Effect of Long-term Integrated Nutrient Management on Some Important Properties of a Vertisol

A long-term field experiment for 10 years on Typic Chromusterts indicated that application of various organic materials to meet 50 per cent N along with 50 per cent of NPK recorded significantly lower bulk density. Rice straw incorporation either to meet 50 per cent or 25 per cent N along with fertilizers increased the hydraulic conductivity, water stable aggregates, porosity, soil water retention characteristics and maximum water holding capacity. Exchangeable Na and CaCO₃ contents decreased but there was increase in CEC and exchangeable Ca content of the soil due to incorporation of different organic sources of nutrients. Available major and micronutrients increased significantly with combined application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients.