Influence of Organic Manures and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Physico-Chemical Properties of Vertisols under Chickpea Cultivation

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2025–26 at the AICRP on Dryland Agriculture Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, to evaluate the influence of organic manures and inorganic Fertilizers on the physico-chemical properties of Vertisols under chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivation. The experiment comprised nine treatments involving different levels of inorganic Fertilizers, farmyard manure (FYM), crop residues and their combinations, arranged in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The integrated application of FYM (6 t ha⁻¹) with N₂₀P₁₃ (T₆) significantly improved soil quality compared with the sole inorganic Fertilizer treatments and the control. This treatment recorded the highest soil organic carbon (0.79%), available nitrogen (318 kg ha⁻¹), available phosphorus (16.2 kg ha⁻¹), available potassium (730 kg ha⁻¹) and available sulphur (19.3 mg kg⁻¹). Organic manure treatments also reduced soil bulk density and enhanced water-holding capacity while maintaining soil pH and electrical conductivity within acceptable limits. Furthermore, integrated nutrient management increased the availability of DTPA-extractable micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn) and improved chickpea growth and productivity. The results indicate that combining organic manures with inorganic Fertilizers improved soil physico-chemical properties, nutrient availability and soil fertility under the experimental conditions. Integrated nutrient management may therefore be an effective strategy for maintaining soil health and improving crop productivity in Vertisols.