Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science
Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science is the periodical brought out quarterly since 1953 (March, June, September and December) and it covers all aspects of soil study. The Society organizes seminars, symposia, conferences, meeting etc. enables members of ISSS and others to interact and disseminate knowledge on soil and land. Annual Convention of the Society is held regularly. This Society has celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1984, Diamond Jubilee in 1994 and Platinum Jubilee in 2009. EDITORIAL BOARD Subscription Information for Print Version
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Honorary Members of the Indian Society of Soil Science
Honorary Members & Fellows of the Indian Society of Soil Science
Effect of Sulfur and Zinc on Soil Health Parameters and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Alluvium of Prayagraj, India
Assessment of Soil Moisture Extraction Pattern under Deficit Irrigation of Wheat Crop for Varanasi Region, Uttar Pradesh
Soil Fertility and Mineralogy of the Litchi-supporting Soil of Muzaffarpur District, Bihar
Distribution Pattern of Micronutrients in Relation to Soil Properties in Pipli and Thanesar Blocks of Kurukshetra
A detailed study of spatial variations in soil fertility is essential for implementing precise and sustainable nutrient management practices. The present study was carried out soil micronutrients status of Pipli and Thanesar blocks of Kurukshetra district, Haryana using geographic information system (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS). A total of 220 geo-referenced soil samples were collected from a depth of 0–15 cm across 110 villages, and the data was analysed and mapped using GIS tools (ArcGIS 10.2). The soils in both blocks were found to be neutral to alkaline in reaction and non-saline in nature. The mean concentrations of available micronutrients in the Pipli block were 1.79 mg kg-1 for Zn, 8.49 mg kg-1 for Fe, 1.34 mg kg-1 for Mn, and 3.51 mg kg-1 for Cu. Corresponding values in the Thanesar block were 1.90 mg kg-1 (Zn), 7.67 mg kg-1 (Fe), 1.04 mg kg-1 (Mn), and 3.39 mg kg-1 (Cu). While the levels of manganese were consistently sufficient across all samples, other micronutrients exhibited spatial variability. No significant correlation was observed between the availability of these micronutrients and soil pH or electrical conductivity. These findings underscore the importance of localized soil fertility assessments for precision nutrient management strategies.
Assessment of Mycorrhizal Inoculant Effect on Sorghum Growth Performance and Soil Physical Properties in Andosol
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a vital role in enhancing plant growth and soil health through symbiotic nutrient exchange. This study evaluated the effects of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) inoculation on the growth and physiological responses of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench under controlled greenhouse conditions at Tokai University, Japan, from August to September 2025. A completely randomized design with three treatments comprising commercial AMF inoculum, sterilized inoculum, and non-inoculated control was applied to plants grown in sterilized Andosol soil mixed with vermiculite. Growth parameters, including plant height, stem diameter, chlorophyll content, and soil electrical conductivity (EC) were measured weekly. Biomass traits and soil bulk density were assessed at harvest. Microscopic analysis confirmed AMF colonization through the presence of hyphae, spores, and vesicles. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test at a 5% significance level. Results showed no significant differences in early vegetative traits; sterilized inoculum slightly enhanced plant height, reaching 61.5 cm, representing a ~4.8% increase compared to the non-inoculated treatment (58.7 cm). Root biomass was also higher under sterilized inoculum, with fresh root weight reaching 12.1 g, approximately 27% greater than the non-inoculated treatment (9.5 g). Soil EC remained low and stable (0.062–0.086 dS m-1), while bulk density was significantly lower in the non-inoculated treatment (0.290 g cm-3) compared with inoculated treatments (0.650–0.652 g cm-3). These findings suggest that while physiological responses were initially uniform, specific treatments influenced vertical growth and soil structure, highlighting the potential of AMF in sustainable sorghum cultivation.
