Effect of inorganic fertilizers and manures application on macro and micrnutrients distribution under long term rice-wheat system

INTRODUCTION

Rice-wheat is the predominant cropping systemcovering about 60 per cent of cultivated area of Punjab.Assured irrigation and favorable climate for this systemhave promoted the farmers’ of Punjab in India to extendthe rice cultivation to coarse textured soils as well,which are otherwise not suitable for its cultivation. Theyields of rice in those soils are much less than obtainedon the ideal paddy soils (Yadwinder-Singh et al 1988,1991, 2003). The poor rice yields are mainly attributedto Fe+2 (Iron) deficiency emanating from non-favorablesoil environment for the reduction of Fe+3 to Fe+2

(Nayyar et al 1990). Preliminary studies carried out

Effect of inorganic fertilizers and manures application on macro and micronutrientsdistribution under long term rice-wheat system

S. S. Dhaliwal1, M. K. Walia2 and R. P. Phutela3

1Department of Soil Science, PAU, Ludhiana2Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, Ohio State University, USA3Department of Microbiology PAU, Ludhiana, Punjab, India

*Corresponding Author E-mail: [email protected]

Long term effects of FYM, GM and WCS in combination with chemical fertilizers on the availabilityand uptake of macronutrients (N, P and K) as well as micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) wereinvestigated in an experiment conducted under in rice-wheat system at experimental farm of PunjabAgricultural University, Ludhiana. Higher productivity was obtained when 50 per cent NPK is appliedthrough chemical fertilizers in combination with 50 per cent N through FYM or GM to get grain yieldof 11.0 t ha-1 in rice-wheat system over time. The incorporation of FYM, GM and WCS in the soil hasbeneficial effect on soil health by improving physico-chemical properties besides supplying themacronutrients and increasing the availability of the micronutrients in the soil. The results obtainedduring the study reported that the addition of these manures decreased the bulk density and increasedthe levels of organic carbon, field capacity, permanent wilting point and available soil moisture. FYMresulted in significantly higher DTPA-extractable Zn content of the soil (2.70 mg kg-1) followed byGM (2.50 mg kg-1) and WCS (1.48 mg kg-1) whereas, Cu content increased significantly in the organicmanured plots (0.82-0.98 mg kg-1 soil). The maximum Fe content (23.96 mg kg-1) was resulted withthe application of 50 per cent of recommended N through FYM. Both in rice and wheat higher uptakeof Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn was reported where 50 per cent additional dose of N was applied in the form ofFYM. Among different manures the maximum bacterial (54.8x106

cfu g-1), fungal (26.8 x 103 cfu g-1)and actinomycetes (4.26x104 cfu g-1) counts were reported in the treatment where 50 per cent NPKwas applied through inorganic fertilizer in combination with 50 per cent N through FYM.

Key Words: Manures, macronutrients, micronutrients, productivity, rice-wheat system.

Jour Pl Sci Res 28 (1) 149-161 2012

by the researchers have revealed that incorporationof Sesbania green manure (Sesbania aculeata)before transplantation of rice can ameliorate Fedeficiency in rice to a greater extent besides improvingother physico-chemical characteristics of soil (Nayyaret al 1989). Further the regular cultivation of rice onsuch soils can also cause the deficiency of manganese(Mn) in the following wheat and berseem (Trifoliumalexandrinum L.) crops because of excessiveleaching of soluble Mn+2. This condition results fromthe continuous submergence during rice cultivation andoxidation of limited amount of available Mn in thesurface soil to its higher oxides during wheat and

150 S. S. Dhaliwal, M. K. Walia and R. P. Phutela

The Journal of Plant Science Research

berseem cultivation (Takkar et al 1981). With the adventof Green revolution deficiencies of macro andmicronutrients were observed widely in several Indiansoils and crops (Katyal and Rattan 2003). Thecontinuous use of high analysis chemical fertilizers anddecreased recycling of crop residues and manures haveinduced nutrient deficiencies, particularly ofmicronutrients and adversely affecting the sustainabilityof agricultural production, causing environmentalpollution with deleterious effect on the physico-chemicalproperties of soil (Virmani 1994). The continuous useof high levels of chemical fertilizers is adverselyaffecting the sustainability of agricultural productionand causing environmental pollution (Aggarwal et al1995). In coming decades, a major issue in designingsustainable agricultural system will be the managementof soil organic matter and the rational use of organicinputs such as animal manures, crop residues, greenmanure, sewage sludge and food industry wastes(Gilley et al 1997). However, since organic manurescannot meet the total nutrient management system,nevertheless, is the maintenance and possibleimprovement of soil fertility for sustained cropproductivity on long term basis and also to reducefertilizer input cost (Peng and Cassman 1998). Thedifferent components of integrated nutrient management(INM) possess great diversity in terms of chemicaland physical properties and nutrient release patterns.In integrated nutrient management system, the nutrientneeds of plants have to be met through application oforganic sources viz. green manures (GM), farm yardmanure (FYM) and crop residues in the form of wheatcut straw (WCS) in conjunction with chemicalfertilizers. Continuous cropping with high yieldingvarieties of rice and wheat without introducing FYMor GM crops leads to loss of soil and deterioration ofsoil structure. Both the crops receive large quantitiesof fertilizers with little or no application of organicmanures (Yadvinder-Singh et al 1988). Efficient useof fertilizer pay back to the farmers more profit perunit investment. Moreover, both the crops areexhaustive in nature and remove 500-600 kg ha-1 ofNPK to produce 10 ton ha-1 productivity. Total input ofnutrients is lower than crop uptake and thus creatingnegative nutrient balance in the soil.

