Vol. 6, Issue 4 (2018)
Effect of different organic and inorganic sources on physico-chemical properties of paddy soils in Kerala
Author(s): Rajalekshmi K, Betty Bastin, and Krishnan S
Abstract: Appropriate fertilizer application is an important management practice in agriculture to improve soil fertility. In the present study, we examined the effects of four organic sources (OS) in an integrated approach on soil bulk density (BD), water holding capacity (WHC), pH and soil organic carbon (SOC) contents in the surface layer (0–15 cm) of paddy soil in Kerala. The treatments consisted of one control [no organic source (CT), Farm yard manure (FYM), artocarpus (jack tree) leaves (JCK), daincha (DNC) and rice husk biochar (RHB)] along with inorganic fertilizers (NPK) involving different levels of N. Results showed that the soil BD was considerably reduced (1.06 Mg m-3) with the use of organic source, RHB. The WHC was also found to be maximum in this treatment with the highest being 54.66 percent. Soil pH was the lowest in CT with a value of 4.58 and was significantly higher in RHB treated plots (5.10 and 5.28). The application of manures have remarkably improved SOC value compared with the CT and specifically, the OS treatment, RHB resulted in the highest SOC (2.05%). During the experimental period, the increase in OC content was double the value over CT. These results indicated that organic sources/manure should be recommended to improve soil physico-chemical fertility. Considering the longterm use efficiency, rice husk biochar can be suggested to improve the soil acidity in the region thereby enhancing soil fertility.
Pages: 619-623 | 507 Views 55 Downloads
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How to cite this article:
Rajalekshmi K, Betty Bastin,, Krishnan S. Effect of different organic and inorganic sources on physico-chemical properties of paddy soils in Kerala. Int J Chem Stud 2018;6(4):619-623.