Seed Inoculation of Rhizobium sp. and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria in Mungbean Influenced the Dynamics of Mineral N in Soil during Succeeding Wheat
of nitrogen fixing and returning carbon input in soil. Inoculation of legumes with Rhizobium sp. and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is recommended for improving biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), yields and enhancing soil fertility. This study aimed to examine the effect of microbial inoculation in mungbean on yields and mineral N release behavior during succeeding wheat in a field study conducted for 2 years in a sandy loam soil of terai region, Pantnagar, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, India. Microbial inoculation treatments in mungbean consisted of individual and conjoint use of Rhizobium sp. and PGPR and an uninoculated control. The succeeding wheat crop was raised with 3 N levels of 50, 75 and 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF). Results revealed that mineral nitrogen (NH4 +–N + NO3 ––N) and NH4 +–N in the soil decreased with increasing crop age under all the treatments, however, NO3 ––N in soil increased with crop age. The reduction in soil mineral N at different intervals varied with different treatments, being minimum under Rhizobium sp.+ PGPR and maximum under RDF at 148 days. This treatment was followed by Rhizobium in reduction of soil mineral N content. The mineral N content increased due to combined inoculation of Rhizobium sp. + PGPR by 41.3, 46.1, 62.9, 67.3 and 72.5% higher than no inoculation and 14.8, 16.8, 21.3, 23.7 and 26.3% than PGPR alone inoculation treatments at 28, 58, 88, 118 and 148 days after sowing (DAS), respectively. NH4 +–N content in soil also indicated similar pattern registering maximum content with Rhizobium sp. + PGPR and minimum with uninoculated control at similar observational intervals. The NO3 ––N in soil increased with crop age. Treatment of Rhizobium sp. alone and Rhizobium sp. + PGPR were statistically comparable and recorded significantly more NO3 ––N in soil than the uninoculated control, PGPR alone and RDF treatments. It could be concluded that application of diazotrophic bacteria Rhizobium sp., alone or in combination with PGPR in preceding mungbean crop had positive impact on soil mineral N content and grain yields of succeeding wheat, irrespective of fertilizer N levels.
Release Kinetics and 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing of Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria Screened from Zinc Deficient Paddy Soils of Northeast Region of India
Low solubility of insoluble zinc (Zn) complexes and low fertilizer Zn use efficiency owing to a range of soil conditions results in Zn deficiency in paddy soils, which also limits rice productivity. In the present study, prospective Zn-solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) were screened from Zn-deficient paddy soils of northeast (NE) India to assess their ability to solubilize insoluble Zn compounds. Thirteen isolates of ZSB were retrieved following the qualitative assay for clear halo zone formation and Zn solubilization index (ZSI) in modified Pikovskaya’s agar plates containing ZnO (0.12%) and Zn3(PO4)2.2H2O (0.22%) separately. Quantitative release of diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid-extracted (DTPA)-Zn, pH change, and Zn release kinetics were evaluated for the isolates in liquid medium using ZnO following 40 days of incubation. 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequence analysis were used to identify ZSB isolates with a high capacity to solubilize ZnO. The isolates were identified as Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Paraburkholderia tropica and Bacillus circulans. The isolate Bacillus subtilis ZSBK95 showed the largest clear halo zone (38 mm), with a ZSI of 4.22 and a cumulative release of DTPA-Zn (205.56 μg mL-1 in the medium containing ZnO. Similarly, the higher initial mineralization rate (7.75 μg mL-1 day-1) was observed for Bacillus subtilis ZSBK95. A significant (p<0.05) drop in pH (5.07- 6.10) from the initial value (pH 7.0) was observed in all the ZSB isolates during the incubation period, along with corresponding release of DTPA-Zn, which was reflected as a strong negative correlation (-0.838, n=56, p≤0.01) between pH drop and Zn solubilization. The results indicated that the five identified ZSB isolates have high potential for application as biofertilizers in Zn-deficient paddy soils.
