Jitendra Singh Bamboriya1H. S. Purohit2B. Sri Sai Siddartha Naik3
Biswajit Pramanick4*Shanti Devi Bamboriya5Sumitra Devi Bamboriya6Kiran Doodhawal7Shankar Lal Sunda2Sunil Kumar Medida8Ahmed Gaber9
Amnah Mohammed Alsuhaibani10
Akbar Hossain11*- 1Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- 2Department of Soil Science, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
- 3Department of Agronomy, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
- 4Department of Agronomy, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar, India
- 5Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
- 6Department of Agronomy, KVK-Nagaur-II, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- 7Division of IFS, ICAR- Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- 8Department of Agronomy, Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, India
- 9Department of Biology, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
- 10Department of Physical Sport Science, College of Education, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- 11Division of Soil Science, Bangladesh Wheat and Maize Research Institute, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
Introduction: Soil organic matter (SOM) plays a vital role in enhancing soil characteristics and promoting sustainable crop production. The active and passive components of SOM tend to be more effective indicators of soil changes than total SOM content.
Methods: This study aimed to examine the impact of integrated nutrient management (INM) on the active and passive segments of SOM in maize during the kharif seasons of 2019 and 2020 at the Instructional Farm of Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur. A total of 11 treatments comprising of control (no application of manures/fertilizers/biofertilizers), different INM combinations, and application of inorganic fertilizers were laid in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications tested in this study.
Results: The use of INM through enriched phosphorus compost (EPC), biofertilizers, and chemical fertilizers significantly boosted both the active and passive constituents of the organic matter of the soil. In this study, a combination of 75% NPK fertilizers via soil test response (STR), EPC @ 5 t ha−1, an Azotobacter consortium, phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB), and a foliar spray of 0.5% Zn considerably increased the active fraction of SOM than other treatments as indicated by microbial biomass carbon (251 mg kg−1), microbial biomass nitrogen (36.8 mg kg−1), microbial biomass phosphorus (6.82 mg kg−1), water-soluble organic carbon (73.9 mg kg−1), water-soluble carbohydrates (43.8 mg kg−1), presence of dehydrogenase in soil (6.82 μg TPF g−1 soil 24 h−1), and carbon mineralization (43.8 mg CO2C kg−1 soil 24 h−1). This treatment was also found to increase the passive fraction as shown by the presence of humic acid (0.332%), fulvic acid (0.210%), hymatomelanic acid (0.052%), brown humic acid (0.252%), and humin (0.604%).
Discussion: From this study, it can be concluded that the application of 75% NPK fertilizers as per STR + EPC + Azotobacter + PSB + 0.5% foliar Zn spray can improve soil health in maize-based cropping systems.
1. Introduction
Soil organic matter (SOM) encompasses all organic materials present in the soil, excluding living roots and animals. Constituting 58% of total SOM, carbon is a prominent indicator of soil health and fertility. High levels of soil organic carbon (SOC) are critical for soil biogeochemical processes (Doetterl et al., 2015; Laik et al., 2021a; Pramanick et al., 2023). The rates of decomposition of stable SOC and newly added carbon are regulated by immobilization and mineralization processes. The soil carbon storage capacity defines the rate of increase in SOC stock after the adoption of improved management practices such as the addition of organic matter in the soil. The amount of mineralization and equilibrium levels of carbon are crucial indicators of potential soil productivity (Riffaldi et al., 1996).
The primary constituents of SOM are humic substances (Stevenson, 1994a). These substances, particularly humic and fulvic compounds, directly boost plant growth through physiological and nutritional means (Vaughan and Malcolm, 1985; Chen and Aviad, 1990; Nardi et al., 2002). Some can act as natural plant hormones, accelerating seed germination, root formation and development (Piccolo et al., 1993), and uptake of nutrients (Dell'Agnola and Nardi, 1987; Piccolo et al., 1993), and serve as sources of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) (Arslan and Pehlivan, 2008). These substances indirectly impact plant growth by modifying soil's physical (Johnston, 2007), chemical, and biological properties, enhancing soil water holding capacity and cation exchange capacity and improving tilth and aeration (Stevenson, 1994b; Johnston, 2007; Murphy, 2015). SOM comprises active and passive fractions. The passive fraction, encompassing of durable stock of materials that can remain for a longer period of hundred decades in soil, is a decomposition product. It accounts for 58–82% of most SOM, and its quality changes slowly. Passive fractions enhance the soil's cation interchanging ability, water retention potential, and colloidal properties (Smith and Paul, 1990).
In sustainable agriculture, organic matter not only contributes to soil fertility but also stimulates and moderates soil formation, biology, physio-chemical properties, and hydro-thermal characteristics (Katyal, 2000; Pramanick et al., 2018, 2022; Naik et al., 2022). The nature, content, composition, and transformations of SOM play a crucial role in crop productivity in varying climate conditions. However, the costs associated with the procurement, transportation, and application of organic manures in large quantities are significant for farmers in developing countries such as India. Thus, a combination of inorganic fertilizers and organic manure could offer a solution to maintain crop yield (Sher et al., 2022) and soil health (Huang et al., 2010; Song et al., 2015; Lakshmi et al., 2021).
