Impact of Long-Term Fertilization Practices on Soil Health under Pearl Millet–Mustard Cropping Sequence in the Gird Zone of Madhya Pradesh
Shivam *
Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, R.V.S.K.V.V., Gwalior (M.P.), India.
Shashi S. Yadav *
Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, R.V.S.K.V.V., Gwalior (M.P.), India.
Priyadarshani A. Khambalkar
RAK College of Agriculture, R.V.S.K.V.V., Sehore (M.P.), India.
Veerendra K. Patel
Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, R.V.S.K.V.V., Gwalior (M.P.), India.
Aditi Chourasia
Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, R.V.S.K.V.V., Gwalior (M.P.), India.
Kiran Lata Manikpuri
Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, R.V.S.K.V.V., Gwalior (M.P.), India.
Babulal Garhwal
Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, R.V.S.K.V.V., Gwalior (M.P.), India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To evaluate the long-term impact of integrated nutrient management practices on soil physical and chemical health parameters (bulk density, pH, EC, and available N, P, and K) in surface (0–15 cm) and sub-surface (15–30 cm) soil layers under a pearl millet–mustard cropping sequence in the Gird zone of Madhya Pradesh.
Study Design: Randomised block design (RBD) with 12 treatments and 3 replications.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Research Farm, Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (R.V.S.K.V.V.), Gwalior (M.P.), during 2024–2026, within an ongoing long-term fertiliser experiment initiated in 2002.
Methodology: Soil samples were collected at 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm depths after pearl millet and mustard harvests across 12 fertiliser treatments, ranging from an unfertilised control to 150% NPK, micronutrient additions (Zn and Fe), and FYM combinations with biofertilisers (Azotobacter + PSB). Bulk density was determined using core sampling; pH and EC were measured in 1:2.5 soil-water suspensions; available N was determined using the alkaline permanganate method; available P was determined using Olsen's extractant; and available K was determined by neutral normal ammonium acetate extraction.
Results: The application of 100% NPK + FYM + seed treatment with Azotobacter + PSB (T12) consistently recorded superior soil health indicators. T12 achieved the lowest bulk density (1.29 Mg m⁻³ at 0–15 cm; 1.38 Mg m⁻³ at 15–30 cm) and the highest available N (278.00 and 220.83 kg ha⁻¹), P (28.97 and 22.17 kg ha⁻¹), and K (300.29 and 246.97 kg ha⁻¹) after pearl millet. Similar trends were observed following mustard harvest (N: 272.00 and 214.00 kg ha⁻¹; P: 26.65 and 19.85 kg ha⁻¹; K: 294.14 and 237.77 kg ha⁻¹). The control (T1) and sole inorganic N and NP treatments exhibited higher bulk density and pH, together with severe depletion of available nutrients.
Conclusion: Long-term integrated application of 100% NPK combined with FYM and biofertilisers significantly improves soil physical structure and chemical fertility compared with continuous inorganic or unfertilised management, offering a sustainable nutrient management strategy for the pearl millet–mustard cropping system in the Gird region.
Keywords: Long-term fertilisation, soil health, integrated nutrient management, pearl millet–mustard cropping sequence, bulk density, nutrient availability, Gird zone