DTPA-extractable Micronutrients Research Articles

Sustainable Cropping Sequences to Improve Soil Fertility and Microbiological Properties

Different cropping systems and nutrient management techniques impact the microbiological characteristics of soil and nutrient availability for plants. This study assessed four cropping systems—rice–wheat, cotton–wheat, pearl millet–wheat, and pearl millet–mustard in Hisar district, Haryana, using 80 soil samples (20 from each system) collected in April 2022 after the Rabi crop harvest. The cotton–wheat system had the highest accessible nitrogen (N) at 155.9 kg ha−1, while both the cotton–wheat (59.3 kg ha−1) and rice–wheat (54.0 kg ha−1) systems had higher available sulfur (S) levels compared to pearl millet–wheat (41.2 kg ha−1). Pearl millet–wheat also showed 12.4% higher potassium (K) levels than rice–wheat. The rice–wheat system exhibited the highest phosphorus (P) concentration at 54.3 kg ha−1 and greater DTPA-extractable micronutrients. Soils from the rice–wheat system had higher DTPA-extractable micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu) and superior microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN, 54.7 mg kg−1), urease (37.9 µg NH4+-N g−1 h−1), and alkaline phosphatase activity (APA, 269.7 µg PNP g−1 h−1) compared to other systems. Canonical discriminant functions explained 88.1% of the variability among cropping systems, while principal component analysis identified available P, DTPA-extractable Zn, and Cu as key soil quality indicators, accounting for 66.9% of the variance. These insights can inform policymakers on promoting effective cropping systems and sustainable soil health in northwestern India.

Modeling the Spatial Variability of Soil Nutrients - A Case from Soil Health Card Project, India

Ascertaining and mapping soil nutrient data is crucial for governments to maintain soil health on farmlands. As part of the soil health card project, a total of 329 geo-referenced soil samples were collected from Thaticherla village, Anantapur mandal, Andhra Pradesh, India. These samples were analyzed for various soil properties such as soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), available potassium (K), available sulphur (S), DTPA extractable micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu), and hot water-soluble boron (B) at a depth of 0 to 15 cm. The results showed high variability (>35%) in coefficients of variation in Cu, EC, Zn, and B. The findings indicated positive correlation between Zn and Mn; N and OC; and OC and Zn. The data underwent logarithmic and Box-Cox transformations to achieve normalization. The ordinary kriging method was employed to analyze the spatial variability. The findings revealed that exponential model was appropriate for B, Fe, Mn, Zn, and OC; Gaussian for K; J-Bessel for N; K-Bessel for Cu, P, and S; stable for EC and rational quadratic for pH, respectively. The analysis showed a strong to weak spatial dependency. In the study area, the spatial variability maps exhibited deficiencies of 97%, 96% and 40% for N, OC and Zn, respectively. Therefore, it is urgent to apply suitable manures and fertilizers in the study area to address these issues. The study area exhibited significant variation in spatial patterns, emphasizing the importance of implementing field-specific plans for soil health and environmental management.

Effect of continuous FYM and fertilizer applications over nine years utilizing STCR based targeted yield equations on transfer and uptake of micronutrients in an acid Alfisol under a maize-wheat cropping system

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of long-term Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) based nutrient management in regulating soil micronutrient status and optimizing crop productivity under a maize-wheat cropping system in an acid Alfisol. The experiment was initiated during monsoon 2007, consisted of eight treatments viz., control, farmers’ practice, general recommended dose, soil test-based, STCR based targeted yield of 25 (wheat)/30 (maize) and 35 (wheat)/40 (maize) q ha−1 with FYM @ 5 t ha−1 and without FYM. Results revealed that the soil available Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn exhibited depletion in unfertilized plots over initial status. However, the STCR (Integrated Plant Nutrient Supply; IPNS) based targeted yield approach of fertilizer application maintains higher values of DTPA extractable micronutrients in comparisons to all other treatments. After nine continuous years, the highest DTPA- extractable Fe (27.6 mg kg−1), Mn (25.1 mg kg−1), Zn (1.25 mg kg−1) and Cu (0.75 mg kg−1) were recorded in treatment where, FYM was added along with fertilizers for targeted yield of 35 q ha−1. The micronutrient uptake by wheat was higher in STCR (IPNS) treatments. Low SRC values of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn indicated that long-term prescription based chemical fertilizers and FYM application can meet the plant nutritional requirement of wheat crop. Hence long-term STCR based integration of FYM (with NPK fertilizers) has an advantage in regulating the supply of micronutrients in soil-plant system and addressing the micronutrient deficiencies.

