Soil biochemical properties and grain quality as affected by organic manures and mineral fertilizers in soil under maize-wheat rotation

Abstract

Summary.- A field experiment was conducted in a Typic Haplustept of semiarid sub-tropical India to evaluate the effect of value added manures and fertilizers on soil health, grain quality and enzyme activities under maize-wheat rotation. Eight treatments consisting of three organic manures (vermicompost, NADEP compost and farm yard manure) and fertilizers in different combinations were applied. The highest dehydro-genase activity (18.87 and 17.97 µg triphenylformazan g -1 soil h in maize and wheat, respectively) was reflected under integrated application of organic and fertilizers, whereas the highest urease activity (7.76 and 9.43 µg urea g -1 h -1 in maize and wheat, respectively) was observed in 100% NPK. Application of 50% NPK along with organic manures significantly improved grain yield and mineral composition. Grain protein con-tent and weight of maize and wheat were higher under integrated nutrient management and 100% NPK. Microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen were significantly influenced by various nutrient management practices during different physiological stages of crop growth.