Distribution of Potassium Fractions in Soils under Different Land Uses in Coastal Region of Raigad District, Maharashtra
The distribution of different potassium fractions in nine typical pedons, associated with different land uses (grassland, paddy, fallow land) in the coastal region of Raigad district, Maharashtra were studied. The soils were clay loam to silt loam in texture and their pH varied from 5.05 to 6.60 electrical conductivity from 0.15 and 20.10 dS m–1. The surface horizon of grassland had higher organic carbon (> 20 g kg–1) than the paddy-growing soil and in general, soil organic carbon showed positive correlation with lattice and total K, but was inversely related to exchangeable K. Fallow land showed higher water-soluble, exchangeable and available K in the surface horizon than the cultivated soils. Soil pH had inverse relationship with lattice and total K, while it was positively related to available K. Clay content was inversely related to nonexchangeable, lattice, and total K, whereas, silt content had a negative association with water-soluble, available K, but a positive relationship with lattice K. In contrast, sand content had a strong positive relationship with water-soluble and available K. Water-soluble potassium showed a strong positive correlation with all K-forms barring lattice K. Exchangeable K and available K had significant positive relationship with available K and non-exchangeable K. There was a positive correlation between nonexchangeable and total K, lattice and total K. Amongst the different K fractions, total K followed by lattice K, was highest in all the land uses. In paddy field, the order for K fractions was as total K > lattice K > available K > non-exchangeable K > exchangeable K > water-soluble K while the order for other fractions differed in soils of grassland and fallow land.
Eco-Friendly Induction of Systemic Resistance against Insect Pests and Diseases in Vegetables Using Neem-Enriched Organics and Inoculation of Beneficial Soil Microbes
The overuse of agrochemicals, along with intensive irrigation, has led to an escalation in insect pests and disease infestations in vegetable crops, causing significant economic losses and environmental and health hazards. In contrast, neem-added organic manure enriched with plant growth-promoting micro-organisms (PGPMs) has proven to be an effective organic amendment for organic vegetable production, improving soil quality and strengthening plants’ natural defence against insect pests and diseases. A long-term experiment was conducted from 2019-20 to 2023-24 at the College of Agriculture, Sumerpur-Pali, to examine the impact of six different combinations of chemical fertilizers and neem-added organic manures, along with plant growth-promoting microorganisms, on the induction of systemic resistance in various vegetable crops. The results showed that replacing chemical fertilizers by neem-added organic manure, in presence of PGPMs, significantly enhanced the plants’ ability to defend themselves and reduced insect pests and disease damage in comparison to chemical fertilizers across various vegetables by 75.51% in potatoes, 67.40% in onions, 71.81% in radishes, 65.47% in tomatoes, 63.80% in brinjal, and 64.57% in okra. These findings highlight the vital role of neem-added compost and beneficial soil microbes in inducing systemic resistance, reducing the need for agrochemicals, and improving food safety.
Unravelling the Key Drivers of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)Dynamics: A Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis
Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a vital component of soil and plays a dynamic role in the soil ecosystem, including soil health, agriculture, and climate change. Despite extensive regional-level studies on individual drivers, research lacks an integrated cause-and-effect relationship and identification of universal patterns. This review aims to prepare a relationship model of SOC drivers, depth-dependent variability, and management techniques. For this review, 2100 articles were identified using Google Scholar and ScienceDirect. After screening, 110 papers were selected for detailed review. Furthermore, to examine SOC variability in different ecosystems, data on SOC depth profiles were collected from previous studies and analysed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The results show that SOC maintains a positive relationship with rainfall, clay content, soil management, and organic farming, and a negative relationship with temperature, intensive agriculture, erosion, and soil pH. Meta-analysis reveals SOC decreases with depth, and grasslands contain higher SOC followed by forests and croplands. Collectively, the review suggests a need for better strategies and approaches to maintain soil health, increase food security, and address climate challenges.
