Dynamic Changes in Soil Physico-Chemical Properties with the Application of Inorganic Fertilizers

Abstract

Imbalanced application of inorganic fertilizer generates undesirable over soil physicochemical properties to a great extent. Short term aerobic incubation experiment was implemented with soil samples (Typic Haplustert) collected from top soil horizon (0-15cm) of cabbage field in Viraliyur, Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. Intention of study is towards examining the pattern of changes in pH and electrical conductivity (EC) in soil added with varied levels of fertilizers (NPK) under field capacity condition. Fertilizer was applied in accordance with the treatments viz., control (no fertilizer), 100 % of RDF (100:125:25), 125% of N + Recommended PK, 150% of N + Recommended PK, 125% of P + Recommended NK, 150% of P + Recommended NK, 125% of K + Recommended NP, 150% of K + Recommended NP. Fertilizers source used were urea, diammonium phosphate (DAP) and muriate of potash (MOP). Experimental soil was characterized for its physicochemical. The pH was neutral in reaction and EC level was in safer limit. Incubation period was extended for two months. Destructive sample from each set of container was taken at weekly intervals for analysis of pH and EC. From the experimental results, no significant changes in the pH and EC were recorded during the first three weeks of incubation. The acidification was most pronounced in soil receiving urea at 125 and 150 per cent recommended level. The slight change in pH and electrical conductivity was noticed after third week of incubation. A prominent change in soil reaction was induced by the urea applied at the rate of 150% + Rec PK in comparison with other treatments. Salinity levels was greatly influenced in the DAP treated soils.