Changes in soil nutrient content and enzymatic activity under conventional and zero-tillage practices in an Indian sandy clay loam soil

Abstract

For 3 years we studied the impact of different tillage practices on biological activity, major nutrient transformation potential in a sandy clay loam soil and crop yield in a Himalayan subtemperate region. Field agroecosystems with a rotation of two grain crops per year (lentil-finger millet) received four different tillage practices: zero-zero (ZZ), conventional-conventional (CC), zero-conventional (ZC), and conventional-zero (ZC) tillage. Most of the chemical parameters were influenced by the type of tillage practice. ZZ increased the soil organic carbon (SOC) content in the upper soil layer from 6.8 to 7.5 mg g -1 soil. Similarly available N was increased by 6.1% in ZZ over CC. Under zero tillage soil generally had higher P and K content than under other tillage practices. Soil carbohydrate content was also increased from 3.1 to 4.9 mg g -1 and dehydrogenase activity was also increased significantly under continuous zero-tillage practice. Alkaline phosphatase, protease, and cellulase were most sensitive to changes due to tillage management. Alkaline phosphatase and protease activity was greater (by 9.3-48.1%) in the zero-tillage system over conventional practice. In contrast, cellulase activity was more (by 31.3-74.6%) in conventional practice than other management practices. We suggest that, by understanding the effects of tillage on soil biological properties, soil quality and agricultural sustainability of subtemperate hill agro-ecosystems may be improved.

Effects of Conservation Tillage and Nutrient Management Practices on Soil Fertility and Productivity of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)–Rice System in North Eastern Region of India

“…The MBC and DHA under T 5 were 17.8 and 44%, higher than that under T 4 respectively. Pandey et al [58] concluded that higher DHA in soils under NT was due to larger proportions of MBC than that in soil under CT. Higher activity of soil DHA and SMBC under NT compared to that under CT has been also reported by other researchers [43,58,59]. The accumulation of crop residues on the soil surface results in enrichment of SOM in the surface layer and the microbial activity in soil under NT and RT [47,60].…”

“…Further, balanced application of nutrients along with micronutrient and residue incorporation can increase the yield of rice [65]. Many studies have reported increased of RRS productivity under conservation tillage (RT/NT) with integrated nutrient and residue management [9] but effects vary with region due to differences in climatic and edaphic factors [54,59]. Our results These trends indicate an opportunity for NT with improved nutrient management in lowland rice cultivation with some yield advantage [3].…”

“…Further, balanced application of nutrients along with micronutrient and residue incorporation can increase the yield of rice [65]. Many studies have reported increased of RRS productivity under conservation tillage (RT/NT) with integrated nutrient and residue management [9] but effects vary with region due to differences in climatic and edaphic factors [54,59]. Our results suggest that cultivation of WR with NT in conjunction with INM and residue management and DR under NT with the recommended dose of fertilizer and residue management will be most suitable for RRS in the region because of improvement in crop yields, enhancement of soil physical quality, and increase in SOC concentration and stock.…”

Surface soil phosphorus and phosphatase activities affected by tillage and crop residue input amounts

“…Our study also indicated that total P content was significantly affected by tillage treatments. Some studies reported a greater total P and available P accumulation under no-till management (Redel et al 2007, Mina et al 2008. Available P did not increase in no-till treatments in our study.…”

Soil Organic Carbon, Carbon Sequestration, Soil Microbial Biomass Carbon and Nitrogen and Soil Enzymatic Activity as Influenced by Conservation Agriculture in Pigeonpea and Soybean Intercropping System

“…Significantly higher soil urease activity (11.76,11.86,11.10 and 11.44 µg NH 4 (Table 3). Higher soil enzymatic activity under conservation tillage practices could be attributed to the minimum soil disturbance, retention as well as incorporation of residues, root exudates from crops, availability of soil moisture, better aeration, optimum temperature and higher organic matter present increases the carbohydrate content which act as an energy source for microbes which resulted in higher soil enzymatic activity (Mina et al, 2008 andNurbekov, 2008).…”