Vol. 12, Issue 8 (2023)

Influence of Crop Residues on Glomalin Content, Fungal Population, and Soil Aggregate Stability in Chickpea under Rainfed Agro-climatic Conditions"

The influence of crop residues on glomalin content, fungal population, and soil aggregate stability is a topic of great importance in agricultural research. Soil aggregation plays a crucial role in preventing soil erosion, enhancing soil fertility, and promoting optimal crop production. Glomalin, a glycoprotein produced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, has been identified as a key component in soil aggregation. It serves as a binding agent, holding soil particles together and forming stable aggregates. Understanding the impact of crop residues on glomalin content, fungal population, and soil aggregate stability in chickpea cultivation under rainfed agro-climatic conditions is essential for improving soil health and sustainable agricultural practices.

The use of cover crops and residues in agricultural systems has gained attention due to their potential benefits for soil health and crop production. Cover crops not only provide additional organic matter to the soil but also promote the growth of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi study conducted by Wright and Anderson demonstrated that a crop rotation system involving a variety of crops led to higher levels of glomalin production. However, there is a dearth of data on the impact of cover crops on glomalin levels.