Unravelling the Key Drivers of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) Dynamics: A Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis
Soil Organic Carbon Stocks and Spatial Variability in Urban Green Spaces: Insights from the Kalyan–Dombivli Municipal Corporation, Mumbai Metropolitan Region, India
within the Kalyan–Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, India. A total of 102 composite soil samples were collected from 30 ward groups representing residential, agricultural, and mixed land-use zones at two depths (0–15 cm and 15–30 cm). Laboratory and geospatial analyses quantified SOC distribution, depth-wise variation, and land-use influence. Results revealed high mean SOC concentrations (≈10.9%) and substantial average carbon stocks (~404 t C ha-1 within 0–30 cm). Surface soils exhibited slightly higher SOC than sub-surface layers, though the latter contributed nearly half of the total carbon pool, indicating deep carbon stabilization. Spatial mapping identified distinct carbon “hotspots” (>450 t C ha-1) in vegetated residential and institutional areas such as Kala Lake and Titwala, whereas disturbed and compacted peri-urban zones recorded lower stocks (<250 t C ha-1). Despite moderate variation across land-use categories, sustained vegetation cover emerged as the dominant factor influencing SOC accumulation. These findings underscore that tropical urban soils, when managed ecologically, function as effective carbon sinks comparable to natural ecosystems. The study provides a scientific foundation for integrating soil carbon management into municipal climate strategies, emphasizing the role of urban green spaces in carbon neutrality, climate adaptation, and sustainable city planning.
Soil Health Dynamics in Urban Forests versus Wasteland Soils: A Physico-Chemical Perspective from Subtropical Region of Chhattisgarh, India
Urbanization and land degradation significantly influence soil physicochemical characteristics and nutrient dynamics in subtropical ecosystems. This study comparatively evaluated soil health in urban forest soils (UFS) and wasteland soils (WLS) of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India, analyzing soil colour, texture, bulk density (BD), moisture content (MC), nitrogen (N), carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and sulfur (S). Urban forest soils were generally darker (dark brown to dark grey) with finer textures (silt loam to clay), whereas wastelands exhibited lighter colours and coarser textures. Bulk density ranged from 1.45–1.60 g cm-3 in UFS and 1.10–1.28 g cm-3 in UFS. Moisture content varied from 7.6–15.2% in WLS and 18.0–31.5% in UFS. Carbon and nitrogen ranged between 0.58–1.45% and 0.046–0.138% in WLS, compared to 1.05– 1.68% and 0.204–0.408% in UFS, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed significant negative relationships (p < 0.05) between BD and nutrient parameters, with stronger associations in urban forest soils (e.g., BD–C r ≈ –0.76). Moisture exhibited strong positive correlations with carbon and nitrogen (r ≈ 0.86), indicating tight nutrient–water coupling under forest cover. Wasteland soils displayed comparatively weaker inter-parameter associations and greater variability. Multivariate scatterplot matrix analysis further confirmed stronger structural coherence and biogeochemical integration in urban forest soils compared to wastelands. Overall, the findings highlight the regulatory role of vegetation cover in maintaining soil structural stability and nutrient interdependence in the subtropical urban ecosystem of Bilaspur. The study underscores the ecological importance of conserving and restoring urban forest patches to enhance soil health resilience in rapidly expanding cities of central India.
Comparative Evaluation of Different Soil and Water Conservation Practices on Key Soil Physicochemical Properties along Slope Positions in the Belichamena Sub-Watershed, Central Ethiopia
Soil erosion remains one of the most critical environmental challenges in Ethiopia. Despite the implementation of soil and water conservation (SWC) measures over the past two to three decades to curb and reverse this issue, erosion continues to affect many parts of the country, including the Ameka district. This study investigates the impact of soil and water conservation (SWC) practices on selected soil physicochemical properties across different slope positions in the Belichamena sub-watershed, Central Ethiopia. The study area encompassed both conserved and non-conserved cultivated lands situated along upper, middle, and lower slope positions. A total of 27 composite soil samples were collected and analyzed for parameters such as soil texture, moisture content, bulk density (BD), pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), and electrical conductivity (EC), using standard laboratory procedures. To evaluate the impact of SWC interventions and slope position, statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 26. The findings indicated that soils within bunds supported with desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum) exhibited higher levels of clay, moisture content, pH, SOC, SOM, TN, available phosphorus, and EC compared to adjacent bunds without desho grass and non-conserved plots. Conversely, higher bulk density, silt, and sand contents were observed in the non-conserved areas. Most soil properties showed statistically significant variation (p < 0.05) due to both conservation practices and slope position, except for silt, sand, and bulk density. Results indicated that SWC practices significantly enhanced soil fertility, particularly in lower slope positions, where greater accumulation of organic matter and nutrients was observed. Comparatively, non-conserved areas exhibited poorer soil structure and reduced nutrient levels. These results confirm that SWC practices are highly effective in mitigating soil erosion and enhancing soil quality in the Belichamena sub-watershed, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural productivity.
