Author(s):

BH Kumara, RS Antil, HR Priya and Devraj

Abstract: An ongoing long-term experiment initiated in 1995 under pearl millet-wheat cropping sequence was selected to investigate the effect of organic manures (FYM, poultry manure and pressmud) and inorganic fertilizers on changes of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic C and nutrient ( N, P, K, Zn, Mn, Fe and Cu) contents of soil. Continuous application of organic manures alone or in conjunction with NP fertilizer for 16 years decreased the soil pH. However, an increase in case EC was observed. Organic C content of soil deceased from its initial value, when only NP fertilizers were applied and increased significantly with the application of organic manures applied alone or with NP fertilizers. The highest organic C content of soil has approached to 1.12 % in plot receiving 15 Mg FYM+150 kg N + 30 Kg P2O5 ha-1. Soil fertility with respect to P, K and micronutrients (except N) can be maintained with the application of organic manures with or without NP fertilizers. Hence, the application of P, K and micronutrients fertilizers can be avoided. The build-up of organic C and nutrient contents was higher in surface (0-15 cm) soil as compare to sub-surface (15-30 and 30-45 cm) soil

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