Soil Fertility Status Research Articles

Optimizing Nutrient Recommendations for Bottle Gourd Crop by Formulation of Targeted Yield Equations in an Inceptisol of Odisha, India

A field experiment was conducted to formulate targeted yield equations for bottle gourd under a rice-vegetable cropping system in an Inceptisol of Odisha. The experiment started with the creation of three soil fertility gradient stripes by applying no fertilizer, recommended dose and double the recommended dose of fertilizer in rice (cv. Lalat) during the kharif season. Each fertility gradient strip was divided into 24 sub-plots and superimposed with 21 different combinations of nutrients containing N, P, and K; FYM in two plots at 5t and 10t ha-1 and one plot was kept as absolute control following which, bottle gourd was grown during the rabi season. The highest yield (116.3q ha-1) of bottle gourd was achieved in S-III with an application of 70, 100, and 100 kg N, P2O5, and K2O per hectare, respectively. The nutrient requirement (NR) for producing one quintal of bottle gourd yield was 0.30, 0.20, and 0.30 kg N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively. The effect of graded doses of fertilizers on nutrient requirement, yield and nutrient uptake of bottle gourd were studied and subsequently, fertilizer prescription equations were derived for targeted yield of bottle gourd. A ready reckoner chart has also been prepared for facilitating farmers to achieve the desired yield target of bottle gourd by applying the required quantity of plant nutrients in the existing soil fertility level. The equations provide a basis for site-specific nutrient management based on desired yield targets under varying soil fertility conditions.

Soil Fertility Assessment and Mapping under Different Land Use Types along Toposequence at Danka Watershed in Dinsho Districts of Bale Highland Oromia, Southeastern Ethiopia

Soil fertility assessment and mapping bases, to increase fertilizer usage efficiency, decision-makers, planners, and soil management in undulating slopes farming of Ethiopian highlands like Bale Highland. The study aimed to assess and map soil fertility status along toposequence under different land use types at the Danka watershed of Dinsho District Bale Highland, Southeastern Ethiopia. Following the initial reconnaissance field survey, 54 composite soil samples were prepared from the three land use types (natural forest, grazing, and cultivated) at three slope positions lower (0 - 10%), middle (10 - 15%), and upper (15 - 30%) at a soil depth of 0 to 20 cm. Finally, the laboratory results were interpolated using the IDW interpolation technique in ArcGIS software 10.5 for the soil fertility status map and further analyzed using R software 4.1.1 Version for mean separation. The study findings indicate that the soil texture class of the study was loam to clay loam, clay loam, and clay to clay loam at the upper, middle, and lower slope positions, respectively. The finding revealed that the values varied from 5.81 – 6.66, 2.07 – 6.25%, 0.13 – 0.71%, 2.83 – 17.56 gm/kg, and 14.04 -38.80 cmol (+)/kg) for the soil pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and CEC, respectively. In this study, most of the soil fertility status of the Danka watershed was as follows: natural forest > grassland > cultivated land use types and lower slope > middle slope > upper slope positions. In conclusion, the main factors contributing to the area's declining soil fertility status were monocropping, total crop residue removal, soil erosion, nutrient leaching, and inadequate soil management. The results of the current study offer the basis for the work of farmers, planners, decision-makers, and other agriculture-related stakeholders. Integrated soil fertility management with biophysical soil conservation measures is advisable for cultivated land at all slope positions. Further, a study on slope position-based crop response fertilizer rating for agricultural precision and ensuring food security is recommended in undulating fields of the Danka watershed.

Analysis of Chemical Properties and Soil Fertility Status in Paddy Fields in Sakti Sub-district, Pidie Regency, Aceh

Analysis of Chemical Properties and Soil Fertility Status in Paddy Fields in Sakti Sub-district, Pidie Regency, Aceh