Influence of Rhizobium and PSB on Agronomic Traits, Soil Biological Properties, and Nitrogen Fractionation under Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) Cultivation
Effect of Hydrogel Amendment on Soil Water Storage, Crop Growth, Yield, and Water Productivity of Rice-Groundnut Cropping System
Performance of Potassium Levels and Foliar Application on Soil Properties, Yield and Quality of Cluster Bean
A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2021 at CCS HAU, Regional Research Station, Bawal on loamy sand soil to study the performance of potassium levels and foliar applications on soil properties yield and quality of cluster bean. Integrating soil potassium fertilization with foliar nutrient applications can enhance soil status in cluster bean cultivation. The treatment involving 30 kg K2O ha-1 with foliar sprays of 2% urea and 2% multiplex nutrient at pre-flowering and pod formation stages (T9) resulted in the highest availability of nitrogen (146.7 kg ha-1), phosphorus (15.9 kg ha-1) and potassium (188.7 kg ha-1) in the soil after post-harvest of the crop. Crop yield, both seed (17.9 q ha-1) and stover (45.8 q ha-1) along with yield attributes, increased significantly with higher potassium levels and foliar application of 2% urea plus 2% Multiplex nutrient (a water-soluble micronutrient fertilizer that corrects deficiencies and enhances plant growth, flowering, quality, and yield). The highest values were recorded under the T9 treatment (30 kg K2O ha-1 + 2% urea spray + 2% Multiplex nutrient spray), outperforming both the control and sole potassium application. Also, significantly maximum numbers of nodules and their fresh weight per plant (18.9 and 0.06 g at 40 DAS and 20.92 and 0.070 g at 60 DAS) were recorded under T9. The highest protein content and gum content (23.9 and 28.9%) were observed under treatment T9 (30 kg K2O ha-1 + 2% urea spray + 2% multiplex nutrient spray) followed by T7 (30 kg K2O ha-1 + 2% multiplex nutrient spray). Higher net monetary returns (Rs. 102240 ha-1) with B:C (1.82) obtained under T9. The present study concludes that application of 30 kg K2O ha-1 at sowing time and foliar spraying of 2% urea along with 2% multiplex at pre-flowering and pod formation stage proved to be economically beneficial while achieving optimum nutrient status and yield under clusterbean cultivation.
Wheat Productivity and Phosphorus Fractions in Soil Supplemented with Rock Phosphate Enriched Compost in Combination with Microbial Inoculants
We investigated the effect of rock phosphate enriched compost with microbial inoculants on phosphorus (P) fractions in soil and how these forms affect the bioavailability of P to wheat. Phosphorus was applied through rock phosphate enriched compost, P solubilizer and mobilizer and compared with conventional Pfertilizer i.e. single superphosphate. Chemical P- fractions through a sequential fractionation scheme, biomass production, and P concentrations in plant parts were measured to estimate the plant P uptake. Yield, yield attributes and P uptake in straw and grain were significantly affected by the synergistic application of P- enriched compost along with 50% recommended dose for P with the microbial inoculants, compared to absolute control. The percentage contributions of different fractions to the total P content in soil after wheat harvest were in the order of labile P< Fe/Al-P< Ca-P < residual.
