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Trash and Green Mulch Effects on Soil N and P AvailabilityRita Dahiya1, R.S. Malik21CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Department of Soil Science, India
AbstractInterest in use of organic materials as mulching has been revived because of their beneficial effects on nutrient availability and role in improving soil productivity. Our objectives were to quantify the comparative effects of Sesbania aculeata as 'in situ' green mulch (IGM) and sugarcane trash mulch (SM) on soil N and P availability. The study was carried out at fine loamy soil at research farm of C C S Haryana Agricultural Univesity, Hisar, India (29°05'N, 75°38'E, 222 m elevation) for two years 1997-98 and 1998-99 at ratoon sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) under shallow water table condition (0.75-1.65 m). The IGM (4 Mg ha-1), SM (6Mg ha-1) and unmulched (no mulching material) as main treatments, and different doses of inorganic nitrogen (urea) and phosphorous (single super phosphate) fertilizers as sub-treatments were arranged in split plot experimental design with three replications. The mulches increased availability of N and P to 11.9 and 16.1% as compared to those of unmulched over the two years. Application of 'in situ' green mulch and sugarcane trash mulch increased the availability of native phosphorous by 19.3 and 4.8%, and of added phosphorous by 23.6 and 11.5% as compared to those of unmulched. The higher availability of native and added phosphorous under 'in situ' green mulch was because of its lower pH value and resulting lower soil pH value. These results suggested that Sesbania aculeata and sugarcane trash as mulching material may be used for enhancing the nutrient availability of N and P for sustainable soil productivity .
Keywords: Available N and P, mulch, Sesbania aculeata, sugarcane trash Contact Address: Rita Dahiya, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Department of Soil Science, 125004 Hisar, India, e-mail: ritajbd |
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