Vol. 12, Issue 9 (2023)

Author(s):
Pooja, Janardan Singh, Sandeep Manuja, Shilpa, Varsha Rattan and Raveena

Abstract:
A field experiment was conducted from Kharif 2021 till Rabi 2023, to study the effect of tillage and NPK levels on soil properties after harvest of soybean and gobhi sarson at Integrated Research Farm, Department of Organic Agriculture and Natural Farming of CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur. The experiment consisted of twelve treatment which included three tillage systems in main plots viz; minimum tillage, minimum tillage + crop residue and conventional tillage and four NPK levels in sub plots viz; 50 per cent recommended dose of nutrients (RDN), 75% RDN, 100% RDN and 125% RDN which were tested in split plot design replicated thrice. Results revealed that minimum tillage + crop residue improved the bulk density, particle density of soil and water holding capacity of the soil. pH, organic carbon and carbon sequestration also improved the minimum tillage + crop residue followed by minimum tillage. Among different NPK levels tested, 50 per cent recommended dose of nutrients (NPK) improved the bulk density and particle density of the soil whereas 100 per cent recommended dose of nutrients (NPK) improved water holding capacity, pH, organic carbon and carbon sequestration of the soil. Based on findings, it can be concluded that minimum tillage + crop residue and 100 per cent recommended dose of nutrients (NPK) can be adopted to improve the soil properties under soybean – gobhi sarson cropping system.