Influence of Tillage and Nitrogen Management on Soil Nutrient Status, Soil Microbial Properties and Wheat Yield in Rice-Wheat Cropping System
The study investigates the effects of different tillage practices and nitrogen (N) management strategies on soil nutrient status, microbial properties and wheat yield within a rice-wheat cropping system in the Indo- Gangetic Plains. A split-plot field experiment was conducted with four tillage methods—conventional tillage, stale seedbed followed by conventional tillage, zero tillage without residue, and zero tillage with residue retention and four N management strategies, including control, recommended N application, modified N scheduling, and Leaf Colour Chart (LCC)-guided N application. Results showed that zero tillage with residue retention (ZT+R) significantly enhanced soil properties recording the highest soil organic carbon after harvest (0.44%), available phosphorus (21.8 kg ha-1), available potassium (358.6 kg ha-1) and increased microbial activity (microbial biomass carbon (MBC) of 155.92 μg g-1 soil and fluorescein diacetate activity (FDA) of 127.94 μg g-1 soil). ZT+R also produced the maximum grain yield (4.99 t ha-1) and straw yield (8.03 t ha-1) compared to other tillage methods. Among N management strategies, the LCC-guided N application achieved the highest grain yield (5.39 t ha-1) and also recorded the highest MBC (157.42 μg g-1 soil), FDA (117.64 μg g-1 soil) and available potassium after harvest (355.6 kg ha-1). These findings highlight the potential benefits of conservation agriculture practices such as zero tillage with residue retention and precision N management for sustainable wheat production in rice-wheat cropping systems.
Optimizing Foliar Iron Application: Effects of Rate and Frequency on Maize Growth, Yield and Grain Quality
A field experiment was conducted at the Micronutrient Research Farm, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, India to evaluate the influence of foliar iron (Fe) application at varying rates and frequencies on the growth, yield, and quality of maize. The study comprised nine treatments arranged in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. The results revealed that foliar application of iron significantly affected cob length, the number of cobs per plant, and the grain and stover yields of maize. The treatment comprising recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 0.75% FeSO4 (two sprays at 25 and 50 days after sowing (DAS)) recorded the highest grain yield (3846 kg ha-¹) and stover yield (7543 kg ha-¹), showing a significant improvement over the control. The Fe and sulphur (S) content were measured in maize leaves one week after the first and second foliar sprays, and also in the grain and stover at harvest. The treatment RDF + 1.00% FeSO4 (two sprays at 25 and 50 DAS) resulted in significantly higher Fe and S content in maize leaves after both sprays. Similarly, Fe and S uptake by maize grain and stover were significantly influenced by foliar Fe application, with the highest uptake observed under the RDF + 1.00% FeSO4 (two sprays) treatment. These findings highlight the dual benefit of foliar Fe application in improving not only maize productivity but also its nutritional quality.
Unlocking the Potential of Green Ammonia: Decarbonizing Agriculture
Ammonia serves as a critical role player in global economy, contributing to economic growth through its crucial role in fertilizer manufacturing. It is a primary nitrogen source, which enhances crop yields but also poses significant environmental threats due to its synthetic nature. Excessive use of ammonia-based synthetic fertilizers leads to soil degradation, biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions. In 2023, global ammonia production reached around 150 million metric tons, primarily using the traditional Haber-Bosch process of ammonia synthesis, which relies heavily on fossil fuels and contributes to a substantial carbon footprint. In response to these challenges, green ammonia has emerged as a sustainable alternative. Unlike conventional ammonia synthesis, green ammonia is produced through clean and renewable energy sources. Additionally, green urea, synthesized from green ammonia, represents a significant advancement in sustainable agriculture, contributing to carbon neutrality. The green ammonia market is poised for substantial growth, promising enhanced food security and reduced ecological impact. However, issues like high initial production costs along with significant capital investments required for renewable energy infrastructure are major concerns in green ammonia production technology. This review explores the potential of the green pathway of ammonia synthesis, highlighting its role in decarbonizing fertilizer production and its advantages over traditional processes, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved economic viability.
