Assessment of Fertility Status of Soils under Different Cropping Patterns in Rainfed Semi-Arid Eastern Plain of Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Soil fertility assessment is essential for effective land management practices. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the physico -chemical characteristics of soil under different cropping systems (Pearl millet (S1), Sorghum (S2), Ground nut (S3), Mung-bean (S4), Maize (S5), Pasture (S6) and to test for significant differences in the nutrient in order to provide basis for recommending site specific land management practices in the study area. Soil samples under the aforementioned cropping systems were collected from 3 sites (Malpura Todaraisingh Piplu) in Tonk District. Collected soil samples were examined for various physico-chemical parameters which includes BD, PD, WHC, Porosity, pH, EC, OC, also macro nutrient like N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S by using standard analytical methods. Results showed that lowest pH (6.3 to 6.7) observes in sorghum cropping land while highest PH observed in pearl millet (7.4 to 6.7), while Highest organic matter observed in Mung bean cropping system (1.52 and 1.10%) after that ground nut (1.29 and 0.88%). Highest values (568 Kg/ha and 480 Kg/ha) of Nitrogen was obtained from mung bean soil, while lowest in pearl millet and maize (260 Kg/ha and 329 Kg/ha) crop land.