To maintain crop production at high levels and to

overcome the nutritional deficiency of macro andmicronutrients, the approach of inclusion of differentmanures in combination with fertilizers is consideredas a useful option to take care of the soil health. Toovercome these losses manures like GM, FYM andcrop residue incorporation in the form of WCS canplay a dominant role to overcome the deficiency ofmicronutrient cations like Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn. Alsothese manures can contribute for a major plant nutrientlike N, P and K. Keeping these points in view thepresent investigation was, therefore undertaken toassess the long term effects of different manures onmacro and micronutrient status of highly permeablecoarse-textured soil and their uptake under rice-wheatsystem.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A field experiment under rice-wheat system wascarried out for three years during 2002-2005 in apermanent plot experiment initiated since kharif 1983at Punjab Agricultural University research farmsituated at Ludhiana. The soil of the experimentalfield was Tolewal loamy sand with EC 0.32 dS m-1

,pH 8.15, low in organic carbon (0.31 %), available N(143 kg ha-1), available P (11.2 kg ha-1) and availableK (101 kg ha-1). All the physical, chemical, biologicaland nutrient uptake parameters were determined usingstandard methodological procedures (Table 1). Duringthe year 2002-03 the DTPA-extractable Zn, Cu, Feand Mn levels were 1.92, 0.78, 9.40 and 9.06 ppm,respectively whereas, during 2004-05 these valueswere raised to 1.96, 0.80, 9.60 and 9.15 ppmrespectively in 0-15 cm depth (Table 1). Theexperiment comprised seven treatment combinationsviz., chemical fertilizer application as individualcomponent and use of chemical fertilizers inconjunction with different organic sources tosubstitute 50 per cent N through FYM, WCS and GMwith Sesbania aculeata (Table 1). Recommendednutrients viz. N, P and K for rice were added @ 120kg, 30 kg and 30 kg ha-1, respectively. Dhaincha(Sesbania aculeata) as GM crop was raised duringsummer by applying phosphorus dose of succeedingrice. Insitu Sesbania aculeata was grown duringthe last week of April after harvest of wheat crop.After two months, the green manure was incorporated

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Effect of inorganic fertilizers and manures application on macro andmicronutrients distribution under long term rice-wheat system

in the field, followed by puddling with disc plow. Itshould add 50 per cent nitrogen. Similarly thequantities of FYM, GM and WCS were added so that50 per cent N is contributed by these manures.

Transplantation of rice seedlings during kharifseason

Rice variety PR 108 was sown in nursery. Thenursery was transplanted during 10-15 June everyyear. The row-to-row and plant-to-plant spacing was20 x 15 cm with 33-hill m-2. The whole phosphorusand potash along with one-third nitrogen were appliedafter puddling as per treatment. The remainingnitrogen was applied in two equal splits at 3rd and6th week after transplanting.

Wheat sowing during rabi season

The wheat cultivar PBW-343 was sown in the firstweek of November every year, using 100 kg seedrate ha-1 in a well-prepared field at 15 cm row spacingby drilling. The seed was treated with Vitavax @2.0 g kg-1 seed at the time of sowing. The seed wassown by Kera method by placing the seeds inopened furrow manually, which was followed byplanking. The whole phosphorus and potash alongwith half nitrogen was applied through drilling at the

time of sowing and the remaining half-nitrogen wasapplied four weeks after sowing before firstirrigation. The crop was harvested in the secondweek of April every year manually and harvestedmechanically.

Soil and plant samples were taken continuously for threeyears both for rice and wheat crops. These sampleswere analyzed for the determination of macro andmicronutrients using standard procedures.

Soil analysis methodology

Soil texture was determined by standard InternationalPipette method (Day 1965). Soil pH and EC weredetermined by the standard procedures (Jackson 1973;Richard 1954). Rapid titration method (wet digestionmethod) was used for organic carbon determination(Walkley and Black 1934). Available nitrogen (N),phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) were determinedusing standard procedures (Merwin and Peech 1950;Olsen et al 1954; Subbiah and Asija 1956). Fordetermining micronutrients (DTPA-extractable Zn, Cu,Fe and Mn) content, soil samples were taken atharvesting and micronutrients were determined from1: 2:soil-extractant ratio using DTPA-TEA buffer(0.005 M DTPA + 0.001 M CaCl2 + 0.1 M TEA,pH 7.3) and concentration of these micronutrients was

Table 1: Changes in properties of the experimental soil (1983-2005)