Groundnut (Arachis hypogeae L.) production, soil biological characteristics, micronutrient content in soil and plant parts, and their uptake are all influenced by phosphorus, AMF and PSB application

Field experiments during rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 were conducted to asses the groundnut production, soil biological characteristics, micronutrient content in soil and plant parts, and their uptake influenced by graded levels of phosphorus (15, 30, 45 and 60 kg ha−1), Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) application in Alfisols at Botany farm, Dr. BSKKV, Dapoli in a factorial randomized block design with twenty treatment combinations which were replicated thrice. Results indicated that higher dose of phosphours (60 kg ha−1), biofertilizers (AMF + PSB @ 10 kg ha−1 each) and their interaction was found prominent in augmenting the highest bacterial, actinomycetes, fungal populations. Further, the combined application of phosphate and the AMF and PSB strain at higher level significantly improved the enzyme activities viz., dehydrogenase, urease, alkaline and acid phosphatase, CO2 evolution and SMBC compared to lower dose of phosphorus and non-inoculated treatment was on par with application of phosphorus @ 45 kg ha−1 with dual inoculation of AMF + PSB @ 10 kg ha−1 each. However, DTPA-extractable micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) status showed significant improvement because of various treatment combinations. Similarly, the application of phosphorus @ 60 kg ha−1 exhibited the highest uptake in edible portion of crops which was resulted in significantly highest pod yield (35.86 q ha−1) of groundnut which was at par with application of phosphorus @ 45 kg ha−1 (31.96 q ha−1) indicating beneficial effect for improving as well sustaining soil health in long term aspects.

Enhancing soil health and fruit yield through Tephrosia biomass mulching in rainfed guava (Psidium guajava L.) orchards

Leguminous crop Tephrosia candida has high biomass production and contains a substantial quantity of nutrients within its biomass. Starting in 2019, a long-term study was done to find the best Tephrosia candida dose for mulching in guava orchards. The study had four treatments: T1 = 3.0 kg dry biomass m−2 of the plant basin, T2 = 2.0 kg, T3 = 1.0 kg, and T4 = control (no mulch). Every year, the treatments imposed in the month of August. The third year (2021–2022) results indicated that mulching with 3 kg of biomass m−2 increased trunk diameter, fruit yield, fruit weight, specific leaf area, total leaf chlorophyll, and leaf macro- and micro-nutrients. At 3.0 kg m−2, mulching improved soil properties such as EC, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, DTPA extractable micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn), total organic carbon (Ctoc), soil organic carbon (Csoc), organic carbon fractions, and microbial biomass carbon between 0–0.15 m and 0.15–0.30 m. There was an increasing trend in dehydrogenase activity (DHA) and fluorescein diacetate (FDA). The Tephrosia leaf litter exhibited decay constants of 1.27 year−1, and the carbon content was 40.11%. Therefore, applying Tephrosia biomass mulching at a rate of 3.0 kg m−2 is a viable long-term solution for enhancing soil fertility and sequestering carbon.

