Impact of Resource Based Organic Farming on Soil Fertility in Sugarcane Fields under South Gujarat Climatic Conditions

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of resource based organic farming on soil fertility in sugarcane fields of south Gujarat. It has measured, organic C, Bulk density, N, P, K2O considering two factors include: Spacing and compost levels. The investigation was conducted during the years 2019–20 and 2020–21 at Organic Farm, Aspee College of Horticulture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (Gujarat). The soil of the experimental field was clayey in texture, with electrical conductivity within the safe limit (0.46 and 0.47 dS/m). The soil was medium in organic carbon (0.67 and 0.74 %) and slightly alkaline in reaction (pH 7.70 and 7.65). Medium in available nitrogen (248.30 kg/ha and 226.40 kg/ha) and P2O5 (45.20 and 35.70 kg/ha), high in available K2O (416.40 and 429.10 kg/ha), DTPA-extractable Fe (17.00 and18.20 mg/kg), Mn (15.20 and16.80 mg/kg), Cu (2.62 and 2.67 mg/kg), and DTPA-extractable Zn (1.60 and 1.48 mg/kg) during both years, respectively. The treatments, viz., (Factor A Spacing, S1:90 cm; S2:120 cm x 60 cm paired row with green manuring). (Factor B Manure levels, M1: NADEP @ 100 % RDN; M2: NADEP @ 75 % RDN; M3: NADEP @ 50 % RDN; and M4: NADEP @ 25 % RDN + Sugarcane trash @10 t/ha + jeevamrut @ 2000 l/ha., were applied to the sugarcane crop and replicated three times in factorial randomized block design. The soil physico-chemical properties enumerated with treatment M1: NADEP @ 100 % RDN its enhanced soil fertility, increasing organic carbon significantly during both the experimental years and nitrogen during second year of experiment. Organic farming positively impacts soil health. The Soil Properties reported enhanced soil fertility with organic treatments and reduced depletion of nutrients.