Different Farming Systems Concerning Soil Health and Yield of Arecanut and Black Pepper

Abstract

We conducted two year (2020 and 2021) field experiment in the farmer’s field at Hanagal, Sirsi, Karnataka to study the impacts of different farming practices (Recommended package of practice; (RPP), Organic farming, Natural farming and Chemical farming) on rhizosphere microflora, soil nutrient status and yield of arecanut and black pepper. The results revealed that, soil pH and electrical conductivity did not vary significantly due to different farming systems. Whereas, the significantly (p<0.05) highest soil organic carbon content was in organic farming (0.74%) which was on par with natural farming (0.66%) and least in chemical farming (0.71%). The highest available nitrogen (258.31 kg ha-1), phosphorus (39.06 kg ha-1) and potassium (205.47 kg ha-1) were in RPP. Whereas the highest secondary nutrients and micronutrients content were in organic and natural faming. The lowest of all these nutrients were recorded in chemical farming at the harvest stage of arecanut. Soil microflora, dehydrogenase and phosphatase activity in the arecanut and black pepper rhizosphere were significantly (p<0.05) highest in natural farming and lowest in chemical farming. Concerning yield, the significantly highest arecanut (Chali yield 29.35 q.ha-1) and black pepper (dry yield 12.07 q. ha-1) yield was in RPP and maximum net return also observed in RPP (Rs. 10, 62, 500 ha-1).