Mapping of plant nutrients in the soils of Bandarupalli and Mannasamudram villages in Yerpedu Mandal of Tirupati District: A GIS Approach

The present investigation involves understanding of the site-specific nutrient content through nutrient maps and recommendation of fertilizers based on the soil test values. The Fertilizer recommendations based on soil fertility status is the key for ensuring the productivity and sustainability of the system. The generation of soil fertility maps at Rythu Bharosa Kendra (RBK) or Farmer Assurance Centres level helps in judicious use of chemical fertilizers. The present study was conducted in Bandarupalli and Mannasamudram villages of Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh. The soil fertility parameters were mapped by using the Arc GIS ver 10 software for major and micro nutrients. The spatial analysis of fertility of the study area indicated that the soils of study area were slightly acidic to strongly alkaline (6.17 to 8.71). The electrical conductivity (EC) was non- saline and ranged from 0.08 to 0.46 dS m-1 . The organic carbon was low to medium status. The available nitrogen was ranged from low to medium (50.16 – 304.6 kg ha-1 ), available phosphorous (13.4 – 89.6 kg ha-1 ) and potassium (69 – 925 kg ha-1 ) were ranged from low to high. The available calcium and magnesium were sufficient status ranged from 5.0 to 16.5 and 1.9 to 9.7 cmol (p+ ) kg-1 , respectively. The available sulphur varied from deficient to sufficient (2.5 to 24 mg kg-1 ). The DTPA extractable micronutrients viz., Cu, Mn and Zn were sufficient and ranged from 0.2 to 9.53, 1.33 to 9.37 and 0.62 to 9.32 mg kg-1 , respectively except iron which was in deficient to sufficient status (4.12 to 22.57 mg kg-1 ).

Soil Fertility Status of Major Coconut Growing Soils of Tumkur District, Karnataka, India

A study was conducted to assess the soil fertility status of major coconut growing soils of Tumkur district of Karnataka with soil pedon locations being Turuvekere and Gubbi. The results revealed that soils of the study area were slightly to strongly alkaline in reaction and non-saline in nature. The organic carbon content was varying from low to high and it followed decreasing trend with soil depth in both soil profiles (Turuvekere and Gubbi). The clay distribution, cation exchange capacity and base saturation of the soils varied from 17.83 to 60.37 per cent, 8.71 to 28.86 cmol (p+) kg-1 and 75.53 to 93.42 per cent, respectively. The macronutrient status of the soil samples indicated that the available nitrogen and phosphorus varied from low to medium, and available potassium content was varying from low to high. Analysis of secondary nutrients showed that exchangeable calcium and magnesium were found to be sufficient but available sulphur was varying from deficient to sufficient level in these soils. The DTPA extractable micronutrients viz., iron, manganese, zinc and boron were found to be deficient in entire study area where as copper was varying from deficient to adequate level with surface soil having relatively high copper content than subsurface soil.

Effect of Organic and Synthetic Fertilizer Management on the Yield and Growth Components of Basmati Rice in Western U.P., India

The present investigation was conducted during kharif 2022 at the CRC of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut (U.P.) to studies the Effect of organic and Synthetic Fertilizer management on the yield and growth components of Basmati Rice in Western U.P. (India). The soil of experimental site was clay- loamy in texture, slightly alkaline, non-saline, low in organic carbon, N, P, and high in available K. DTPA extractable micronutrient were in high amount. Eleven treatments, viz., T1 (Absolutely Control), T2 (100:75:0 kg NPK ha-1), T3 (100:75:60 kg NPK ha-1), T4 (Only FYM @ 20 t ha-1), T5 (Only VC @ 20 t ha-1), T6 (50:37.5:30 kg NPK ha-1 + FYM @ 20 t ha-1), T7 (50:37.5:30 kg NPK ha-1 +VC @ 20 t ha-1 ), T8 (100:75:60 kg NPK ha-1 + FYM @ 10 t ha-1), T9 (100:75:60 kg NPK ha-1 + VC@ 10 t ha-1), T10 (50:37.5:30 kg NPK ha-1 + FYM @ 10 t ha-1) and T11 (50:37.5:30 kg NPK ha-1 + VC @ 10 t ha-1) were tested in RBD with three replication. The study revealed that application of T9 significantly improved the growth and yield attributes thus increasing the yield of rice over control with a corresponding increase of 61.2 and 34.5 percent in grain and straw yield of rice, respectively, although this treatment was found to be on par with T7 and T11. Thus, the inclusion of inorganic with organic sources of plant nutrients together helps to maintain yield stability, increasing the effectiveness of supplied nutrients, and creating favorable soil physical conditions.