Application and Management of Nitrogenous Fertilizer in Rice Field: A Review

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most significant cereal in the world. Globally, the top rice producing country is China, while India is the world’s second largest producer and the largest exporter of rice in the world. It covers one-third of the total cultivated area in India as it is one of the major staple food crops. The application of nitrogenous fertilizer in crop production system is an important aspect of modern crop management practices and one of the determining factors to increase crop yield and thereby keeping pace with the expanding human population. Rice production can be increased by the application of nitrogenous fertilizer whether organic or inorganic at an appropriate time and place. The fertilizer should be applied in multiple split doses depending on the soil’s nutritional status, crop demand and the sources of nutrients. However, most of the nitrogenous fertilizer applied to rice fields is not taken up by rice plants but instead lost to the environment as ammonia, nitrate and nitrous oxide. The ‘reactive N’ also known as fixed N has a negative impact on human health as well as causes serious environmental problems. Surface runoff, denitrification, ammonium volatilization and leaching should all be managed in order to reduce the nitrogen loss from rice fields. Sustainable and environmentally friendly fertilizer management techniques raise the crop yields and enhance the sustainable soil fertility status. So it is necessary to implement management practices in order to reduce nitrogen losses and increase the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in rice production.

Effect of Organic Sources of Nutrients on Yield, Quality, Soil Fertility Status and Economics of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

An experiment was carried out to study the effect of organic sources of nutrients on yield, quality, soil fertility status and economics of onion (Allium cepa L.) at Horticulture Research Farm, College of Horticulture, AAU, Anand during the three consecutive years 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19.The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications and ten treatments viz., T1:RDF 100:75:75 NPK kg ha-1 (control), T2:100 % N from FYM, T3:100 % N from Vermicompost, T4: 100 % N from Castor cake, T5:75 % N from FYM + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1, T6: 75% N from VC + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1, T7: 75% N from CC + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1, T8: 50% N from FYM + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1, T9:50% N from VC + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1, T10: 50% N from CC + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1. Soil application of 75% N from VC + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1 (T6) and 75 % N from FYM + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1 (T5) recorded significantly, higher bulb yield (467 and 417 q/ha) and also increase organic carbon as well as soil microbial population. Higher net return (₹445672 ) was observed in T6 whereas maximum BCR (5.96) recorded in T5.

Assessment of Soil Acidity and Fertility Status under Different Land Uses Types in Sayo District of Western Ethiopia

Assessment of Soil Acidity and Fertility Status under Different Land Uses Types in Sayo District of Western Ethiopia

Inter-cropping patterns and nutrient management effects on maize growth, yield and quality

ContextIntercropping, a sustainable agricultural practice, is pivotal in enhancing land use efficiency, soil fertility, and overall crop productivity. This study zeroes in on the dynamics of Maize-Cowpea intercropping in the Alluvial Zone of West Bengal, a region characterized by its fertile soil and diverse agro-ecological conditions. The practice of intercropping, particularly in regions like West Bengal, holds immense potential in revolutionizing traditional farming methods by maximizing yield per unit area while ensuring sustainability. The study aims to unravel the complexities and benefits of this practice, especially in the context of the monsoon dependent Kharif season, which is crucial for agricultural productivity in the region. ObjectivesThe study aims to evaluate the effects of various Maize-Cowpea intercropping patterns and nutrient management strategies on maize growth, yield, and quality during the Kharif seasons of 2019 and 2020. It hypothesizes that intercropping, combined with optimal nutrient management, can significantly enhance maize performance. MethodsEmploying a split-plot design, the study analysed 25 treatment combinations of intercropping and nitrogen fertilization under sub-tropical sub-humid conditions. Advanced quantitative methods, including regression analysis and principal component analysis (PCA), were used to assess the interactions between intercropping systems and nutrient management practices. ResultsThe findings revealed that while sole maize cultivation showed better growth and yield, Maize-Cowpea intercropping, especially in a 1:1 row ratio, significantly increased the total system yield by 13.6%. This method also improved grain quality, notably enhancing crude protein content and nutrient percentage. A combination of 75% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through chemical means with 25% RDN through organic sources, including seaweed, was particularly effective in boosting maize performance. ConclusionsThe study confirms the superior performance of Kharif maize in an intercropping setup, particularly when integrated with cowpea. It demonstrates the effectiveness of specific nutrient management strategies in enhancing both quantitative and qualitative traits of maize. ImplicationsThis research significantly contributes to the field of sustainable agriculture, particularly in the context of field crops research and practice. The findings offer valuable insights for enhancing crop productivity and sustainability in similar agro-ecological regions globally. The study underscores the benefits of integrating legumes with cereals in intercropping systems, paving the way for innovative agricultural practices that can meet the dual challenges of food security and environmental sustainability. The implications of this research are far-reaching, providing a robust framework for future agricultural strategies in regions facing similar climatic and soil conditions.

Integrated nutrient module: an efficient tool for sustainable farming of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.)

