nitrogen used and among the organic manures used viz. poultry, sheep and farmyard manure, the highest root biomass of 533.60 kg ha-1 was recorded by the application of poultry manure. Since the species in Kashmir Himalayan region is endangered but has high commercial demand, hence immediate conservation measures are needed to protect the species from extinction.