Impact of Crop Residue and Green Manure Management in Rice Crop on Soil Nutrient Dynamics in Tarai Belt of Shivalik Himalaya, India

Abstract

The study explores the effects of different soil management practices on various soil properties within the Tarai Belt of the Shivalik Himalaya region to assess the effects of different nutrient management strategies on various soil properties in the context of rice cultivation. Ten treatments were employed, T1 (100% recommended dose of NPK fertilizers), T2 (50% crop residue + 50% recommended NPK dose), T3 (50% crop residue + 50% recommended NPK dose with the addition of Pusa decomposer), T4 (50% crop residue + 50% Green Manure (GM), T5 (50% crop residue + 50% GM with Pusa decomposer), T6 (Crop residue at 2.5 tons per hectare + Pusa decomposer), T7 (Crop residue at 2.5 tons per hectare without Pusa decomposer), T8 (Absolute control group with no fertilizer application), T9 (150% recommended NPK dose), and T10 (100% recommended NPK dose with the addition of Farm Yard Manure at a rate of 5 tons per hectare, along with Zinc and Boron supplementation). including varying combinations of crop residues, organic and inorganic fertilizers, and green manure. Soil properties examined included soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) at two different soil depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm. Organic sources enhanced soil organic carbon, while inorganic sources notably improved the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The results showed that treatments incorporating both organic and inorganic nutrient sources demonstrated improved soil health and nutrient availability, with treatment T9 (150% recommended dose of fertilizer, RDF) showing the best results, particularly in terms of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, the sustainability of this approach over the long term may be a concern. Treatment T10, which combined 100% RDF with farmyard manure, zinc, and boron supplementation, emerged as a promising alternative for sustainable soil management. Treatment T3, with the incorporation of crop residues and the application of Pusa decomposer, also showed potential for maintaining soil health. These findings emphasize the importance of a balanced approach to nutrient management that combines readily available nutrients from inorganic sources with the long-term benefits of organic matter.  In summary, this study emphasizes the importance of integrated nutrient management and sustainable agricultural practices for enhancing soil fertility and overall soil health, thereby contributing to sustainable crop production. These findings hold significance for addressing soil nutrient imbalances and ensuring the well-being of farmers and environmental sustainability.