Response of cotton nutrient uptake to tillage systems and organic manures application in Vertisols

Abstract

Tillage and organic nutrient management play a pivotal role in improving soil fertility, nutrient availability and crop performance, particularly in heavy-textured Vertisols. The present study evaluated the effect of different tillage systems and organic manures on macro and micronutrient uptake by cotton grown under Vertisols conditions. The experiment was conducted using a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with combinations of conventional tillage (CT), reduced tillage (RT), minimum tillage (MT) and zero tillage (ZT), along with FYM, Vermicompost, phosphocompost and no manure as organic inputs. Plant uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) were quantified. Results indicated that conservation tillage combined with high-quality organic manures significantly enhanced nutrient uptake compared to conventional tillage with no organic inputs. Application of phosphocompost recorded to the highest N uptake (38.82 kg ha-1), P uptake (8.02 kg ha-1), K uptake (32.08 kg ha-1) and micronutrients uptake followed by vermicompost (M2) and FYM (M2). No manure (M4) resulted in the lowest uptake. Conventional tillage combined with FYM application significantly enhanced N, P, K and micronutrient absorption, which significantly improved yield. Improved soil structure, higher organic carbon levels, and increased microbial activity were linked to better nutrient absorption when soil disturbance was minimized. The research shows that combining conservation tillage with organic inputs effectively enhances nutrient uptake and soil health in Vertisols.