Influence of long-term application of chemical fertilizers and soil amendments on physico-chemical soil quality indicators and crop yield under maize-wheat cropping system in an acid alfisol

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken in the ongoing long-term fertilizer experiment initiated during 1972 at experimental farm of Department of Soil Science, CSK HPKV, Palampur with eleven treatments replicated three times. The soil of the experimental site was silty loam and classified taxonomically as “Typic Hapludalf”. Continuous application of balanced chemical fertilizers either alone or in combination with FYM or lime for forty two years significantly improved available N, P and K, total carbon (CT) and labile carbon (CL) as compared to control and unbalanced use of fertilizers at both the surface and sub surface layers. While, 100 per cent N and zero fertilization led to decline in CT and CL as compared to buffer plot. Application of 100 per cent NPK + FYM was more effective for increasing available N, P, K, CT and CL as compared to application of chemical fertilizers alone. Highest productivity of maize and wheat was recorded in the treatment comprising 100 per cent NPK + FYM. The productivity of both the crops recorded under 100 per cent NPK + lime was at par with 100 per cent NPK + FYM. Continuous use of urea alone had most deleterious effect on soil properties and productivity of both the crops. Total carbon, labile carbon available N, P, K and CEC were found to be positively and significantly correlated with total yields of both the crops and negatively and significantly correlated with bulk density.