Biological properties as influenced by different nutrient management practices and cropping systems in vertisol of northern transition zone of Karnataka

Abstract

A long term field experiment on Effect of different nutrient management practices and cropping systems on biological properties under in Vertisol of Northern Transition Zone of Karnataka was initiated in 2004-05 on a Typic Haplustert at MARS, IOF, UAS, and Dharwad. Organic manure application to the soil for long duration enhanced the enzyme activities of the soil (Dehydrogenase activity, Phosphatase activity and Urease activity) when compared to other nutrient management practices. Organic nutrient application recorded higher urease activity of 24.7 µg NH4-N/g/day, 32.2 µg pNP/g/hr of phosphatase activity and 19.6 µg TPF/g/day of dehydrogenase activity. Microbial Biomass (Carbon and Nitrogen) recorded higher values of 79.0 mg/kg of SMB-C and 21.7 mg/kg of SMB-N followed by inorganic nutrient management practices.