Integration of organics in nutrient management for rice-wheat system improves nitrogen use efficiency via favorable soil biological and electrochemical responses

Abstract

IntroductionThe contrasting soil management in flooded-transplanted rice (Oryza sativa) and dry-tilled wheat (Triticum aestivum) poses a challenge for improving low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of the rice-wheat system. Integration of organics in nutrient management can bring in changes favoring efficient N uptake via changes in growing conditions and soil responses.Materials and methodsThis study reported the results of a 15-year-long experiment on integrated nutrient management (INM) systems for rice-wheat cropping. The INM included substituting ~50% of chemical fertilizers via (i) including a legume crop (Vigna radiata) in the sequence and its biomass incorporation (LE), (ii) green manuring with Sesbania aculeata (GM), (iii) farmyard manure application (FYM), (iv) 1/3 wheat stubble in situ retention (WS), and (v) 1/3 rice stubble in situ retention.Results and DiscussionThe INM strategies resulted in improved NUE compared to 100% chemical fertilizers (F). The INM had significantly higher net N mineralization and improved biological activity aligning with the NUE trends. The reductions in redox potential (Eh) and pH during rice season improved NUE under integrated management. Highly reduced conditions favored N mineralization and plant availability in form of NH4+−N resulting in enhanced uptake efficiency, in rice crop. The soil organic carbon (C) significantly increased in INM, and an effect of the active C fractions was evident on the NUE of the wheat crop.ConclusionThe results showed that these INM strategies can immensely benefit the rice-wheat system via improvement in biological health along with electrochemical changes for flooded rice, and labile-C-assisted improvement in soil conditions for wheat.

Cropping system-based fertilizer strategies for crop productivity and soil health under minimum tillage in grey terrace soil

“…According to Meena et al [ 66 ], both organic and inorganic fertilizers made a notable contribution to the highest microbial biomass carbon (MBC). Bhardwaz et al [ 18 ] unveiled that the implementation of an integrated plant nutrition system exerted a positive impact on the soil's organic matter. MBN along with TN was varied with different nutrient management ( Table 13 ).…”

“…The recommended approach for meeting the nutritional requirements of crops, enhancing soil health, and promoting overall crop yield in a sustainable manner is the combined utilization of organic and mineral fertilizers [ 14 ]. For instance, the combinations contribute to the improvement of various physical properties of the soil, such as the reduction of bulk density [ 15 ], the decrease in penetration resistance [ 16 ], the enhancement of moisture retention [ 17 ], and the elevation of fertility levels, as evidenced by the rise in soil organic carbon [ 18 ]. Incorporating a higher number of crops into the cropping system leads to an enhancement in system productivity [ 19 ] and facilitates the uptake of residual nutrients [ 20 ].…”

Optimising nitrogen use efficiency of prilled urea through integrated use of nano-ZnO and green manuring for better productivity, quality and nutritional status of Basmati rice crop

“…The green manuring practices are known to enhance nitrogen use efficiency (Meng et al, 2019;Bhardwaj et al, 2023). Incorporating GM significantly augmented soil N content, which, upon decomposition, elevated N absorption, as evidenced in Table 2 and Figure 2.…”

Organic Farming vs. Integrated Nutrient Management: A Comparative Review of Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability

“…The approach envisions substituting some chemical fertilizers with organic nutrient sources, without negatively impacting yields. Organic options for the ricewheat system may include farmyard manure, composted crop residues, and other organic sources of nutrients [18]. By adopting INM practices, farmers can address both the productivity and sustainability challenges inherent in intensive cropping systems.…”