Cape gooseberry is a nutrient loving crop. But excessive use of inorganic fertilizers may leads to health hazards, ecological vulnerabilities and diminution of soil physico-chemical characteristics. Hence, a trial was conducted for substituting inorganic fertilizers with biofertilizer in cape gooseberry to maintain the yield potential with soil fertility status too. The experimental plants were treated with azotobacter, phosphate and potash solubilizing bacteria (PSB and KSB) at 10 g plant-1 each with reduced dose of recommended fertilizer (RDF) (100- 60%) for two consecutive growing season. Total harvestable fruit plant-1 with highest yield was recorded in 90% RDF + Azotobacter, PSB and KSB treatment with par value in 60% RDF + Azotobacter, PSB and KSB treatment. Quality of ripped fruit with respect to TSS (15.90 °B), total sugar (11.29%), ascorbic acid (60.03 mg 100 g-1) and carotenoid content (49.25 µg 100 g-1) was also improved significantly in 60% RDF + Azotobacter, PSB and KSB treatment. Soil physico-chemical properties of the field was not varied significantly over initial reading. However, microbial population viz. bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes count was improved significantly in all the nutrient modules. Hence, it can be concluded that integrated nutrient module comprising 60% RDF of NPK + Azotobacter, PSB and KSB at 10 g plant-1 is the best treatment module for improving the production system of cape gooseberry in sustainable manner for long run without hampering the soil health and quality. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(1): 83-90, 2024 (March)

Assessment of Soil Fertility Status of the Soils of KVK -Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India

The present study was undertaken to assess the soil fertility status of the soils of KVK Muzaffarnagar. Soil samples were collected from two depths viz., 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm and analysed for various soil properties. Results revealed that soils were sandy loam in texture, neutral to slightly alkaline in reaction, non-saline and low in soil organic carbon content. Mean values of CEC, SOC, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium and available sulphur were 11.22 and 9.62 C mol (p+) kg-1, 0.17 and 0.13 g kg-1, 260.16 and 208.14 kg ha-1, 30.86 and 27.30 kg ha-1, 100.94 and 107.89 kg ha-1 and 13.51 and 12.84 kg ha-1 recorded at 0-15cm and 15-30 cm depth, respectively. The mean of DTPA extractable zinc, DTPA extractable iron, DTPA extractable manganese and DTPA extractable copper were 0.28 and 0.31 mg kg-1, 0.97 and 1.22 mg kg-1, 2.14 and 1.78 mg kg-1 and 0.23 and 0.19 mg kg-1 recorded surface and sub-surface depths, respectively. Soils are low in available nitrogen and potassium and medium in available phosphorus status. Cationic micronutrients such as iron, copper and zinc contents were found deficient in range, whereas manganese content was found to be sufficient.

Soil Fertility Status of Kagera Region and the “Organic-by-Default” Coffee Paradigm: A Meta-Analysis of Existing Database

Soil Fertility Status of Kagera Region and the “Organic-by-Default” Coffee Paradigm: A Meta-Analysis of Existing Database

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.

Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Soil Fertility and Yield of Fodder Maize in Chennai

Field experiments were conducted to study the influence of fodder maize (Zea mays L.) by adopting different bulky organic manures and fertilizer levels on the soil fertility status and fodder yield of maize. The study was conducted during rabi season of 2019 and 2020 at the Department of Agronomy, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai. An experiment was laid out in split plot design. Main plots consisted of different organic manure treatments viz., No manure, farm yard manure (25 t ha-1), vermicompost (12 t ha-1) and poultry manure (12 t ha-1). Sub plots consisted of varying level of fertilizer treatments viz., No fertilizer, 125% RDF, 100% RDF, 75% RDF. The blanket recommendation of fertilizer to fodder maize is 60 kg N ha-1: 40 kg P2O5 ha-1: 20 kg K2O ha-1. The organic manures were applied as per the N equivalent basis to inorganic nutrient recommendation. The results revealed that all the soil parameters, green and dry fodder yield were significantly affected with the application of organic manures and fertilizer levels. Organic sources of nutrients tended to improve soil physico-chemical properties viz., bulk density, water holding capacity, porosity and organic carbon. The highest organic carbon content was noticed with the application of poultry manure (0.50 %) followed by poultry manure. The post harvest available soil nutrients was high in fodder maize grown with poultry manure along with 125% recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer to fodder maize recorded higher soil available nitrogen (109.48 kg ha-1), phosphorus (15.46 kg ha-1) and potassium (118.65 kg ha-1). Significantly higher green and dry fodder yield of maize was recorded with application of poultry manure along with 75 % recommended dose of fertilizer. Hence, application of organic manures specifically poultry manure along with low level of fertilizer improved the soil fertility and thus increased the green fodder yield of maize.