Comparative Analysis of Organic vs. Conventional Farming: Impacts on Soil Chemistry and Tea Leaf Biochemistry
A comparative study was conducted at the experimental field of Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Jorhat, India to determine the effects of organic (OFS) and conventional farming (CFS) systems on soil chemical and biochemical properties of tea leaf. A part of the field under CFS was converted to organic in 2008 by using eleven different combinations of organic manures. After four years of conversion process, chemical properties of the soil samples such as soil-organic carbon, available N, available P, available K as well as caffeine and catechin contents of the leaf samples were quantified. OFS resulted in significantly increase in soil organic carbon (8.8%) and cation exchange capacity (28.4%). On the other hand, CFS resulted in significantly higher levels of available potash and nitrogen contents in soil. The estimates of leaf biochemical contents resulted in up to 43% increase in leaf proline and 27% increase in catechin contents in tea leaves under OFS, although there was upto 22 percent reduction in tea yield due to conversion from conventional to organic farming practices. The present study provides information on soil nitrogen and potash level as well as leaf proline and catechin content in tea leaves under OFS and CFS in North east India.
Suitability of Multinutrient Extractant for Estimating Micronutrients Cations in Different Soil Orders of Punjab, India
Successful and sustainable crop production depends upon balanced nutrition of the crops. The soil testing provides an index of the available nutrients in soils and evaluation of multi-nutrient extractants is essential. Therefore, the present study was planned to evaluate the suitability of different extractants i.e. Ammonium bicarbonate-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (AB-DTPA), Mehlich 3 (M-3), Mehlich 1 (M-1) and Haney Haney Hossner Arnold (H3A) with standard Diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) extractant for determination of available micronutrients in 3 soil orders viz. Alfisol, Inceptisol and Aridisol of Punjab. The outcomes of experiment indicated the M-3 followed by AB-DTPA were most suitable and efficient for extraction of micronutrients in all soil orders of Punjab. However, for soil orders the declining trend of micronutrient distribution was Inceptisol>Alfisol>Aridisol. The correlation and regression studies indicated the highest positive and significant relation of DTPA with M-3 extractant. Therefore, it can be concluded the M-3 and DTPA extractant are most suitable and efficient for extraction of all micronutrients cation (zinc, iron, manganese, copper) from different soil orders of Punjab.
Adsorption and Desorption Behaviour of Phosphorus as Influenced by Integrated Phosphorus Management Modules in Pigeonpea-Wheat System
Sustainable phosphorus (P)-management is highly pertinent in the present day agriculture as global Preserve is highly limited. Adsorption-desorption studies help elucidate complex phosphorus chemistry influenced by management practices. The present investigation has been taken up to ascertain the Padsorption- desorption pattern in pigeonpea (PP) (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.)-wheat (W) (Triticum aestivum L.) system under alkaline Fluvisol. Field experiment was conducted for three years (2019-2022) in randomised block design with four replication having six treatments namely: T1: PP0-W0 (subscripts denote the P2O5 rate applied to the crop, in kg ha-1); T2: PP60– W60; T3: PP36-W36 + 5 t farmyard manure (FYM) ha-1 T4: PP36-W36+ 1 t poultry manure (PM) ha-1; T5: PPP36-W36+ 50% wheat residue (WR) ; T6: PP36-W36+ 50% WR + phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) at ICAR-IIPR. Experimental findings showed, available P content was highest in PP36-W36 + PM and langmuir adsorption parameters like maximum P adsorption capacity (b) and affinity constant (k) was noted maximum in PP0-W0 and the trend of ‘b’ in pigeonpea follows: PP36-W36+ WR > PP60-W60 ³ PP36-W36+ WR > PP36-W36 + FYM = PP36-W36 +PM. Low maximum P buffering capacity (MPBC) due to reduced P-fixation in plots received PM indirectly refers to the need of lesser P-fertilisers in both the crops. In case of desorption, higher value of ‘a’ in PP0-W0 (121.26 and 135 in pigeonpea and wheat respectively) refers to the marginal P-supplying potential as compared to PP36-W36 + PM (67.62 in pigeonpea) and PP36-W36+ FYM (81.54 in pigeonpea). Also, a higher desorption index (DI) in control plots indicates inability of crops to utilise soil P due to high bonding energy. In the end, application of PP36-W36+PM improved P-availability and has higher potential to supply P to crops.
