Effect of application of NPK Zn and vermicompost in mustard cultivation on soil properties

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out on combined effects of varying levels of NPK, zinc, and vermicompost on soil health, crop growth, and yield performance of the mustard variety Varuna T-59. Conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2024-25 at the Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The experiment was laid down in randomized block design (RBD) with twelve treatments viz., T1 (RDF NPK Zn @ 0%+ V.C. @ 0%); T2 (RDF NPK Zn @ 0%+ V.C. @ 35%); T3 (RDF NPK Zn @ 0%+ V.C. @ 70%); T4 (RDF NPK Zn @ 0%+ V.C. @ 105%); T5 (RDF NPK Zn @ 50%+ V.C. @ 0%); T6 (RDF NPK Zn @ 50%+ V.C. @ 35%); T7 (RDF NPK Zn @ 50%+ V.C. @ 70%); T8 (RDF NPK Zn @ 50%+ V.C. @ 105%); T9 (RDF NPK Zn @ 100%+ V.C. @ 0%); T10 (RDF NPK Zn @ 100%+ V.C. @ 35%); T11 (RDF NPK Zn @ 100%+ V.C. @ 70%) and T12 (RDF NPK Zn @ 100%+ V.C. @ 105%) to evaluate their impact on soil physico-chemical properties and crop performance. The integrated application of 100% RDF NPK and Zn at 100% with 70% vermicompost notably enhanced soil structure, as evidenced by reduced bulk and particle densities, and improved pore space and water holding capacity, thereby promoting better soil fertility. Among the treatments, T11 (RDF NPK Zn @ 100% + Vermicompost @ 70%) was superior, achieving the highest organic carbon (0.60%), soil pH (7.53), EC (0.43 dS/m), available nitrogen (277.51 kg/ha), phosphorus (34.70 kg/ha), potassium (196.60 kg/ha) and zinc (3.06 ppm/ha) at 0-15 cm.