Cropping System In Vertisols Research Articles

Effect of conservation agriculture on soil organic carbon, soil physical properties and yield of different cropping systems in Vertisols of central India

Intensive agriculture coupled with mechanization has become a threat to agricultural sustainability and hence, novel changes like conservation agriculture or regenerative agriculture are required to achieve desirable productivity and upkeep of natural assets. Around the world, conservation agriculture (CA), is gaining acceptance as an innovative and sustainable farming method that can improve the health of the soil, reduce the effect of climate change, enhance organic carbon in the soil, and increase agricultural production. The present research study examined the impact of conservation agriculture in the form of no-tillage on soil organic carbon (SOC), aggregate stability, soil penetration resistance (SPR), and yield of different cropping systems in terms of soybean grain equivalent yield (SGEY). The study was carried out in the Vertisols of central India during the kharif season (July-October) and rabi season (November-April) of 2022-23 on the existing long-term CRP-CA research project at the research farm of the ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, (M.P.), India, initiated way back in 2010. The field experiment was set up using a factorial randomized block design with two tillage systems, no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT), and three cropping systems, namely, soybean-wheat, maize-gram, and maizewheat with four replications. Results revealed that CA-based NT plots have significantly higher SOC (0.93%), mean weight diameter (1.29 mm), and water-stable aggregate (82.12%) compared to the CT plots on the surface soil (0-10 cm). Tillage had no significant impact on the surface of the soil (0-15 cm) to soil penetration resistance, but in lower depths (15- 30 and 30-45 cm), SPR was significantly higher in CT compared to NT. The crop yield of NT in terms of SGEY (34.74 quintal ha-1) is significantly higher than CT (32.28 quintal ha-1). Thus, in the present era, CA techniques could be promoted as sustainable farming methods to increase agricultural yields and the physical health of the soil.

Integrated Nutrient Management Practices and their Effect on Soil Health in Relation of Enzyme Dynamics and Biota in a Long-Term Diverse Cropping System in Vertisols of Central India

Organic farming is gaining popularity as it maintains food yields and soil health without harming the environment. However, there is a dearth of global data on enzymes involved in the carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulphur cycles; microbial elemental stoichiometry; and soil functional diversity. On the other hand, organic farming lacks the most sensitive biological components and enzyme activity based on soil quality indices. It all started in 2004 when four of India's largest soybean-based cropping systems participated in a trial to examine the viability of nutrient management in soybean-based cropping systems (soybean-wheat, soyabean-mustard, soybean-chickpea, and soybean-linseed). Herein, we report the findings of a soybean-wheat cropping system studied for Vertisol under six nutrient management practises. Chemical characteristics of the soil were studied before and after seeding. Enzyme activity, soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), and microbial count were studied in biological parameters. The chemical, biological and agronomic parameters of the soybean crop were statistically examined using the Randomized Block Design. The analysis of the various parameters from the surface soils (0–15 cm). The biological activity varied significantly between treatments. The agronomical indicators also exhibited significant values in the organically treated plot. Organic treatments improved agronomic conditions, stabilised soil, and improved its nutrient content, quality, and biological activity over time. The inorganically treated plot and the state recommended dose plot had the lowest nutritional content, as suggested by the lowest biological activity parameters. Soil fertility and nutrient availability were studied in this experiment in order to comprehend why switching from chemical to integrated nutrient application practises will be helpful towards the inception of a sustainable future.

Productivity and nutrient use of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in sequential cropping system in Vertisols

Field experiments were conducted on fixed plot for three consecutive years during 2009-12 onmediumVertisolsat Hyderabad. The experimental site was clay soil with a soil pH and organic carbon of 7.7 and 0.51 per cent,respectively. The productivity and sustainability ofrabi sunflower was assessed under three cropping sequences in rainy(kharif) and winter (rabi)seasons viz., fallow-sunflower; sunflower-sunflower and soybean-sunflower and four nutrient management practices. The kharif crops were grown as rainfed and rabi sunflower was grown with one irrigation at sowing. The highest seed yield (1412 kg/ha) of sunflower was recorded in soybean-sunflower system followed by fallow-sunflower (1185 kg//ha) system. Continuous cropping ofsunflower resulted in lowest yield (983 kg/ha). N and P uptake of rabi sunflower succeeding either soybean or fallow was higher compared to continuous cropping. Significantly higher and comparable seed yield, stalk yield were obtained with the application of recommended dose of major nutrients in conjunction with farm yard manure (FYM).

Tillage-based nutrient management practices for sustaining productivity and soil health in the soybean-wheat cropping system in Vertisols of the Indian semi-arid tropics

To achieve higher crop production in a soybean-wheat cropping system, comprehensive knowledge of soil fertility status and its variability is crucial. However, a significant gap exists between the potential and actual productivity of this system in the Vertisols of Indian semi-arid tropics. Therefore, 2 years of field research were conducted to investigate how different crop management practices affect soil fertility in this cropping system. The trial was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five crop management practices: CAO (conservation tillage + organic nutrient and weed management), CAC (conservation tillage + chemical nutrient and weed management), CTC (conventional tillage + chemical nutrient and weed management), OCT (conventional tillage + organic nutrient and weed management), and PoPs (package of practices). Results showed that CAO significantly (p < 0.05) increased soil organic C (6.8 g kg−1), available N (129.5 mg kg−1), P (11.0 mg kg−1), K (232.6 mg kg−1), Fe (9.17 mg kg−1), and Mn (10.48 mg kg−1) at topsoil (0–15 cm) and deeper layers (15–60 cm). In contrast, CAC had significantly (p < 0.05) higher soil availability of Ca (5,072 mg kg−1) and Mg (901 mg kg−1) and Cu (0.84 mg kg−1). On the other side, PoPs resulted in the highest S (10.05 mg kg−1) and Zn (0.85 mg kg−1) availability in the topsoil. Our results evidently suggested S and Zn availability as key indicators of soil health sustenance in the present agroecosystem. Notably, CAC had significantly (p < 0.05) higher system productivity (4.62 t ha−1) than the other treatments, showing a 14.0, 6.3, and 18.2% increase over CAO, CTC, and OCT, respectively. Based on the results, it is recommended that CAC is a better option for achieving higher system productivity, while CAO is the best option for ensuring long-term sustainability of soil fertility. The findings of this study could be useful for farmers and agricultural researchers in designing efficient crop management practices to improve the productivity and sustainability of soybean-wheat cropping system in arid to semiarid ecology.

Response of Contrasting Nutrient Management Regimes on Soil Aggregation, Aggregate-Associated Carbon and Macronutrients in a 43-Year Long-Term Experiment

The present investigation evaluated the effect of continuous application (>43 years) of organic and inorganic fertilisers on soil aggregate stability, aggregate size distribution, aggregate-associated carbon and its fractions, and total macro-nutrient content under the soybean–wheat cropping system in vertisols of the semi-arid region. Seven contrasting treatments consisted of T1 (50% NPK), T2 (100% NPK), T3 (150% NPK), T4 (100% NP), T5 (100% N), T6 (100% NPK + FYM) and T7 Control (crop raised without addition of any nutrient). The highest and lowest percentage of large macroaggregates (11.3%) was found in T6 and T7 treatments. The NPK + FYM (T6) treatments substantially increased the proportion of the macroaggregate fractions (>2 mm and 2–0.25 mm) than other treatments. However, different manure and fertilisation treatments did not affect the proportion of silt + clay aggregates. Long-term application of 100% NPK + FYM increased mean weight diameter (MWD) and stable water aggregates (WSA) by 35.7 and 6.01% over control. The aggregate-associated SOC followed the trend of large macroaggregates > microaggregates > small macroaggregates > silt + clay fractions. Application of long-term manure plus inorganic fertiliser (T6) has also increased Walkley Black soil organic carbon (WBSC), permanganate oxidisable carbon (KMnO4-C), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), carbon mineralisation (CM), total soil carbon (TSC), total soil N (TSN), total soil phosphorus (TSP) and total soil potassium (STK) by 82.1, 71.6, 182, 42.4, 23.9, 41.6, 117 and 18.4%, respectively, over control (T7). The lowest metabolic quotient (MetQ) value of 5.13 mg CO2–C mg−1 MBC h−1 was obtained in the control treatment (T7). The lowest MetQ was recorded in the integrated application of manure + inorganic fertiliser, i.e., 100% NPK + FYM (T6). Similarly, microbial quotient (MiQ) was also higher in treatment T6 (100% NPK + FYM) and lower in T7 (control). It is concluded that the application of inorganic fertiliser alone is insufficient to maintain soil health and sustainability so, combined application of manure plus inorganic fertilisation is the most important nutrient management practice for long-term soil sustainability because it maintains SOC levels in soils for long periods and ultimately ensures the soil health of soybean–wheat cropping systems in the vertisols of semi-arid regions.

