Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Soil Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125004, Haryana, India
2
Division of Soil and Crop Management, ICAR- Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal-132001, Haryana, India
3
Department of Forestry, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125004, Haryana, India
4
Department of Agricultural Meteorology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125004, Haryana, India
5
Department of Vegetable Science, Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal-132001, Haryana, India
Abstract
Understanding vertical distribution of nutrients within soil profile and their correlation with different physico-chemical parameters is critical for optimizing plant growth and nutrient management strategies. Studying vertical stratification of nutrients in the soil profile is a critical aspect of organic farming as it directly affects (a) biological nutrient cycling which often leads to distinct nutrient layering within the soil profile and understanding these layers is essential for optimizing nutrient availability to crops, as roots access nutrients at varying depths, (b) root development and (c) microbial activity, all of which are fundamental to maintaining soil fertility in systems dependent solely on organic inputs. Therefore, a study was conducted in 2022-2023 at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Centre of Excellence for Organic Farming, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India in which seven pedons were excavated in a Typic Haplustept soils to assess the nutrient stratification within the soil profile. Soil samples were collected at various depths from each pedon representing distinct horizons and analyzed using standard methods. Soil organic carbon was determined by wet digestion method, available nitrogen by alkaline permanganate method, phosphorus by Olsen’s method and potassium by flame photometry. Micronutrients were quantified as DTPA-extractable fractions using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The study site is characterized as calcareous, alluvial soils with loamy sand to sandy loam to loam texture managed under organic practices. These practices include the application of compost, green manure, farmyard manure and crop residues, which influence nutrient accumulation in the surface layers. The pedons were low to medium (0.05 to 0.55%) in soil organic carbon, low (28.22 to 148.18 kg/ha) in available nitrogen, low to medium (4.98 to 15.93 kg/ha) in phosphorus and low to high (63.84 to 459.20 kg/ha) in potassium. DTPA-extractable iron, manganese, zinc and copper content ranged between 3.59 to 23.14 mg/kg, 4.06 to 12.73 mg/kg, 0.02 to 5.08 mg/kg and 0.48 to 1.59 mg/kg, respectively in all the pedons. A consistent decreasing trend in macro and micronutrient content was observed with increasing soil depth across all pedons, indicating surface accumulation of nutrients due to organic matter mineralization and limited downward movement. Significant positive correlations among all analyzed nutrients suggested synergistic interactions affecting nutrient availability likely through enhanced microbial activity and nutrient cycling. Future research should prioritize spatially explicit investigations of nutrient-soil property interactions across heterogeneous landscapes, to elucidate the mechanisms driving nutrient stratification, including specific biological and chemical processes. Long-term studies evaluating the impact of diverse organic amendments, cover crop species and compost types on soil nutrient dynamics are crucial for refining precision agriculture and organic farming practices in semi-arid regions. Comprehensive characterization of soil properties and nutrient relationships will facilitate the development of targeted, site-specific nutrient management strategies, optimizing resource utilization, enhancing crop production sustainability and promoting overall agroecosystem resilience.
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