Integrated nutrient management under long run augments maize productivity, nitrogen cycling and microbial activity under acidic Alfisol in Eastern India
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The impact of continuous chemical fertilisation on soil health and crop productivity was acutely dangerous especially in Eastern-Plateau and Hilly region of Jharkhand. Hence, an endeavour has attempted to assess the long run (7 years) nutrient management practices [control (T 1 ), inorganic (T 2 ), organic (T 3 ) and INM (T 4 )] on soil properties and crop productivity under maize-based cropping system in an acidic Alfisol. Data revealed, T 2 recorded highest cob yield (11.02 t ha − 1 ) and water productivity (1.95 kg m − 3 ), but at par with INM. Available N in T 2 was 5% higher than T 3 (100% organic) but, both T 3 and T 4 (INM) were statistically at par whereas, in 15–30 cm available N in T 2 was 13.7% and 14.22% higher than T 3 and T 4 , respectively. Organic (T 3 ) and INM (T 4 ) improve available K by 16.11% and 11% compared to T 2 . The temporal variation of mineral N within topsoil (0–15 cm) and subsoil layer (15–30 cm) shows INM (T 4 ) was the most effective as it sustains N balance over time in both layers throughout maize growth. Correlation analysis highlighted that available N, P, and K in the top soil was positively interlinked with yield but not sulphur. Temporal variation of MBC (Microbial Biomass Carbon) and dehydrogenase activity shows, T 4 (INM) was relatively consistent than T 2 and T 3 , with synergistic effect on microbial health. In nutshell it could be apprehended that, INM improved overall soil fertility and sustainability by maintaining optimum available nutrient content among all nutrient management options and increase soil sustainability.