Effect of tillage and weed management on weed dynamics and yield of rice in rice-wheat-greengram cropping system in vertisols of central India

A field experiment on effect of tillage and weed management on weed dynamics and yield of rice in rice-wheat-greengram cropping system in vertisols of central India was conducted during Kharif 2014 to 2015 at ICAR-DWR, Jabalpur. The experiment consisted of total 15 treatments. A split plot design having three replications was used with five tillage practices in main plots and three weed control treatments in subplots. The maximum weed density and biomass were found when zero tillage was done in rice in the presence of Sesbania (S) and greengram residues (ZT+S+GG); under zero tillage in rice in the presence of Sesbania and green gram residues-zero tillage in wheat in the presence of rice residues-zero tillage in greengram in the presence of wheat residues system [ZT+S+GG(R)-ZT+RR(W)-ZT+WR(GG)] followed by zero tillage done in rice in the presence of only Sesbania residues (ZT+S) under ZT+S(R)-ZT(W)-ZT(GG) system. Whereas the minimum was recorded when conventional tillage was done in transplanted rice under CT(TPR)-CT(W)- fallow system which also recorded higher grain and straw yields as well as gross monetary returns but had higher cost of cultivation followed by (ZT+S) under ZT+S(R)-ZT(W)-ZT(GG) system. This system also has the maximum net monetary returns and B:C along with the reduced cost of cultivation. Rotational application of chlorimuron + metsulfuron-methyl 4 g /ha during previous year and post-emergence application (PoE) of bispyribac-sodium 25 g/ha during next year in rice as well as regular application of bispyribac-sodium 25 g/ha PoE in rice during both the years gave similar weed control and recorded the higher crop yield, net monetary returns and B:C. Among different treatment combinations, rotational application of chlorimuron + metsulfuron-methyl 4 g/ha PoE during previous year and bispyribac-sodium 25 g/ha PoE during next year after conventional tillage in transplanted rice under CT(TPR)-CT(W)-fallow system and ZT+S in rice under ZT+S(R)-ZT(W)-ZT(GG) system has resulted lower weed density and biomass along with higher weed control efficiency, higher grain and straw yields and economic returns than other combinations.

Soil carbon dynamics, carbon budget and its relationship with crop yield under different cropping systems in Vertisols of Central India

The present study was carried out in the farmers’ field during 2014–15 in the agro-ecological sub-region 10.1, covering Sehore and Vidisha of Madhya Pradesh, India. The study was aimed to quantify the annual biomass carbon addition and carbon loss from cultivated Vertisols under different cropping systems and its impact on crop yield. The result indicates that loss of soil organic carbon (SOC) due to intensive crop cultivation was 31.03% and 46.31% as compared to pristine soils of Sehore and Vidisha district, respectively. Among the cropping systems, SOC pool values are relatively higher under legume based cropping system (soybean-wheat and soybean-chickpea) than cereal-cereal cropping system (rice-wheat). The loss of carbon from passive pools was considerably lower (15.72–23.53%) under legume based cropping system as compared to cereal based cropping system (30.20%). The C balance sheet in Sehore and Vidisha districts indicates that the annual loss of C from soil was much less than the annual input of biomass C into the soil, thereby, maintaining a positive C balance in soil to the tune of 1666 (soybean- chickpea system in Sehore) to 2008 kg C (soybean-wheat system in Vidisha) in the soil. Thus, the study concludes that legume based cropping system in Vertisol are soil carbon restorative process as compared to cereal-cereal based cropping system.

Comparative study of soil quality indicators for rice-based cropping system in Vertisols of central plain of Chhattisgarh

Comparative study of soil quality indicators for rice-based cropping system in Vertisols of central plain of Chhattisgarh

Slow and fast-growing soybean rhizobial population, their symbiotic efficiency and soil nitrogen behavior under different cropping systems in Vertisols of Madhya Prasesh, India