Influence of Soil Moisture Regimes, Amendments and Ageing on Cadmium Availability in a Sandy Loam Soil
In a range of cadmium (Cd) spiked soil the effects of soil moisture regimes, amendments and ageing on Cd availability were assessed. A sandy loam soil was spiked with Cd @ 0, 10 and 25 mg kg-1 soil through its nitrate solution. Lime (5%), farmyard manure (20 t FYM ha-1) and zinc (25 mg Zn kg-1) were added as amendments. The treated soil samples were incubated at 35 °C for 1, 45 and 90 days at field capacity and submerged soil moisture regimes. Available Cd was extracted with 0.005 M DTPA extractant and determined by ICP-AES. The results revealed that there was a temporal decrease in the available Cd with ageing and was in the order of 90 days > 45 days > 1 day. The magnitude of decrease in Cd availability was higher with the addition of amendments in the order of lime > FYM > Zn > unamended soil. The decrease in available Cd was further pronounced under submerged moisture regime than under field capacity. An overall reduction in the per cent recovery of DTPA-Cd was observed under submergence compared to field capacity moisture regime in lime, FYM, Zn amended soils and unamended soil. Least percent recovery was obtained under submergence combined with lime amendment at 90 days of incubation. The results enable us to understand the effect of ageing coupled with different amendments under various moisture regimes on Cd availability.
Pedogenic Processes and Variability in Soil Properties of Red-ferruginous Soils of Southern Karnataka, India
Climatic and landform diversity left its footprints on Indian Peninsula, offers an opportunity to inspect the impact of climate and related changes on key pedogenic soil qualities. To understand different pedogenic processes, we studied eight pedons from five major agro-climatic zones with varying morphology and physiography associated with similar land use. Depending on morphology and physio-chemical soil variables, soils were classified as Rhodic Kandiustults, Rhodic Kandiustalfs, Kandic Paleustalfs, Rhodic Paleustalfs, Typic Rhodustalfs, Aquic Haplustalfs, Typic Haplustepts at sub group level. Given that horizon differentiation is the basic unit of pedogenesis, numerical hierarchical cluster analysis was used to compare and construct the quantifiable soil qualities within horizons for better comprehension of pedogenic processes. The main pedogenic processes were desilication, clay illuviation, base leaching, ferralitization, rubrifaction, ferrugination and braunification. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the key soil characteristics that affect the pedogenic processes and they were correlated with elevation and climatic factors. Indicating the impact of dryness and climate change on clay mineralogy, potential evapotranspiration (PET) and length of dry period (LDP) showed a significant negative correlation with clay type and soil exchangeability, leading to an accumulation of clays with more sub-active to semi-active CEC/clay ratio classes in sub-surface soils in semi-arid tropical regions of southern Karnataka. In contrast, the horizon sequence of P4 showed a limited effect of time on profile development, due to cyclical variations in erosion and deposition cycles
Pedological Approach to Climate-Smart Agriculture: A Case Study in Southern Transition Zone of Karnataka, India
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is increasingly seen as a promising approach to feed the growing world population under climate change. Soil genesis, development and classification are key components for sustainable soil resource management and crop production towards CSA. The CSA concept encompasses productivity, adaptation and mitigation. Farm-scale soil mapping at 1:10,000 provides detailed information on climate, soil, water, cropping systems and socio-economic conditions. The land resources inventory (LRI) carried out in part of Nuggihalli block, Hassan district in the Southern Transition Zone of Karnataka and mapped with 55 phases of 15 soil series. Dodderi Kaval series (S4-DKL 2) was identified for CSA adoption and mitigation. Soil developed on upland had moderate soil and water quality associated with ragi-based cropping systems and dairy is a major allied activity under DKL 2 soil series. Mitigation measures were adopted for areas having poor soil quality, where productivity and adaptation are priorities for marginal soils. Integrating different approaches that promote soil quality management, based on natural resources, can provide potential opportunities for adopting CSA in this region.