Effect of conservation agriculture on soil hydro-physical properties, total and particulate organic carbon and root morphology in wheat (Triticum aestivum) under rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat system

SURAJIT MONDAL; T K DAS; PAULSON THOMAS; A K MISHRA; K K BANDYOPADHYAY; PRAMILA AGGARWAL; DEBASHIS CHAKRABORTY

doi:10.56093/ijas.v89i1.86126

Authors

SURAJIT MONDAL
T K DAS
PAULSON THOMAS
A K MISHRA
K K BANDYOPADHYAY
PRAMILA AGGARWAL
DEBASHIS CHAKRABORTY

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v89i1.86126

Keywords:

Conservation agriculture, Organic C, Penetration resistance, Root morphology, Soil pores, Wheat

Abstract

Short-term (5 years) effect of conservation agriculture (CA) practice on soil hydro-physical characteristics, soil organic carbon status and root morphology in wheat (triticum aestivum L.) was monitored under rice (Orgza sativa L.)-wheat rotation in a clay loam soil at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. A small improvement in soil water content and a marginal decrease in bulk density by CA contributed in significant reduction (30-37%)
in sub-surface compaction. The CA improved soil structure in the plough layer (0-15 cm) with significant increase in soil organic carbon status (27-38%). A marginal change in pore size distribution was recorded in favour of larger volume of retention pores (11-12%), in expense of macro- or drainable pore space. Steady-state infiltration, which was essentially profile-controlled, was therefore lower in the CA plots. Decrease in sub-surface soil strength and better soil water retention facilitated root growth in wheat in the sub-surface layer under CA. Results implied that
the CA practice in rice-wheat system, although with a shorter period, led to an overall physical improvement of the most active root zone. This had positive impact on root morphology, which contributed to increase in the crop yield.

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Author Biographies

SURAJIT MONDAL

Ph D Scholar, (Scientist, ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna),
T K DAS

Principal Scientist, Division of Agricultural Physics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012
PAULSON THOMAS

Agricultural Officer, Kerala. ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012
A K MISHRA

Principal Scientist, Water Technology Centre, IARI, Now Delhi.
K K BANDYOPADHYAY

Principal Scientist, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012
PRAMILA AGGARWAL

Principal Scientist, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012
DEBASHIS CHAKRABORTY

ICAR Nationl Fellow, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012

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