Effect of inorganics alone and in combination with farmyard manure on physical properties and productivity of vertic haplustepts under long-term fertilization

Abstract

Results of a long-term field experiment after 25th and 26th cropping cycle on physical properties and crop yields in finger millet-maize-fodder cowpea system in mixed black calcareous soil have been discussed. The continuous addition of balanced fertilization did not show any deteriorating effect on physical properties of the soil; rather it significantly increased the aggregation, water holding capacity and reduced bulk density of the soil in the long run. Significant improvement in the physical properties of the soil was observed under the integrated application of organics and inorganics. Grain yield of crops also increased significantly with continuous application of balanced inorganics (100% NPK) + FYM @ 10 t ha−1 annually. The unmanured control recorded lower crop yields and maintained poor physical conditions.