Properties 1983 2002-03 2004-05

0-15 cm 15-30 cm 0-15 cm 15-30 cm

Texture ls ls ls ls ls

pH ( 1:2 :: soil : water) 8.15 7.36 7.85 7.32 7.86

EC ( dSm-1) 0.32 0.28 0.23 0.28 0.21

Organic Carbon (%) 0.311 0.34 0.28 0.31 0.25

Available N ( kg ha-1) 43.3 139.8 90.6 135.7 85.8

Available P ( kg ha -1) 11.2 15.9 15.2 16.8 15.2

Available K ( kg ha -1) 101.0 100.7 159.6 95.7 144.8

Available Zn (mg kg-1) NA 1.92 1.80 1.96 189

Available Cu (mg kg-1) NA 0.78 0.86 0.80 0.75

Available Fe (mg kg-1) NA 9.40 9.18 9.60 9.45

Available Mn (mg kg-1) NA 9.06 8.86 9.15 8.70



measured on an atomic absorption spectrophotometer(Linday and Norvell 1978).

Plant analysis methodology

For estimating the DTPA-extractable micronutrients(Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) content in grain and straw, thesamples (0.5 g each) were digested using diacidmixture (HNO3 and HClO4, 4:1) (Page et al 1982).After proper dilution with double distilled water, themicronutrient content in digested materials wasestimated by using an atomic absorptionspectrophotometer (AAS FS-240 Model).

Statistical analysis

Micronutrient cations were subjected to randomizedcomplete block design analysis of variance. Criticaldifference (CD) was used to compare the treatmentseffects at P<0.05. The statistical analysis was done withthe help of method described by Panse and Sukhatme(1985).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Build up of OC, N, P and K levels in soil

The soil fertility status was monitored from 2002-2005in rice-wheat system where integrated nutrientmanagement techniques were followed (Table 2). The

organic carbon status (OC) was improved in all theorganic and integrated treatments over its initial values(0.311 per cent). The maximum OC build up (0.534per cent) was accrued where 50 per cent N was appliedthrough FYM before paddy transplanting and it wasfollowed by green manuring (50 per cent N throughgreen manure with 50 per cent recommended NPK)with OC build up of 0.388 per cent. Though there wasimprovement in OC status but the magnitude of buildup was not substantial except where FYM was applied,otherwise the OC status improved in all the treatmentsover its initial value over time. Likewise, the nitrogenstatus of the soil was also found to be low and maximumvalue obtained was 216.8 kg ha-1 in treatment where50 per cent N was substituted by green manure and itwas closely followed by the treatment where50 per cent N was substituted by crop residue as 214.8kg ha-1 and the treatment where cowpea was taken asan additional crop while rice wheat were grown withthe recommended levels of fertilizers as 202.8 kgha-1.The lowest value of available N was observed(144.9 kgha-1) in control plot. The P status of theexperimental field improved considerably and intreatments where farm yard manure were substitutedfor 25 and 50 per cent N helped to build up phosphorusstatus to a very high level which varied in the rangefrom 30.46 to 46.54 kg ha-1 (Table 2). In the rest of the

Table 2: Build up of soil fertility parameters (OC and macronutrients) in the experimental field

Fertilizer Use (N-P2O5-K2O) Soil fertility status

Rice Wheat OC (%) Available Available AvailableN (kg ha-1) P (kg ha-1) K (kg ha-1)

Control Control 0.322 144.9 9.12 93.84

Recommended* Recommended* 0.368 176.8 26.18 117.80

50+50% N FYM1 100 0.534 207.5 46.54 174.6

50+50% N WCS2 100 0.388 214.8 18.16 135.90

50+50% N GM3 100 0.384 216.8 23.18 140.6

100+50% N FYM 100 0.526 212.8 30.46 150.6

100 100+Cowpea 0.380 186.4 24.8 126.7

Initial Status 0.311 143.0 11.2 101.0

*120-30-30 in rice and 120-60-30 in wheat; N-P2O5-K2O, kg/haFYM1: farmyard manure; WCS2: wheat cut straw; GM3: green manure

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treatments the P-status was in the medium rangeexcept in the treatmentwhere a recommended level of fertilizer was applied(26.18 kgha-1). While in available potash content, it wasfound to be status quo and the level remained belowthe critical level even in treatments where slight buildwas recorded (Yadwvinder-Singh et al 1988). Theavailable K level also increased over years and itsvalue varied from 93.84 kg ha-1 in control to 174.6 kgha-1 where 50 per cent N was applied through FYM.The data on soil fertility status clearly evinced that theintegrated treatments helped to build up the fertilitystatus in general and application of FYM in particular(Table 2). However, the OC, N and P are showingprogressive sign with a very low pace, but potash statuswas found static. In overall, the fertility status ofexperimental soil improved (Alexander1961; Wani andLee 1992).