A controlled experiment to verify the effect of magnesium fertilizers on soil pH and available soil nutrients in acid soil of Nilgiris, India

An incubation experiment was conducted in laboratory conditions for 60 days to observe the impact of different Magnesium fertilizers on soil chemical properties, i.e. pH, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and DTPA extractable micronutrient cations. A complete factorial complete randomized block design (FCRD)with two replications and six levels was selected as the experimental layout. The levels included were (L0) Absolute control (L1) soil + Mg @ 10 kg ha-1, (L2) soil + Mg @ 20 kg ha-1, (L3) soil + 30 kg ha-1, (L4) soil + 40 kg ha-1, (L5) soil + 50 kg ha-1. Findings revealed that applying magnesium fertilizers to soil significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affects soil parameters. The impacts of magnesium fertilization on soil pH altered with sources and incubation period. The application of CaMg(CO3)2 @ 50 kg ha-1 recorded significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher soil pH (5.67) as compared to MgCO3 @ 50 kg ha-1 that increased the pH up to 5.57 due to the impact of carbonate ion whereas MgSO4.7H2O decreased the soil up to 4.80 because of dissolution of SO42- ions to the soil solution. Applying CaMg(CO3)2 significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced soil available N, P, K, Fe, Mn, and Cu content which is due to the decrease in acidity, which indirectly enhanced the nutrient availability. The positive effects persisted throughout the experimental duration, indicating the potential long-term benefits of magnesium fertilization in acid soil management. This study contributes to the current body of knowledge by providing novel insights into applying magnesium fertilizers as an effective strategy for addressing soil acidity and improving nutrient availability in acid soil.

Assessment of Acidic Soil Nutrient Stoichiometry on Molybdenum Fertilization for Sustainable Crop Production

Background: Molybdenum (Mo), an essential micronutrient, is known to have a profound influence on various biochemical and physiological processes in plants. A variety of factors, including soil pH, organic matter content, and the abundance of particular minerals that interact with nutrient dynamics, affect the availability of essential nutrients in the soil. Acidic soil conditions frequently cause lower nutrient availability as a result of influencing factors like increased manganese and aluminium toxicity as well as lesser microbial activity. Soil acidification can impact agricultural productivity. For the creation of efficient and long-lasting soil management techniques that can ease nutrient constraints and boost agricultural productivity, it is essential to comprehend the impact of molybdenum on the dynamics of soil macronutrients and micronutrients in acid soils. Methods: A 60 days incubation experiment was carried out under laboratory conditions to study the effect of molybdenum fertilization on the release pattern of molybdenum and other nutrients from the soil. Soil samples were filled in jars, and treatments were imposed. Samples were collected at 15, 30, 45, and 60 days of incubation, dried, and processed for available nitrogen, phosphorus, and DTPA extractable micronutrients. Results: Molybdenum addition showed a significant influence on the release of various nutrients present in the soil. It was also observed that molybdenum has a synergistic effect on available nitrogen and phosphorus, while it exhibited antagonism towards DTPA extractable micronutrients, namely Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu. Molybdenum fertilization holds great promise for enhancing the macronutrients' availability and reducing the toxicity of micronutrients in acid soils. It will be helpful for sustainable agricultural production under acidic soil.