Effects of long-term application of inorganic fertilizers and organic amendments on the turnover rates of fractionated soil organic carbon and their determining factors in paddy fields

ABSTRACT To investigate how the long-term application of inorganic fertilizer and organic amendments affects the turnover rates of organic matter in physico-chemically fractionated components in paddy soils and how their rates are related to their amounts, we studied the effect of variable management of inorganic fertilizer and organic amendments for > 50 years on the ∆14C values of accumulated soil organic carbon (SOC) in fractionated components of 5 soil samples from three paddy fields. SOC was fractionated into four components based on their physico-chemical properties: (1) light fraction (LF) derived from plant residues, (2) heavy fraction (HF) containing stable aggregates, (3) oxidizable fraction (OxF) and (4) non-oxidizable fraction (NOxF) forming organo-mineral complexes with fine-textured minerals. The ∆14C values were determined by accelerator mass spectrometry using graphitized samples. The ∆14C values of SOC in NOxF (from −305‰ to − 90.5‰) were much lower than those of HF (from −123‰ to − 3.7‰) and OxF (from −215‰ to 21.0‰). Lowest values for NOxF suggested slowest turnover rates as expected, and higher and comparable values for OxF and HF implied much faster turnover rates of SOC in OxF compared with upland soils. This could be one of the characteristics of SOC dynamics in paddy soils, probably reflecting repeated puddling of plow layer soils. ∆14C values in all the fractions increased in response to the application of inorganic fertilizer and organic amendments, suggesting faster turnover rate. Soils with clayey and weathered characteristics had the lowest ∆14C values, or slowest turnover rates among the study fields. The relationship between the ∆14C value and the amount of accumulated C for HF, OxF and NOxF indicated that the more the SOC accumulated, the faster the turnover rate of the SOC was, regardless of the fractions, and the relationship of the HF was considerably different from those of OxF and NOxF. In conclusion, these results can be the basis for understanding the C dynamics and for improving soil fertility status and soil C sequestration in paddy soils.

Assessment of Soil Physicochemical Properties in The Parklands of Northern Nigeria

A study was conducted to examine the soil physicochemical properties and nutrients status in parklands of northern Nigeria. Soil samples were collected using soil auger close to mature trees, tree saplings and seedlings from three states (viz. Bauchi, Jigawa and Kano) in different depths (0–15 cm, and 16–30 cm) and analyzed for soil physical and chemical properties. Soil pH was weakly acidic (5.7–6.0) and not significant (P<0.05). Total Nitrogen, CEC, and Ca all showed no significant difference and decreased with increase in depth. Sand, silt, clay and Mg were statistically different (p<0.05) and decreased with increase in depth. Pearson's correlation matrix revealed significant positive correlations of soil properties with fertility indices. The soils in the agricultural parklands of the states are fairly low in fertility. Mass sensitization and awareness of farmers on best practices that will help improve the soil fertility and nutrients status in the parkland and improve farmers’ livelihood are highly recommended. Further evaluations of soil factors are needed to be carried out that will lead to data availability and help in critical evaluation of soil dynamics as well as give an insight to how the fertility and productivity of the soils support and improve biodiversity stability.

Agriculture Application to Predict Soil Fertility with the Application of Fuzzy Tsukamoto