Build up of DTPA-extractable Zn, Cu, Fe and Mnin soil

The data reported for DTPA-extractable micronutrients(Table 3) indicated that the Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn in soilincreased significantly in all the fertilizer and manurialtreatments over the control. The DTPA-extractableZn in different fertilizer treatments including controltended to decrease with cropping. Further, it isinteresting to note that with increasing dose of N beyond100 per cent recommended N dose, a decrease in theDTPA-extractable Zn of the soil (1.92 mg kg-1 soil)was observed in comparison to 100 per cent NPKfertilizers dose (1.96 mg kg-1). This may be narrated to

the higher uptake of Zn by the additional dose of N (5,18). However, the different organic sources like GMresulted in significantly higher Zn content of the soil(2.50 mg kg-1) followed by FYM (2.70 mg kg-1) andWCS (1.48 mg kg-1 ). This may be ascribed to thebetter supply of Zn from these sources (23). The DTPA-extractable Cu in different treatments tended toincrease than its initial value of 0.80 mg kg-1 except incontrol plot where it decreased to 0.61 mg kg-1 soil(Table 3). Further, amongst the different treatmentstried the significant increase in the Cu content (0.61-0.98 mg kg-1 soil) was observed only in organic manuredplots as compared to control plot. This increase inavailable Cu contents may be ascribed to reduction inthe redox-potential of the soil with the addition oforganic manures, which led to more release of soilmicronutrients in available form as compared to theapplication of chemical fertilizers alone (Nayyar andChhibba 2000; Nayyar et al 1985; Walia et al 2008).The DTPA-extractable Fe contents of soil contrary toother nutrients increased appreciably over its initialvalue of 9.6 mg kg-1 in all the treatments includingcontrol plot. The increase in Fe status of soil over itsinitial status may be due to the induced submergedconditions and lowering of pH of the soil during ricegrowing season, thereby resulting in an increase in thesoluble Fe2+ ions in the soil (Alexander 1961;Sarrantonio et al 1996). The maximum DTPA-extractable Fe status (16.69 mg kg-1) was resulted byapplication of 50 per cent of recommended N throughFYM as additional dose, which was statistically at parwith the application of 50, 50 and 25 per cent of

Table 3: Build up of micronutrients parameters in the experimental field

Fertilizer use Micronutrient content(% of recommended NPK) (mg kg-1)

Rice Wheat Zn Cu Fe Mn

Control Control 0.74 0.61 12.68 6.48

Recommended* Recommended 1.72 0.78 18.84 7.98

50+50%N FYM 100 2.70 0.98 23.96 14.84

50+50% N WCS 100 1.48 0.82 20.66 12.68

50+50% N GM 100 2.50 0.88 22.01 13.72

100+50%N FYM 100 1.80 0.84 23.24 16.69

100% 100 + Cowpea 1.50 0.82 19.86 12.46

CD (p=0.05) 0.42 0.22 0.82 0.68



recommended N, was substituted through FYM, GMand GM with Sesbania, respectively (Table 3).However, it was 28.5 per cent higher over applicationof 100 per cent of recommended NPK dose throughfertilizers (12.46 mg kg-1). The DTPA-extractable Mnin different treatments tended to increase than its initialvalue of 9.15 mg kg-1 except in control plot where itdecreased to 6.48 mg kg-1 . An increase in DTPA-extractable Mn may be attributed to the reduction ofMn4+ to Mn2+ accompanied by increase in its solubilityunder submerged conditions and chelating action oforganic manures. The organic manures played a majorrole in the release of Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn in rice-wheatsystem because these provided favourable environment(Table 3) for oxidation and reduction regime andlowering of soil pH .The increased availability of Zn,Cu, Fe and Mn in rice-wheat system was recorded inthe treatment where 50 per cent N was substitutedthrough FYM and it was followed by the treatmentwhere 50 per cent N was substituted through GM.However, crop residue management increased themicronutrients supply to a reasonable extent. Differentworkers reported the same results under rice –wheatsystem practiced on coarse textured soils(Gajendragadkar and Rathore 1988; Hannam and Ohki1988; Huke and Huke 1992).

Improvement in soil physical parameters withINM technique

The beneficial effects of manures were attributed tolowering of bulk density and increased in field capacity,permanent wilting point and available soil moisture(Table 4). The lowest bulk density (1.32 g cm-3) andthe highest levels of field capacity (30.46), permanentwilting point (15.84) and available soil moisture (16.45 %)was recorded in the treatments where 50 per cent Nwas substituted through FYM and it was followed bythe treatment where 50 per cent N was substitutedthrough GM. Similar observations were reported bydifferent workers (Gilley et al 1997, Harris et al 1996;Rawat et al 1998) for water holding capacity,permanent wilting point and bulk density in light texturedsoils under rice–wheat system. The beneficial effectsof manures were attributed to lowering of bulk densityand increased in field capacity, permanent wilting pointand available soil moisture (Table 4). Similarobservations were reported by various workers(Dhaliwal and Walia 2008; Sarrantonio et al 1996) forwater holding capacity, permanent wilting point and bulkdensity on light textured soils under rice–wheat system.