Soil Fertility and Yield of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.) as Influenced by Phosphorus Management Practices in Sandy Loam Soils

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is an important small millet crop grown in India and has the pride of place in having highest productivity among millets. However, the productivity comes down in low available soil phosphorus areas where finger millet is grown. A field experiment was carried out at Agricultural Research Station, Perumalapalle, Tirupati, Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh, India during kharif, 2018 on sandy loam soil to study the effect of phosphorus fertilizer, PSB and VAM on soil fertility status and yield of finger millet. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments consists of combination of phosphorus fertilizer, PSB and VAM and replicated thrice. Soil samples were collected at initial and after harvest and analyzed for physico-chemical, chemical properties and grain yield was recorded after harvest. The results revealed that application of PSB, VAM along with phosphorus fertilizer exerted significant effect on available N, P2O5, K2O, S and DTPA extractable micronutrients. Significantly the highest available N (150 kg ha-1), P2O5 (42.34 kg ha-1 ), K2O (227 kg ha-1 ), S (9.57 mg kg-1 ), DTPA extractable Manganese (38.67 mg kg-1) was registered with application of 100 % RDP + PSB @ 750 ml ha-1 + VAM @ 12.5 kg ha-1 (T6). Moreover, this treatment led to the highest recorded grain yield of finger millet, achieving 4328 kg ha-1. Physico-chemical properties (pH, EC and OC) was non significant with phosphorus management practices. In conclusion, the results underscore the positive impact of the combined application of PSB, VAM, and phosphorus fertilizer on both soil fertility parameters and finger millet yield. This research provides valuable insights for enhancing agricultural practices in regions characterized by sandy loam soils and low phosphorus availability, contributing to the sustainable productivity of finger millet crops in India.

Impact of Various Cropping Systems on the Status and Distribution of Selected Micronutrients in Subtropical Region of Himachal Pradesh, India

Globally, the majority of farmers use various cropping systems. In order to increase the production of food grains, the adaptation of these cropping systems necessitates intensive cultivation, which eventually calls for a greater quantity of macronutrients as well as micronutrients. The availability of micronutrients is greatly influenced by cropping practices, their distribution by profile and chemical pools, and their accessibility to plants. Many crops can reach beneath the soil layers and access the micronutrients with their deep roots, which they require to grow. The present study was conducted to quantify the impact of different cropping systems on DTPA extractable micronutrients viz., Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn over time. Soil samples were collected from the surface layer (0-15 cm) of four cropping systems i.e., cereal-cereal (CC), cereal-oilseed (CO), vegetable-vegetable (VV), and fodder-fodder (FF). The micronutrient cations were found highest under the VV cropping system when compared with all four cropping systems. The results illustrate that availability of micronutrients is affected by the presence of high organic carbon content and favourable soil reaction.

English

Soil health in terms of plant available nutrients is crucial to estimate the yield potential of agricultural land in an area. Based on the availability of soil health data, it is possible to set yield targets using various yield prediction models. This study was initiated to estimate the concentration of DTPA-extractable micronutrients in Tehsil Muzaffargarh and to develop a database that can be used to develop predictive models. Soil samples (n=11537) were collected from Muzaffargarh (0-15 cm depth). The latitude and longitude values of sampling points were recorded for the purpose of georeferencing the soil samples. Micronutrients such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) were extracted with diethylenetriamine penta-acetate (DTPA) extraction solution and their concentrations were determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Water soluble boron (B) was determined spectrophotometrically using Azomethine-H as colour developing reagent. Critical limits established by the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) Islamabad, Pakistan, were used as a benchmark for grading micronutrient status. The ordinary kriging technique was used to visualize the micronutrient status in the surveyed area and digital maps were prepared using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) software. Results showed that the range of DTPA-extractable micronutrients Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu ranged from 0.10-5.92, 0.01-12.51, 0.09-10.00 and 0.03-8.08 µg/g, respectively. Boron concentration ranged from 0.02-1.98µg/g. Most of the soils in the studied area had adequate levels of Zn (61.9%) and Cu (48.6%) while 45.8, 43.3 and 55.4 % of the soil samples fell into the marginal category in terms of Cu, Mn, and B, respectively. The results revealed the widespread deficiency of DTPA-extractable Fe (< 4.5mg kg-1 in 74% soil samples) in Tehsil Muzaffargarh. The digitized maps developed from this study would serve as primary source to locate micronutrient deficient areas and also set site-specific yield targets along with other biophysical factors. However, these maps need ground truthing after crop harvest each year.

