Influence of nutrient management practices and cropping systems on soil properties and total organic carbon content in a Vertisol

Abstract

Soil properties and soil carbon sequestration potentials as influenced by nutrient management practices and cropping systems practiced over a period of five years in a Vertisol was monitored during 2017-18. The study revealed that, nutrient management practices showed greater impact on soil parameters studied than cropping systems. The 100 % organic farming practice significantly improved the soil physical properties viz; bulk density, porosity, aggregate stability and moisture retention compared to 100 % inorganic farming. Total organic carbon at 0-5, 5-15 and 15-30 cm was significantly higher in 100 % organic farming (14.8, 14.5 and 13.6 mg kg-1, respectively) and greengram-safflower cropping system (14.4, 13.8 and 13.2 mg kg-1, respectively). In general, many soil properties were significantly enhanced due to 100 % organic farming in greengram-safflower sequence cropping system.