Build up of microbial population with INMtechnique

The microbial count of the soil under wheat in rice-wheat system reflected the cumulative effect of theintegrated nutrients supplements in kharif and rabiseasons. It is manifested that from the data in

Table 4: Physical properties of the experimental field under rice-wheat system

Fertilizer Use (N-P2O5-K2O) Physical properties

Rice Wheat Db1 FC2 PWP3 ASM4 (%)(Mg m-3) (0.33 bar) (15 bar)

Control Control 1.46 16.64 12.10 5.18

Recommended* Recommended 1.47 24.68 12.84 11.48

50+50%N FYM 100 1.36 30.46 15.84 16.45

50+50% N WCS 100 1.38 26.87 13.54 13.24

50+50% N GM 100 1.35 27.62 13.85 14.58

100+50% N FYM 100 1.32 30.45 15.84 16.84

100 100+Cowpea 1.45 24.68 13.50 12.40

Db1 Bulk density; FC2 Field capacity; PWP3 Permanent wilting point; ASM4 Available soil moisture

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Table 5 that treatment in which 50 per cent N wassubstituted through FYM (50% NPK+50% N FYM)and the treatment in which 50 per cent N wassubstituted through WCS (50% NPK+50% N WCS),gave the highest viable counts of bacteria, fungi andactinomycetes in the range of (48.8-55.6) x 106,(23.3-26.8) x103 and (40.9-42.6) x 104 cfu g-1

respectively (35, 38). Irrespective of dose theinorganic N both in rabi and kharif seasonsinvariably produced low counts of bacteria 29.7 x106, fungi 14.0 x 103 and actinomycetes 22.3 x 104

cfu g-1. This implies that the bacterial effect in termsof microorganism population was more in treatmentswhere N was substituted through organic sources.

The application of FYM, GM and WCS improvedthe biological properties of soil under rice –wheatsystem that ultimately improved the soil fertility andsoil quality.

Build up of Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn levels in rice grainand straw

The data reported for uptake of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mnby rice grains and straw indicated that the uptake ofthese nutrients increased significantly in all the fertilizerand manurial treatments over the control. The uptakeof micronutrients may be due to the variation in riceand yields and also with changing rates of chemicalfertilizer as well as different sources of organic

Table 5: Microbial parameters as influenced by organic, integrated and chemical nutrition

Rice Wheat Soil Wt. of Viable Count ( cfu g-1)

moisture sample Bacteria Fungi Actinomycetes

(%) (g) (x106) (x103) (x104)

Control Control 15.44 0.98 29.5 10.2 19.3

Recommended* Recommended 14.70 0.82 29.7 14.0 22.3

50+50%N FYM 100 14.63 0.90 54.8 26.8 42.6

50+50% N WCS 100 13.85 0.88 55.6 25.0 40.9

50+50% N GM 100 14.65 0.90 45.7 23.3 22.2

100+50% N FYM 100 14.80 0.92 0.92 10.8 22.8

100 100+Cowpea 15.05 0.94 0.94 9.5 18.0

Table 6: Uptake of Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn by rice grain and straw

Fertilizer Use (N-P2O5-K2O) Uptake by grain + straw (g ha-1)


Control Control 389 42 533 731

Recommended Recommended 689 112 986 1356

50+50%N FYM 100 744 116 1219 1536

50+50% N WCS 100 717 105 1181 1366

50+50% N GM 100 828 154 1303 1557

100+50%N FYM 100 845 149 1319 1679

100 100+Cowpea 724 111 1186 159

CD (p=0.05) 84.56 41.25 68.15 100.58



manures. The data indicated that Zn uptake in rice(grain + straw) ranged from 389-845 g ha-1 (Table 6).The Zn uptake in grain and straw varied from 156.1-384.1 g ha-1 and 233.3-480.7 g ha-1, respectively. Thehighest Zn uptake (845 g ha-1) was recorded intreatment, where 50 percent additional N was appliedthrough FYM along with 100 per cent of therecommended NPK dose through inorganic fertilizers.This uptake was followed by GM treatments (828 gha-1). The beneficial effect of GM over FYM and WCSin improving the Zn uptake may be due to its higheravailability from the unavailable forms through higherchelating capacity of green manure (Nayyar et al 1990).The perusal of data revealed that Cu uptake in rice(grain + straw) ranged from 42-154 g ha-1. The Cuuptake in grain and straw varied from 18.3-66.3 g ha-1

and 23.6-87.6 g ha-1, respectively (Table 6). The highestCu uptake (154 g ha-1) was recorded in treatment,where 50 percent of the recommended NPK dose wasapplied through inorganic fertilizers and remaining 50per cent of the recommended N was supplementedthrough GM (Nayyar and Chhibba 2000). IncreasedCu uptake with GM may be ascribed to increasedavailability of Cu under reduced conditions caused byGM, thereby resulting more uptakes by plants. Theperusal of data indicated that Fe uptake in rice (grain+ straw) ranged from 533.0-1319.1 g ha-1 (Table 6).The Fe uptake in grain and straw varied from 209.6-472.0 g ha-1 and 323.4-847.1 g ha-1, respectively. Themaximum Fe uptake (1319 g ha-1) was registered by,

where 50 per cent of recommended dose of N asadditional dose of N through FYM was applied, whichwas significantly higher over other treatments.Increased Fe uptake with FYM may be ascribed toincreased availability of Fe because of their favourableimpact on oxidation-reduction regime and higherchelation (Table 6). The data revealed that Mn uptakein rice (grain + straw) ranged from 731-1679 g ha-1.The Mn uptake in grain and straw varied from 322.3-737.8 g ha-1 and 408.3-941.5 g ha-1, respectively. Themaximum Mn uptake was registered as 1679 g ha-1,where 50 per cent of recommended dose of N asadditional dose of N through FYM was applied, whichwas 129.8 and 9.3 per cent higher over control and100 per cent of the recommended NPK dose throughfertilizers, respectively (Manchanda and Dhaliwal 2008;Nayyar and Chhibba 2000; Nayyar et al 1990; Takkarand Nayyar 1981).

