Impact of Different Organic Nutrient Sources on Soil Chemical Properties in Rabi-season Rapeseed Cultivation

Abstract

Aims: The aim of the experiment was to check the effect of various organic soil amendments on the soil chemical properties. Study Design: The design of the experiment was RandomizedBlock Design (RBD). Place and Duration of Study: Instructional-cum Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India, during the rabi season of 2018-19. Methodology: A total of 11 treatments were considered viz.,Control (T0), Farmyard manure @ 10 t/ha (T1), Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha (T2), Poultry Manure @ 5 t/ha (T3), Farmyard manure @ 5 t/ha + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha (T4), Farmyard manure @ 5 t/ha + Poultry Manure @ 2.5 t/ha (T5), Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + Poultry Manure @ 2.5 t/ha (T6), Farmyard manure @ 5 t/ha + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + Mustard Oil Cake @ 1 t/ha (T7), Farmyard manure @ 5 t/ha + Poultry Manure @ 2.5 t/ha + Mustard Oil Cake @ 1 t/ha (T8), Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + Poultry Manure @ 2.5 t/ha + Mustard Oil Cake @ 1 t/ha (T9), and Farmyard manure @ 5 t/ha + Vermicompost @ 1.25 t/ha + Poultry Manure @ 1.25 t/ha + Mustard Oil Cake @ 1 t/ha (T10). Results: Results revealed significantly higher levels of organic carbon, available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P₂O₅) in the soil after crop harvest following the application of different organic nutrient sources compared to the control. Conclusion: The application of various organic amendments increased the nutrient uptake by the soil. Organic inputs like Farmyard manure, vermicompost, poultry manure, and their combinations improved soil moisture retention, boosted organic carbon content, and resulted in higher levels of available nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil after harvest compared to the control plot.