Effect of Inorganic and Integrated Long-term Nutrient Management on DTPA-extractable Micronutrients in a Vertisol under Soybean-wheat Cropping System across the Soil Depth

The status of DTPA extractable micronutrient (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) in response of continuous application of different inorganic and organic fertilizer combination in a 48 years old ongoing long-term fertilizer experiment (AICRP-LTFE) were investigated in Vertisol at Department of Soil Science, and Agricultural Chemistry, JNKVV, Jabalpur under intensive cultivation of soybean- wheat cropping system in 2021. The treatments selected for the study were: control (T1); 100% NP(T2); 100% NPK (T3); 100% NPK+FYM (T4); 100% N(T5); 50% NPK (T6); 150% NPK (T7). Application of FYM along with balance fertilizer (100% NPK) significantly increased the micronutrients availability in soil. On contrast, Imbalance fertilization caused a lower level of micronutrients in soil even below to the critical limit in case of zinc. A decreasing trend with increase in soil depth irrespective of type of nutrient management and micronutrient type was evident in the study. Findings of the present study emphasized the application of balance fertilization along with organic sources like FYM for sustaining micronutrients availability in Vertisol under soybean-wheat cropping system.

Short Term Effects of Chemical Fertilizer, Compost and Zeolite on Yield of Lettuce, Nutrient Composition and Soil Properties

The proper management of treated agricultural wastes (e.g., composts) contributes to the protection of water and soil quality by reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, lowering leachate, and protecting renewable and nonrenewable resources. Natural zeolites, particularly clinoptilolite, can be used in agriculture to improve soil quality and increase yields due to their unique properties. The objective of the study was to test the effects of the co-addition of compost, zeolite and ammonium-based fertilizer on the Above-ground Fresh Weight (AFW) of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), leaf nutrients and soil fertility. To this aim, a soil pot experiment was carried out at the Department of Soil Science of Athens, which is located in the region of Attica, in the area of central Greece. Two levels of olive compost originated from olive leaves (0% and 10% v/v), three levels of zeolite (0%, 2%, and 5% w/w) and two levels of chemical fertilization (no fertilization and NPK fertilization) were combined. Furthermore, two different soils were introduced, one moderately acidic (pH = 5.6) and sandy loam in texture (Ac-LT), and the other slightly alkaline (pH = 7.7) and sandy clay in texture (Al-HT). Results showed that the response of lettuce yield to chemical fertilization and zeolite application is soil type-dependent, whereas compost application significantly improved AFW in both soil types. The availability of macronutrients (P, K, and Na) in the soil, as well as their concentration in leaves, were significantly increased by NPK fertilization in most cases. Conversely, the impact of inorganic fertilization on DTPA extractable micronutrients and leaf micronutrient contents was found to be associated with the type of soil. The study recorded a significant reduction in available Fe, Cu, and Mn in AL-HT soil, whereas DTPA-Mn and -Zn were significantly enhanced in Ac-LT soil. Comparable patterns were also documented for the micronutrient concentration in leaves. In most cases, compost application had significant and beneficial effects on plant nutrients. On the contrary, different responses of soil properties to compost addition were registered. The main effect of compost treatment on soil pH, EC, SOM, total N, and available P was significant and positive in both soil types, except for pH and EC in Al-HT soil. On the other hand, exchangeable K and Na were significantly reduced by compost. Zeolite substantially increased the availability of P, K, and Na in soil and plants, whereas the concentrations of DTPA-extractable micronutrients and leaf macronutrients were largely unaffected. In addition, the results of our study indicated that co-additions of organic and inorganic amendments did not yield any significant impact on the lettuce yield, leaf nutrient content and soil fertility. It is suggested that the degree of changes in main soil properties (e.g., pH, EC, SOM) as a result of amendment application as well as the interaction of the amendments with nutrient availability are strongly related to soil type.