Build up of Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn levels in wheatgrain and straw

The data reported for uptake of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn inby wheat plants indicated that the uptake of thesenutrients increased significantly in all the fertilizer andmanurial treatments over the control. The uptake ofmicronutrients may be due to the variation in wheatyields and also with changing rates of chemical fertilizeras well as different sources of organic manures. Thedata indicated that Zn uptake in wheat (grain + straw)ranged from 0.67-2.26 kg ha-1 (Table 7). The highest

Table 7: Uptake of Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn by wheat grain and straw

(% of recommended NPK) Uptake in grain + straw (kg ha-1)


Control Control 0.67 1.36 1.55 0.68

Recommended Recommended 2.10 4.30 5.00 2.16

50+50%N FYM 100 2.25 4.85 4.52 2.34

50+50% N WCS 100 2.02 3.85 4.51 2.06

50+50% N GM 100 2.14 3.75 4.63 2.13

100+50%N FYM 100 2.26 4.85 4.77 2.41

100 100+Cowpea 2.09 4.35 4.41 2.21

CD (p=0.05) 0.85 1.15 2.18 0.96

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Zn uptake was recorded in treatment (2.41 kg ha-1),where 100 per cent of the recommended NPK dosewas applied through inorganic fertilizers and 50 percent of the recommended N was supplementedthrough FYM, which was 3.8 times higher overcontrol. The beneficial effect of FYM over GM andWCS in improving the Zn uptake may be due to itshigher availability from the unavailable forms throughhigher chelating capacity of green manure (Nayyaret al 1990). Also the perusal of data revealed that Cuuptake in wheat (grain + straw) ranged from 1.36-2.85 kg ha-1. The highest Cu uptake was recorded intreatment (4.9 kg ha-1), where 50 percent of therecommended NPK dose was applied throughinorganic fertilizers and 50 per cent of therecommended N was supplemented through FYM,which was 3.2 and 3.2 times higher over 50 per centof the recommended N was supplemented throughGM and 100 per cent of the recommended NPK dosethrough fertilizers, respectively. Increased Cu uptakewith FYM may be ascribed to increased availabilityof Cu under reduced conditions caused by FYM,thereby resulting more uptake by plants. The perusalof data indicated (Table 7) that Fe uptake in rice(grain + straw) ranged from 1.55-4.77 kg ha-1 (Nayyarand Chhibba 2000). The maximum Fe uptake wasregistered by the treatment (4.77 kg ha-1), where 50per cent of recommended dose of N as additionaldose of N through FYM was applied, which was

significantly higher over other treatments. IncreasedFe uptake with FYM may be ascribed to increasedavailability of Fe because of their favourable impacton oxidation-reduction regime and higher chelation.The data revealed that Mn uptake in rice (grain +straw) ranged from 0.68-2.44 kg ha-1. The maximumMn uptake was registered by the treatment (2.44 kgha-1), where 50 per cent of recommended dose of Nas additional dose of N through FYM was applied,which was 3.5 and 3.2 times more over control and100 per cent of the recommended NPK dose throughfertilizers, respectively (Nayyar et al 1990, Walia etal 2008). So, it may be concluded that use of organicmanures (FYM, WCS, GM) increases uptake ofmicronutrients which may be attributed to increase inDTPA- extractable Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn and toincreased yield (Table 7) by these organic materials(Nayyar et al 1985).

Effect INM approach on productivity of rice andwheat

Long-term studies amply revealed the beneficial effectof green manure, crop residues incorporation andfarmyard manure on crop productivity (Table 8). Onaverage for three years GM in combination with 50per cent NPK resulted 11.4 per cent increase in therice grain yield over recommended chemical fertilizer.Thus GM, helped to save 50 per cent NPK. Thecorresponding increase in rice productivity where 50

Table 8: Grain yields of rice and wheat under various integrated nutrient supply systems

Treatment (% NPK) Grain Yield Straw Yield(q ha-1) (q ha-1)

Rice Wheat Rice Wheat Rice Wheat

Control Control 18.9 15.0 26.35 25.66

Recommended Recommended 52.3 48.7 74.25 78.45

50+50% N FYM 100 53.7 52.9 77.95 94.46

50+50% N WCS 100 43.5 46.0 60.12 77.65

50+50% N GM 100 58.5 51.4 80.85 74.68

100+50% N FYM 100 57.2 52.8 85.94 88.58

100 100+Cowpea 56.7 52.8 82.16 76.89

CD (0.05) 4.10 5.12 5.78 8.45



per cent of recommended nitrogen made through farmyard manure was 9.1 per cent with 50 per cent NPKsaving to rice (Dhaliwal and Walia 2008). The effectsof organic manures were well pronounced on thesucceeding wheat crop raised with recommended levelof fertilizers. The green manure practiced before paddytransplanting showed an edge of 2.7 q ha-1 grain yieldof wheat over recommended chemical fertilizer. Themagnitude of residual response of farmyard manurewas much more than green manure, which showed2.20 q ha-1 more grain, yield than the chemical fertilizeralone (Peng and Cassman 1998).