Indonesia is as an agricultural country, having majority of the population working in agriculture. Indonesia is an agricultural country that has extensive agricultural land and diverse and abundant natural resources. Based on Sakernas BPS 2021 data, Indonesian farmers numbered 38.77 million people. In the agricultural sector, land is a factor that plays a very important role in determining agricultural businesses. Where each region has different levels of soil fertility, depending on the type of soil and geographic location of an area. So, soil fertility is one of the determining factors for the success of agricultural businesses. Many farmers do not understand soil fertility in determining the right type of plant. This research aims to help people determine soil fertility parameters such as (C-Organic, P2O5 HCL, K2O HCL, KTK, Base Saturation, PH H2O), which will be processed using a WEB-based application using the Tsukamoto fuzzy method to predict fertility. Soil for selecting plant types and choosing the right land. From the land data obtained at the agricultural center, it is processed manually using the fuzzy method and applied to a system. Therefore, the results of this research will provide soil fertility status from data processed with C-organic (0.81%), pH H2O (5.38), P2O5 (2.32 ppm), KTK (8.5), K2O (50 ppm), Base Saturation (50%), we got a soil fertility status of 46.03, which is in the medium range. Meanwhile, in the system that has been built, the results obtained were 45.54, which is also in the same range, namely medium. From the results obtained, there was not much difference observed in the manual search and the system obtained results, it is estimated that they obtained 97% similarity. With this soil fertility detection system, it can increase the accuracy of soil fertility and make it easier to predict soil fertility. It is hoped that this system can have implications for the agricultural sector.
 Keywords: agriculture, soil fertility, Fuzzy Tsukomoto, Web

Depth-Wise Fertility Status of Soil under High Yielding Citrus Orchards in Medium Deep Black Soils of Madhya Pradesh, India

Soil fertility is one of the important components for better citrus fruit production and produce quality. Soil with lower fertility status imposed a big threat to achieving higher citrus productivity. In this regard, the management of major and micronutrients is essential for the sustainable productivity of citrus in high-yield orchards. Thus, measurement of soil fertility status can provide an efficient way to develop strategies for citrus production. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the macro and micronutrient status in the citrus-producing area in medium black soils of Madhya Pradesh. For this purpose, a high-intensity survey was conducted and 65 soil samples at depths of 0-20 and 20-40 cm were collected from well-established orchards and analyzed for soil pH, EC, organic carbon content, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and B content. Descriptive statistics were calculated for exploratory analysis of data. Results showed that in depth of 0-20 cm, soil pH ranged from 6.83 to 8.84 with a mean value of 7.70, EC varied from 0.07-0.34 dS m-1 (0.18 dSm-1), organic carbon (OC) 0.13-0.89% (0.45%), available nitrogen N102-288 kg ha-1 (mean 186 kg ha-1), available P 7-76 kg ha-1 (mean 29.7 kg ha-1), available K 259- 775 kg ha-1 (mean 474 kg ha-1), Ex Ca 1406-4568 mg kg-1 (mean 2784 mg kg-1), Ex Mg 461-1799 mg kg-1 (Mean 1033 mg kg-1), available S 5.6-30 mg kg-1 (Mean 16.7 mg kg-1). Mean available Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, and B were 0.95, 16.6, 11.3, 1.12, and 0.75 mg kg-1, respectively. At the lower depth (20-40 cm), soil pH was slightly higher while soil EC and SOC was slightly lower compared to the upper depth. All the major and micronutrients were lower in subsurface (20-40 cm) as compared to surface depth (0-20 cm) except Ex Ca content which was higher in subsurface depth. Correlation analysis revealed that soil pH was negatively and significantly correlated with available P, Ex. Mg, available Zn, Fe and Mn while soil EC was positively correlated with available P, Zn, and Cu. Orchard soils were found to be suboptimal for available N, K, Zn, Cu, and Mn. So, for attaining high production and sustainable production integrated nutrient management practices should be opted.

Assessment of Soil Fertility Status of Rayal Cheruvu Village in Ramachandrapuram Mandal of Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Assessment of Soil Fertility Status of Rayal Cheruvu Village in Ramachandrapuram Mandal of Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Development and Characterization of Multi-Nutrient Formulations for Organic Farming