An attempt was made in this study to assess the indigenous composition (slow and fast-growers) of soybean-rhizobia, their symbiotic efficiency and nitrogen fixation in Vertisols of Madhya Pradesh under different cropping systems. The soils were collected from soybean-based (soybean-wheat and soybean-chickpea) and cereal-based (maize-wheat, rice-wheat and maize-chickpea) systems during 2013-15 from two agro climatic zones of the state. One of the sampling sites was under Long Term Fertilizer Experiment with soybean-wheat system where three treatments - absolute control, recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) and RDF+FYM were considered. Ratio of fast-growing soybean rhizobia was more in those cropping systems where soybean was one of the crops while population of slow-growers was more with cereal-cereal or maize-chickpea cropping systems. Nodulation and N symbiotic efficiency (N content and uptake) was better with slow-growing rhizobia as compared to fast-growing. Maximum SOC was found at maximum vegetative growth stage in soybean-wheat rotation (5.7 g kg-1 soil) under RDF+FYM and minimum (3.2 g kg-1 soil) in absolute control. Available soil N was more in kharif season with soybean. Legume based systems and rabi season reflected better conversion of NH4+ to NO3--N.

Effects of Tillage, Residue and Fertilizer Nitrogen on Crop Yields, and Soil Physical Properties Under Soybean–Wheat Rotation in Vertisols of Central India

Soybean–wheat cropping system is predominant in vertisols of central India. Long-term field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of four tillage systems [conventional tillage (CT), mouldboard tillage (MB), reduced tillage (RT) and no tillage (NT)] and three rates of fertilizer N (50, 100 and 150 % of recommended fertilizer) on crop yields, root growth, soil organic carbon (SOC) content and physical properties in soybean–wheat cropping system. Productivity of soybean and wheat was similar in different tillage systems. Response of fertilizer N was not influenced by tillage systems, and crop response to fertilizer N was generally observed up to 100 % of the recommended N fertilizer. Root length density of soybean in the top 15 cm depth was higher in NT and RT than in MB and CT. An improvement in selected soil physical properties like soil water storage, bulk density, aggregate stability and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) was recorded in NT and RT than in CT. SOC content at 0–15 cm depth was significantly higher in NT, RT and MB where wheat residues were retained after harvest than that in CT system. The SOC, aggregate stability and Ks were significantly higher in N150 % compared to N50 %. It is concluded that no tillage and reduced tillage systems with residue retention and recommended rate of N would be a suitable practice for sustainable production of soybean–wheat cropping system in vertisols of central India.

Selection of Plant Growth-Promoting Pseudomonas spp. That Enhanced Productivity of Soybean-Wheat Cropping System in Central India

The aim of this investigation was to select effective Pseudomonas sp. strains that can enhance the productivity of soybean-wheat cropping systems in Vertisols of Central India. Out of 13 strains of Pseudomonas species tested in vitro, only five strains displayed plant growth-promoting (PGP) properties. All the strains significantly increased soil enzyme activities, except acid phosphatase, total system productivity, and nutrient uptake in field evaluation; soil nutrient status was not significantly influenced. Available data indicated that six strains were better than the others. Principal component analysis (PCA) coupled cluster analysis of yield and nutrient data separated these strains into five distinct clusters with only two effective strains, GRP3 and HHRE81 in cluster IV. In spite of single cluster formation by strains GRP3 and HHRE81, they were diverse owing to greater intracluster distance (4.42) between each other. These results suggest that the GRP3 and HHRE81 strains may be used to increase the productivity efficiency of soybean-wheat cropping systems in Vertisols of Central India. Moreover, the PCA coupled cluster analysis tool may help in the selection of other such strains.

Effect of zinc levels and incubation with cow dung on yield and zinc uptake by soybean (Glycine max)wheat (Triticum aestivum) sequence in Vertisols

A field experiment was conducted in Vertisols of Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur during 2007-2008 to study the direct effect of Zn levels (0, 1.25, 2.5 and 5 kg/ha) alone and the Zn levels incubated with 200 kg cow dung/ha on yield of soybean {Glycine max (L.) Merrill} JS93 05 and the residual effect on wheat {Triti- cum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori and Paol} GW 273. Application of 5 kg Zn alone and 5 kg Zn + 200 kg cow dung in soybean significantly increased the Zn uptake (181.9 g/ha), grain (1.71 t/ha) and stover (2.36 t/ha) yields over control. Zn uptake and wheat grain yield significantly increased with the residual effect of 2.5 and 5 kg Zn over control. The findings further, revealed that the 5 kg Zn alone and incubated with cowdung was found beneficial for yield, uptake and Zn availability under soybeanwheat cropping system in Vertisols.