Uptake and micronutrient cations transfer in acid alfisol as influenced by four decadal continuous use of amendments and chemical fertilizers in maize-wheat cropping system

For a healthy human population and to improve maize quality, it is necessary to increase and maintain micronutrient content. A few studies have evaluated the long term impacts of nutrient management practices on micronutrient uptake and their translocation. The micronutrient uptake by maize, soil recovery (SRC) and transfer coefficients (TC) were determined in a 46-years-old long-term fertilizer experiment at Palampur (Himachal Pradesh) during kharif 2018. The study revealed improved micronutrients uptake by maize with balanced NPK application along with FYM or lime. Treatment 100% NPK+FYM and 100% NPK+lime witnessed higher level of micronutrients than other treatments. The SRC values of micronutrients followed the order: Zn>Cu>Fe>Mn. However, no significant difference in translocation coefficient was noted. Soil organic carbon was positively and significantly correlated with Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn uptake . Integrated use of inorganic fertilizers along with FYM or lime in acidic soils can regulate the micronutrient uptake in soil-plant systems, therefore eliminating the need to supply micronutrients from external sources and ultimately assisting in the production of crops with grater nutritional value.