Changes in soil fertility status of maize-wheat system due to long-term use of chemical fertilizers and amendments in an alfisol

G. Verma, R.P. Sharma, S.P. Sharma, S.K. Subehia and S. Shambhavi
Additional contact information
G. Verma: Regional Research Station, Gurdaspur, Punjab, India
R.P. Sharma: Department of Soil Science, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, India
S.P. Sharma: Directorate of Research, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, India
S.K. Subehia: Department of Soil Science, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, India
S. Shambhavi: Department of Soil Science, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, India
Authors registered in the RePEc Author Service: Shiv Prasad Sharma

Plant, Soil and Environment, 2012, vol. 58, issue 12, 529-533

Abstract: The present study was undertaken to quantify changes in the status of soil nutrients, their depletion and build-up after continuous long intensive cropping for last 36 years in a permanent manorial trial which has been in progress since 1972 in an alfisol of western Himalayas. The rotation was maize-wheat which included various combinations of N, P, K, Zn and FYM (farmyard manure). Continuous cultivation influenced pH, OC (organic carbon), available N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus) and K (potassium). An increase in the status of organic carbon was observed in 100% NPK + FYM treatments for more than three decades from initial value of 7.9 to 12.0 g/kg. The use of either FYM or lime alongwith 100% NPK sustained crop productivity or improved nutrient status. However, imbalanced use of nutrients i.e. NP or N alone is adversely affecting the fertility of soil by aggravating the problem of soil acidity. Application of S free P fertilizer DAP (diammonium phosphate) drastically reduced the yield of both the crops. Thus, continuous use of balanced fertilizers is necessary for sustaining soil fertility and productivity of crops.

Keywords: sustainability; long-term fertilizer experiment; productivity; organic carbon; nutrient (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
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DOI: 10.17221/133/2012-PSE

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