The rice-wheat system on an average of three yearscould produce 33.9 q ha-1 rice-wheat productivitywithout any fertilizer use while recommended fertilizerproduced 101 q ha-1 total productivity (Table 8). Theproductivity further proved to 106.6 t ha-1 where 50per cent N in rice was substituted through FYM and110 q ha-1 where 50 per cent N was substituted throughgreen manuring and wheat with recommended levelsof fertilizers (Table 8). The productivity where 50percent N was supplemented with crop residue couldproduce only 89.5 quintals productivity ha-1. The mainreason of its low productivity was only 0.4 percent Nin crop residue and maximum crop residue added was6 ton ha-1 contributed only 24 kg N ha-1, which kept thetreatment under-nourished. The treatment where 100percent NPK was further supplemented with 50 per

cent N through FYM gave yield equivalent to the greenmanure treatment (Bijay-Singh et al 1992). Likewise,in treatment where 50 percent more N to wheat thanrecommended level was applied also gave the yield ofsame magnitude. These results thus clearly elucidatedthat 110 t ha-1 annum productivity can be sustained if50 per cent chemical fertilizers are supplementedthrough GM while growing rice. Similar yields trendswere reported for straw of rice and wheat (Table 8).The favorable trend of yield was further substantiatedwith organic carbon build-up where FYM was appliedas well as green manure was done over the initial status(Bijay-Singh et al 1992; Yadvinder-Singh et al 1988).

Build up of N, P and K levels in rice grain andstraw

The rice crop removed 70.9 kg N ha-1 whererecommended level of fertilizer was applied, which wascomparatively more by 2.8 times than no chemicalfertilizer treatment (Table 9). On the other hand N-uptake was improved in the treatments where chemicalfertilizers were supplemented with FYM and GM andthe values ranged from 64.0-81.9 kg ha-1, clearlyelucidating the beneficial effect of organic manures.The highest level of N-uptake by rice grains wasrecorded in the treatments amended with FYM (81.9kg ha-1), which was higher than in recommendedfertilizer (70.9 kg ha-1) and crop residue incorporation

Table 9: Effect of different integrated nutrient supply systems on the uptake of N, P and K by rice crop

Fertilizer Use (N-P2O5-K2O) Uptake (Kg ha-1)

Rice Wheat N P K

Grain Straw Grain Straw Grain Straw

Control Control 24.64 18.65 2.61 4.12 4.56 29.95

Recommended Recommended 70.85 52.34 7.58 11.85 13.28 86.59

50+50%N FYM 100 72.94 56.12 8.86 12.49 14.56 102.69

50+50% N WCS 100 64.00 49.21 7.12 10.54 12.00 84.12

50+50% N GM 100 79.89 58.76 9.46 14.02 15.86 99.89

100+50%N FYM 100 81.94 62.47 8.84 14.84 15.68 108.45

100 100+Cowpea 80.68 60.12 8.63 13.65 15.83 99.83

CD (p=0.05) 16.85 21.56 3.24 5.64 5.82 56.89

159



(64.0 kg ha-1). The N-uptake was not influenced bythe incorporation of wheat straw and values were evenlower than the recommended fertilizer treatment. Therice straw removed 52.34 kg ha-1 where recommendedlevel of fertilizer was applied. Undoubtedly theincorporation of FYM and GM helped to remove moreN (Dhaliwal and Walia 2008; Dhyani and Mishra 1994).The highest value of N-uptake (62.5 kg ha-1) wasreported where 50 per cent additional N than therecommended level was applied through FYM. Thecontrol removed only 18.7 kg ha-1 N.

On the other hand the P-uptake was greatly influencedby application of manures and the maximum value of9.46 kg ha-1 were recorded where 50 per cent N wassubstituted by GM (Table 9). It was closely followedby the treatment where 50 N was applied throughFYM (8.86 kg ha-1). The recommended fertilizertreatment removed 7.58 kg P ha-1 that was higher thanthe treatment receiving 50 per cent N through WCS.The lowest value was recorded in control (2.6 kg ha-1)and was low on account of low productivity level andno P application to these plots. The K uptake in ricefollowed the same trend as observed in P-uptake. Thepaddy straw removed fairly higher amount of P whererecommended level of P was applied and P-uptakevalues ranged from 4.12-14.84 kg ha-1. The GM andFYM application showed their complimentary effect

on P-uptake (Pal 1974). The control removed only 4.12kg P ha-1.

The K uptake in the treatment, which receivedrecommended level of fertilizer was 13.28 kg ha-1 andit was 2.5 per cent less than the treatment receiving50 N through FYM (Table 9). The K-uptake where inthe treatment where 50 per cent more N than therecommended level was applied through FYM,removed 14.84 15.68-1 kg ha-1 . In control the K-uptakewas only 4.56 kg ha-1 . On the other hand K-uptake inrice straw was of high magnitude and the values variedfrom 84.1-108.5 kg ha-1 .The addition of GM and FYMshowed their beneficial effect in K-uptake by straw(Pathak et al 2003; Witt et al 1999).

