Studies on Soil Physicochemical Properties of Different Crop Ecosystems for Future Cropping and Soil Management Strategies in Jorhat District, India

Abstract

Soil physicochemical properties are key indicators of soil fertility and agricultural sustainability, yet they are profoundly influenced by land use practices. This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the influence of different land use systems on soil physicochemical properties in Jorhat district, Assam. The study encompassed five representative land use types: barren land, paddy, flower crops, fruit-based homestead, and rice-vegetable systems. Surface soil samples (0–15 cm depth) were collected under each system with three replications. Laboratory analyses were conducted to determine bulk density, particle density, porosity, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), available nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P₂O₅), available potassium (K₂O), and organic carbon (OC). Results from one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) among land use systems for most parameters, with the exception of porosity and EC. Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test further elucidated pairwise variations among the land uses. The findings revealed that fruit-based homestead and rice-vegetable systems significantly enhanced soil quality indicators such as organic carbon and nutrient availability, whereas barren land and monocropped paddy fields exhibited relatively poor fertility status. These results underscore the importance of diversified and organic-input-rich cropping systems in promoting soil health and long-term agricultural sustainability in the Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam.