Impact of Long-term Nutrient Management Practices on Physical Properties of a Vertisol in Central India

Health of any soil is influenced by its physical properties to greater extent which has been more prominent in Vertisols due to their self-till behavior. Differential application of nutrients in long-term may alter the soil properties at temporal and spatial scales. Inventory on effect of different long-term nutrient management practices on physical properties across the soil depths, especially on Vertisols of central India, is insufficient. Present study examined the long-term (48 years) effect of different combinations of organic and inorganic nutrient management practices under soybean-wheat cropping system on various physical properties (Bulk density, Particle density, Porosity and Water holding capacity) of a Vertisol in of central India. In the present study, soil sample were collected at four depths (0-15, 15-30, 30-45 and 45-60 cm) in triplicate from seven treatments (Control, 100% NP, 100% NPK, 100% NPK+FYM, 100% N, 50% NPK and 150% NPK) of permanent plots of AICRP on LTFE (initiated in 1972), Jabalpur. By differential nutrient management practices the bulk density and porosity affected significantly up to 30 cm soil depth and beyond that up to 60 cm non-significantly. At all selected soil depths, water holding capacity were significantly affected. On contrary, a non-significant effect was observed on particle density by various nutrient managements. This study indicated a positive impact of balance fertilizer application and integrated approach of nutrient management on physical properties of soil.