The study was to develop multi-nutrient formulations for organic farming containing all the essential macro and micronutrients. The experimental design selected was completely randomized design with 8 treatments and 3 replications. The experiment was conducted in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala between Jan 2021-May 2021. Multi-nutrient formulations were developed using various organic nutrient sources like blood meal, soybean meal, rock phosphate, steamed bone meal, potassium sulfate, langbeinite, epsom salt, and borax permitted by National Programme for Organic Production. Formulations were prepared by mixing nutrient sources considering the nutrient requirement of nendran banana (N:P2O5:K2O @ 300:115:450 g plant-1) and the soil fertility status. The formulations were characterized for their physical, chemical and biochemical properties. On the basis of character analysis and principal component analysis the formulation F1 containing blood meal, rock phosphate, potassium sulfate, epsom salt and borax was found superior to other formulations. This was followed by F3 which contains blood meal, steamed bone meal, potassium sulfate, epsom salt and borax. Formulation F1 had 3.73 g cm-3 bulk density, 2.67% moisture content, 6.5 pH, 3.23 dSm-1 EC, 29.43% OC, 7.21% N, 2.71% P, 10.78% K, 5.98% Ca, 0.35% Mg, 4.45% S, 1174.11 mg kg-1 Fe, 4.53 mg kg-1 Mn, 13.55 mg kg-1 Zn, 8.65 mg kg-1 Cu and 93.67 mg kg-1 B. It also contained 45.04% crude protein, 2.95% humic acid and 3.55% fulvic acid. The formulation F3 had 7.47 pH, 3.37 dSm-1 EC, 28.34% OC, 7.11% N, 2.68% P, 10.68% K, 2.05% Ca, 0.32% Mg, 4.37% S, 1163.41 mg kg-1 Fe, 4.87 mg kg-1 Mn, 14.52 mg kg-1 Zn, 9.05 mg kg-1 Cu and 96.33 mg kg-1 B. Hence multi-nutrient formulation F1 based on its nutrient supplying capacity can be recommended as a nutrient source for organic farming.

Integrated Nutrient and Weed Management on Nutrient Content, Uptake and Soil Fertility of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum L.) Production in Eastern Sub-Himalayan Plain of India

A field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) season of 2019-20 at Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal to study the effect of integrated nutrient and weed management on nutrient content, uptake and soil fertility of buckwheat production. Results indicated that nutrient content, uptake and soil fertility status were significantly influenced due to effect of integrated nutrient and weed management. Significantly highest nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake recorded with 50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 1.5 t ha-1 × Rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1 applied at 2 DAS which was at par with 100% RDF × Rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1 applied at 2 DAS and 50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 1.5 t ha-1 × Oxyfluorfen 23.5 EC @ 0.2 kg ha-1 at 2 DAS + One Hoeing at 40 DAS. The lowest was observed with control. The highest available soil nitrogen was observed with Vermicompost @ 3.0 t ha-1× Rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1 applied at 2 DAS (198.7 kg ha-1). The lowest available soil nitrogen was recorded with control (176.0 kg ha-1). The available soil organic carbon content, soil phosphorus and exchangeable potassium observed non-significant in differences. Higher B:C ratio was observed with 100 % RDF combined with all the weed management treatment (3.87-3.52) followed by 50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 1.5 t ha-1 (2.43-2.62) and Vermicompost @ 3 t ha-1 (1.41-1.64) in combination with all the weed management treatment except control (1.84).

Short Term Effect of Vermicompost on Soil Chemical Properties under Maize (Zea mays L.) Field in Northern Ethiopia

Aim: The application of vermicompost (VC) to improve soil chemical properties in area that have low soil fertility status is crucial. Thus, the present study was initiated to determine impact of vermicompost on selected soil physicochemical properties. Study Design: The experiment had 7 treatments arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications. Place and Duration of the Study: Hence, a field experiment was carried out in 2018 main cropping season at farmer's field at Adiha village in Kolla Tembien district, Tigray, Ethiopia. Methodology: The treatments were 5 levels of VC (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 t ha-1), the recommended rate of N and P (46 N and 46 P2O5 kg ha-1), compost at rate of 10 t ha-1 and control. Surface soil samples were collected before planting and after maize harvesting at a depth of 0-30 cm to analyze selected soil chemical properties such as pH, extractable electric conductivity (ECe), cation exchange capacity (CEC), total nitrogen (TN), available P and exchangeable bases (K, Mg, Ca, and Na). Likewise, vermicompost and compost nutrient contents were also analyzed to know their nutrient composition. Results: Soil analysis results before sowing revealed that most of the soil chemical properties were rated as low. However, vermicompost application significantly (P≤0.05) improved the soil chemical properties. The studied soil chemical properties such as OC (1.33%), TN (0.13%), CEC (17.2 Cmol (+) kg-1), and available P (6 .38 mg kg-1) showed an improvement at VC 10 t ha-1rate as compared to the control which was respectively 0.65%, 0.04%, 7.4 Cmol(+)kg-1 and 2.45 mg kg-1. Conclusion: A significant (P≤0.05) increase in OC, TN and available P was observed with increased vermicompost rate under cultivated land.