Effect of Different Cropping Systems on the Selected Soil Properties in Kashmir Himalayas

Abstract

The physicochemical characteristics of soil are fundamentally important in assessing its quality, as they govern the air and water movement within the soil profile. These processes play a significant role in the soil's ability to sustain plant growth effectively. Various cropping systems can pose significant effects on soil texture, soil pH, soil carbon, and other nutrients, arising mainly from differences in associated management practices. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of dominant cropping systems on soil physicochemical properties in Kashmir Himalayas, India. Soil samples were collected from five different cropping systems, such as rice-fallow, rice-mustard, rice-oats, maize-fallow, and vegetable, up to a depth of 20 cm. The findings revealed that the percentage of sand varied from 20.34 – 28.71%, while the percentage of silt and clay varied from 40.80 – 46.18% and 26.38 – 36.04%, respectively. Bulk density ranged from 1.45 – 1.32Mgm-3 across the cropping systems. There was a variation in soil pH (7.54 – 6.46) across the examined cropping system, following a pattern: maize-fallow> vegetable> rice-mustard> rice-fallow> rice-oats. Moreover, electrical conductivity was less than 1 dSm-1, indicating no salinity hazards. It was observed that different cropping systems influence these selected soil properties. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate and understand these variations because they are vital for sustainable soil management and enhancing agricultural productivity.