Impact of manuring and fertilization over long term on soil available plant nutrients in eastern dry zone of Karnataka

Abstract

The soils collected after 31 cropping cycles (2017) from ongoing long term fertilizer experiment under finger millet-maize cropping system at GKVK, Bengaluru were studied for its available nutrients status. In long term manurial soils under finger millet and maize cropping system plant available nutrient status such as nitrogen, potassium and sulphur were maintained sustainability in all treatments, except treatment receiving 100 per cent NP and only 100% N respectively. There was high build up of available phosphorus in soil due to continuous application of phosphatic fertilizers. Calcium and magnesium content was recorded higher in lime and FYM applied treatment along with 100% NPK It was noticed that the DTPA extractable micronutrients like zinc, copper, iron and manganese status was maintained in the treatments received FYM in combination with inorganic fertilizer. Hence, application of recommended doses of fertilizer in combination with FYM helps in maintaining soil health as well as available nutrient status of soil.