Assessment of Soil Properties Using Geospatial Techniques at DDUCE-OF Farm

The purpose of this study was to identify the geographic variability and mapping of different soil properties using geospatial techniques at DDUCE-OF Farm. For this purpose, surface soil samples (0-15 cm depth) were collected with the help of GPS at definite locations of research farm area at DDUCE-OF, CCSHAU, Hisar during rabi, 2021. These samples were analyzed in the laboratory for various physico-chemical and biological properties. Soil properties of DDUCE-OF farm revealed that soils are sandy loam to loam in texture having pH ranged from 7.15 to 8.65 and electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 0.30 to 2.75 dS/m. The soil organic carbon (SOC) content was observed medium to high (0.41 to 0.94%).The available N was low (126 to 196 kg/ha), P ranged from 8.50 to 23.5 kg/ha (from low to high in content) and available K was found medium to high and ranged from 128.5 to 554.0 kg/ha. The available S ranged between 60 to 725 mg/kg and was observed sufficient. The soil microbiological bacterial count status ranged between 4.6x103-9.8x109 CFU count per g of soil in various blocks of organic farm. The DTPA-extractable micronutrients Zn (1.00-4.47 mg/kg), Fe (7.26-19.92 mg/kg), Mn (3.88-17.77 mg/kg) and Cu (0.93-4.64 mg/kg) were sufficient in amount and heavy metal contents (Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr, As) were found below their permissible limit. The study concluded that the soil mapping and survey is significant because it aids in the evaluation of soil qualities and their application in organic farming.

Vertical Distribution of DTPA Extractable Micronutrients in Two Distinct Soils of Central India under Diverse Land-uses

Crop productivity and health of human and animals are greatly influenced by availability of micronutrients in the soil. Understanding the nature and extent of deficiency problems of these nutrients is useful in improving the fertilizer recommendations by inclusion of micronutrients in the fertilization schedule. This investigation carried out to evaluate the vertical variability in status of DTPA extractable micronutrients in two contrast soil types (medium black and alluvial soils) under different land uses. Soil sample were collected in triplicate from six distinct land use practices (forest, uncultivated, soybean-wheat, rice-wheat, soybean-chickpea and maize-wheat system) from Jabalpur (medium black soil) and Gwalior (alluvial soil) region at four depths (0-15, 15-30, 30-45 and 45-60 cm) after harvest of rabi season crops during 2020-21. Statistical analysis of data was done using factorial RBD considering soil type (medium black soil and alluvial soil) as factor A and land use practices as factor B. It was found that contents of DTPA extractable micronutrients (zinc, copper, iron and manganese) were found maximum under forest land in both the soils at 0-15 cm depth and decreased with increase in soil depths. It was also noted that under different land use practices DTPA extractable Zn, Mn and Cu were higher in medium black soil as compared to alluvial soil, however available Fe found higher in alluvial soil across the soil depths. The results clearly indicated that Zn, Fe, Mn was significantly affected by different soil type except Cu are non significant. Zn, Cu, Mn was significantly affected by different land use practices but Fe are non significant.

Interactive effect of land use systems on depth-wise soil properties and micronutrients minerals in North-Western, India

