Effect of integrated nutrient management on soil properties and performance of aonla(Emblica officinalis Gaertn) based agri-horti system in Bundelkhand region Biswas H.*, Narayan Dev, Lakaria Brij Lal1 Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute, Research Centre, Datia-475 661, Madhya Pradesh 1Indian Institute of Soil Science, Nabibagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal. *E-mail: hritbis@yahoo.co.in
Online published on 11 September, 2012. Abstract A field experiment was conducted on a shallow Lithic Ustorthent to evaluate the performance of aonla based agri-horti system (with green gram and mustard as the field crops grown in rotation) under different combinations of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients. The treatment T5 (vermicompost @ 2 tha-1) along with recommended dose of fertilizers increased the yield of green gram by 49%, and that of mustard by 52% over control (no fertilizer application). Application of vermicompost also enhanced aonla growth and increased soil organic carbon (by 29% in five years), available nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, manganese and copper contents as compared to control and 100% recommended dose of fertilizers after five years. The maximum B:C ratio of 3.73:1 was obtained in respect of 100% NPK + NADEP manure, which was at par with 100% NPK + vermicompost, with a B:C ratio of 3.72:1. Vermicompost has emerged as the best organic source for the improvement in soil properties and maintaining the sustainability of the agri-horti system under study. Top Keywords Agri-horti system, Aonla, Green gram-mustard cropping system, Integrated Nutrient Management, Farmyard manure, Vermicompost. Top |