Build up of N, P and K levels in wheat grain andstraw

The maximum uptake (70.59 kg ha-1) was observed inthe treatment receiving 100 per recommended NPKalong with 50 per cent N through FYM (Table 10).The uptake of N was greatly influenced by FYMapplication to the proceeding crop and values variedbetween 70.5-70.6 kg ha-1. The lowest N was recordedin control (24.48 kg ha-1). The N uptake in the treatmentwhere recommended level of N was applied to boththe crops helped the wheat to remove 62.86 kg N ha-1.It is thus clear that N-uptake values were found highest

Table 10: Effect of different integrated nutrient supply systems on the uptake of N, P and K by wheat crop

Fertilizer Use (N-P2O5-K2O) Uptake (Kg ha-1)

Rice Wheat N P K

Grain Straw Grain Straw Grain Straw

Control Control 26.48 13.45 2.84 3.86 8.46 16.85

Recommended Recommended 62.86 31.25 7.85 9.86 22.56 52.96

50+50%N FYM 100 70.45 46.58 8.64 13.28 25.46 65.26

50+50% N WCS 100 60.36 38.92 7.26 10.96 22.13 54.36

50+50% N GM 100 74.56 45.68 8.45 10.28 25.46 52.49

100+50%N FYM 100 70.59 42.98 8.64 12.45 25.86 61.29

100 100+Cowpea 69.84 38.56 9.12 11.24 24.89 54.78

CD (p=0.05) 15.65 18.65 3.25 4.58 12.65 26.59



where FYM and GM were practiced indicating thatavailability is improved where chemical fertilizers weresupplemented with organic manures particularly FYMand GM (5,24). The N-uptake by wheat straw wasfound greatly influenced by different treatments andmaximum uptake 46.58 kg ha-1 was recorded where50 per cent N was applied through FYM to previouscrop and this uptake was very close to treatment where50 per cent N was applied through GM (45.68 kg ha-1).The lowest value was recorded in control treatment,which was 2.5 times less than the recommended level(Dhaliwal and Walia 2008).

The highest P-uptake by wheat grains was recordedwhere FYM was applied to the proceeding crop andthe same values of 8.64 kg ha-1 were reported. It wasclosely followed by GM treatment (Table 10). Thelowest P-uptake was reported in control (2.84 kg ha-1).The P-uptake values in wheat straw were ofcomparatively low magnitude and P varied from 7.26-13.28 kg ha-1 where recommended level of fertilizerwas applied either through chemical fertilizer andcombined use with organic manures. In control plotthe P-uptake value was only 2.84 kg ha-1 as comparedto 7.85 kg ha-1 in treatment where recommended levelof fertilizers was applied (Dhaliwal and Walia 2008,Pathak et al 2004).

The maximum K removal was reported in FYM (Table10) treatments (25.46-25.86 kg ha-1), which was closelyfollowed by GM treatment (25.46 kg ha-1). The K-uptake in the treatment where recommended level offertilizer was applied to both the crops bears the valueof 22.56 kg ha-1, which was 2.59 times more thancontrol. The K-uptake in wheat straw withrecommended level of fertilizer was 52.96 kg ha-1,which was 3.3 times more over control. The highestK-uptake values were recorded in treatments where50 N was substituted through FYM (Pal 1974; Pathaket al 2004, Walia et al 2008).

CONCLUSIONS

The integrated use of organic manures like FYM, GMand WCS in combination with chemical fertilizers notonly improved the soil fertility but also helped to achievethe targeted yield of rice-wheat system to 11.0 t ha-1

besides sustaining the productivity and simultaneously

resulted in net saving of 50 per cent NPK. To sustainthe productivity of rice-wheat system in loamy sandsoil of Punjab it is imperative to integrate 50 per centNPK along with 50 per cent N through FYM, GM andWCS to rice through FYM and wheat withrecommended level of fertilizers or apply 50 per centmore N to rice. The soil fertility was improved withorganic manures over the chemical fertilizer and noticeddiscernible improvement over the initial status withrespect to macro and micronutrients over period oftime. The build-up of organic carbon was accrued morein FYM treatment than the GM and recommendedchemical fertilizers. The improvement was alsorecorded in available N, P and K status of the soil. Theincrease in DTPA-extractable Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn maybe attributed to chelating action of organic compoundsadded to the soil in the form of FYM, WCS and GM,which help in lowering of pH of soil. The organiccompounds released during decomposition of organicsources enhanced the availability of micronutrients bypreventing fixation, oxidation, precipitation and leaching.The uptake of macro and micronutrients increasedsignificantly with the application of fertilizers incombination with FYM and GM for their better uptakeover control. Among the different organic sources ofN applied to rice, FYM and GM recorded significantlyhigher uptake of macro and micronutrients by rice andwheat than where 100 per cent of the recommendedNPK dose was applied through fertilizers. Amongstorganic manures tried, FYM and GM provedsignificantly superior to WCS in enhancing thebacterial, fungal and actinomycetes count in the soil.

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Documents

Effect of inorganic fertilizers and manures application on macro and micrnutrients distribution under long term rice-wheat system