Micronutrients play a vital role in improving growth and performance of different crops. Management of soil micronutrients for better crop production needs sound understanding of their status and causes of variability. Therefore, in order to evaluate the changes in soil properties and micronutrient contents of soils, an experiment was conducted with soil samples from six soil depths i.e. 0-10, 10–20, 20–40,40-60, 60–80 and 80–100 cm of four prominent land-use systems viz. forest, horticulture, crop land and barren land. Amongst these, the maximum contents of OC (0.36%), clay (19.4%), DTPA-Zn (1.14 mg kg−1), Fe (11.78 mg kg−1), Mn (5.37 mg kg−1), Cu (0.85 mg kg−1) and Ni (1.44 mg kg_1) were observed in soils of forest land use system followed by horticulture, crop land and barren land, respectively. Also, soils of forest landpossessed 29.5, 21.3, 58.4, 51.8 and 44.0% higher DTPA-Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu and Ni as compared to crop land use system. Interactive influence of land use systems and soil depths on distribution of DTPA extractable micronutrients was found to be positive with maximum content at 0–10 cm depth of forest land use and lowest at 80–100 cm of barren land use system, respectively. Correlation analysis explicit positive and significant relationship of OC with DTPA Zn (r = 0.81), Fe (r = 0.79), Mn (r = 0.77), Cu (r = 0.84) andNi (r = 0.80), whereas the correlation results among DTPA micronutrients indicated the highest positivecorrelation of Ni with Cu (r = 0.95) and Mn (r = 0.93) followed by Fe with Zn (r = 0.93). Therefore, inclusion of forest and horticulture land use in crop lands or shift of land use from forest based to crop land resulted in renewal of degraded soil which could be beneficial for enhancing agricultural sustainability.

Soil fertility appraisal of some selected villages in Kirmira block of Jharsuguda District under western-central table land agro-climatic zone of Odisha, India

A soil fertility status inventory work was carried out in some villages of Kirmira block of Jharsuguda district located in the Western Central Table Land Agro Climatic Zone of Odisha, India. Results showed that soil pH ranged between 4.3 and 6.4 and electrical conductivity of the entire study area remained below 1 dSm-1. Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) content ranged between 0.17 to 0.88%. Available nitrogen content in these soils was found to be varied between 84.0 to 398.0 kg ha-1. Available Bray’s phosphorus content varied from 0.75 to 67.10 kg ha-1. Available soil potassium content varied widely from 90 to 500 kg ha-1. CaCl2 extractable soil sulphur varied from 0.14 to 12.49 mg kg-1. DTPA extractable micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) varied from 32.62 to 192.20, 28.08 to 220.50, 0.48 to 2.86, and 0.56 2.38 mg kg-1 respectively. Hot water soluble boron content ranged from 0.13 to 0.88 mg kg-1. All the figures in the lower range were found in upland soils while the higher values for all the parameters were found in low land soils.

Evaluating the Effects of Organic Manures and Fertilizer N on Soil Properties in Rice Cultivation

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2020 at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Krishi Vigyan Kendra farm, Fatehabad, (Haryana) to evaluate the effect of combined application of organic manures and fertilizers on the soil nutrients status under the rice cultivation. The experiment comprised of 14 treatments combination of organic manures and chemical fertilizers viz. T1 (Control), T2 (100% Recommended dose of Nitrogen through urea], T3 (75% RDN + 25% N through Farm Yard Manure), T4 (50% RDN + 50% N through FYM), T5 (25% RDN + 75% N through FYM), T6 (100% N through FYM), T7 (75% RDN + 25% N through Vermicompost), T8 (50% RDN + 50% N through Vermicompost), T9 (25% RDN + 75% N through Vermicompost), T10 (100% N through Vermicompost), T11 (75% RDN + 25% N through Poultry manure), T12 (50% RDN + 50% N through Poultry manure), T13 (25% RDN + 75% N through Poultry manure) and T14 (100% N through Poultry manure) which were replicated thrice each. The results revealed that soil nutrient status was influenced variably by the application of different sources. Different combinations had no significant effect on soil pH and EC while the organic carbon (OC) increased with increased application of organic manures. The significantly higher macronutrients were observed under treatment 100 % N through Poultry manure i.e., N (120.30 kg ha-1), P (19.13 kg ha-1), K (237.20 kg ha-1) and S (33.91kg ha-1) as compared to control which recorded N (98.97 kg ha-1), P (12.63 kg ha-1), K (200.90 kg ha-1) and S (30.33 kg ha-1) while the significantly higher DTPA extractable micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn) were observed under the treatment where 100 % N was applied through Vermicompost.