preprints.org > biology and life sciences > agricultural science and agronomy > doi: 10.20944/preprints202312.1419.v1

Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Version 1 : Received: 19 December 2023 / Approved: 19 December 2023 / Online: 19 December 2023 (08:57:23 CET)

The impact of long-term soil and crop management practices on soil biological and chemical properties in oilseed brassica-based production systems were deliberated for holistic soil health improvement in the present study. Different tillage, crop residue re-cycling and cropping systems were studied for 5-years in 0-15 and 15-30 cm soil profiles. No-till permanent beds with crop residue (PB+R) noticeably improved soil organic carbon (SOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), enzymes [dehydrogenase (DHA) and alkaline phosphatase (AlP)], nitrogen fractions (available, nitrate and total), and available phosphorus and potassium content in both the soil layers compared to conventional tillage without crop residues. Though, the plow soil layer (0-15 cm) showed higher concentration of soil carbon, enzymes, N fractions and available P than in the sub soil (15-30 cm). The dynamic soil biological and chemical properties were also varied with the crop stage, and recorded higher MBC at 30 days, SOC and enzymatic activities at 60 days, and N fractions and available P and K at harvest of mustard crop. Green gram-mustard rotation showed higher values of biological and chemical parameters. Thus, the legume-based mustard crop rotation following no-till permanent beds and residue re-cycling found holistic in improving soil health, and nutrient cycling.

soil organic carbon; soil enzyme; soil nutrients; tillage; mustard-based cropping systems; crop residue re-cycling

Biology and Life Sciences, Agricultural Science and Agronomy

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