Impact of tillage and nutrient management practices on soil microbial population under diverse rice-based cropping systems in Eastern Vidarbha zone of Maharashtra

Abstract

A field investigation was conducted during 2020-21 and 2021-22 to study on ‘impact of tillage and nutrient management practices on soil microbial count under rice-based cropping systems at Sindewahi block, Chandrapur district, Maharashtra, India’. The experiment laid out in split-split plot design with 24 treatment combinations (6 cropping systems, 2 tillage practices, and 2 nutrient management practices) replicated thrice. Rice-chickpea cropping systems exhibited the highest populations of bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes compared to rice-rice and rice-wheat cropping systems. Other diversified systems viz., rice-lathyrus, rice-vegetables, and l rice-linseed also showed greater microbial populations than rice-rice and rice-wheat cropping systems. The integrated nutrient management (INM) practices significantly increased bacterial and fungal populations compared to sole reliance on chemical fertilizers. This study suggests that, incorporating legumes into rice-based cropping systems alongside INM practices can significantly promote soil microbial communities. These findings highlight the potential of these practices to contribute to improved soil health and productivity in the Sindewahi block of Chandrapur district.