Maize-based cropping system in India is known as a chemical fertilizer-intensive cropping system as the nutrient requirement of maize is higher than other cereals (Singh et al., 2017; Pramanick et al., 2022). Continuous maize cultivation with the application of chemical fertilizers may deplete soil health in the long run. Hence, organic amendment as well as the application of biofertilizers are important to make the soil sustainable for production. In this study, the soil of a maize-based cropping system was selected to know whether the INM practices can improve the SOM pools or not.
Given these factors, the present experimental trial was directed to assess the operation of impacts of integrated utilization of biological, organic, and inorganic nutrient cause of sources on the SOM pools of maize soils and to identify the optimal nutrient sources and combinations for maintaining soil health.
2. Materials and methods
2.1. Experimental location
The study was carried out at the College Farm of the Rajasthan Agricultural College in Udaipur, Rajasthan, across two crop seasons: Kharif 2019 and Kharif 2020. The experimental plot range is positioned at 24°34′ N latitude and longitudinal reference of 73°42′ E, at an elevation of 579.5 m more than the average sea level (Figure 1). The site falls under the CA'w Climatic classification as per Thornthwaite's system, signifying a humid subtropical climate with warm, wet summers and dry winters that receive sparse rainfall. The location typically receives an average rainfall of 637 mm, with over 70% of this precipitation occurring during the southwest monsoon season (July to September). The relative humidity during these monsoon months is relatively high, often exceeding 65%.
Figure 1. Experimental location of the study area on the map.
The soil at the experimental site is classified as clay loam, falling under the Vertisols category—typified by fine texture, iso-hyperthermic temperature regime, montmorillonitic mineralogical class, and Typic Haplustept taxonomic class. The soil has a slightly saline pH level of 8.29 and contains 0.62% organic carbon.
The experiment consisted of 11 treatments replicated thrice in a randomized block design (RBD). The treatment imposition details are given in Table 1.
Table 1. Treatment imposed in the current research study plan.
2.2. Treatment imposition and management
The control treatment (T1) was conducted without the application of any fertilizers. The soil test-based recommendation (STR) was used to calculate the appropriate amounts of urea, diammonium phosphate, and muriate of potash for each treatment. These were subsequently applied at the recommended stages of crop growth. Enriched phosphorus compost (EPC) was locally prepared using maize stover, rock phosphate, and waste mica. To decrease the C:N ratio of the maize stover, we applied a urea solution at a rate of 0.25 kg N per 100 kg of stover and fresh cow dung at 10 kg per 100 kg of stover. These were used as natural inoculants along with phosphate solubilizing microorganisms (Aspergillus awamori, Pseudomonas striata, and Bacillus polymixa) at 50 g per 100 kg for treatments T6 to T11. The fully decomposed EPC contained 0.85% N, 1.21% P, 1.15% K, and 115 ppm of Zinc (Table 2). The EPC was applied to the field as dictated by the treatments and was thoroughly mixed into the soil a week before sowing. To administer treatments T4 and T5, we treated the seeds with a consortium of Azotobacter and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria, i.e., PSB (Bacillus megatherium var. phosphaticum). For seed treatment, 200 g of each inoculant of Azotobacter and PSB was mixed in 500 ml water and a slurry was prepared with 50 g of jaggery. Afterward, the slurry was mixed evenly with the seeds before sowing. Nutrient management was applied as per the treatment details. For maize cultivation, two irrigations were given at silking and tasseling stage. Weed management was performed using the preemergence application of Atrazine at 1,000 g ha−1 applied 2 days after sowing (DAS) followed by one manual weeding at 30 DAS. The cost of cultivation is included in Supplementary Table S1.
Table 2. Characteristics of enriched phosphorus compost (EPC) and in-organic fertilizers used in the experimental field study.
2.3. Soil analyses
The soil microbial biomass carbon content was determined using the chloroform fumigation-extraction method as described by Vance et al. (1987). The soil microbial biomass nitrogen was analyzed using a similar method by Brookes et al. (1985). Soil microbial biomass phosphorus was assessed using the standard procedure proposed by Brookes et al. (1982). Water-soluble carbon was determined using the acid extraction method outlined by Meloon and Sommers (1996), and water-soluble carbohydrates were quantified using the hydrolytic extraction with the H2SO4 method by Cheshire and Mundie (1966). The Anthrone extraction procedure, as explained by Casida et al. (1964), was utilized for analyzing soil dehydrogenase activity. Carbon mineralization was calculated using the rubber cork method (Kukreja et al., 1991). For the analysis of humic substances, various methods were employed. Humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid were determined using a 0.5 N NaOH solution method. Hymatomelanic acid (HyMA) was analyzed using Soxhlet's apparatus method. Brown humic acid (BHA) was measured using a 5% NaOH solution method. Gray humic acid (GHA) was quantified using the formula GHA = (weight of HA before extracting HyMA—weight of HA after extracting HyMA)—BHA. Humin was determined using a 1-N HCl method. All these methods were based on the procedures provided by Stevenson (1965).
2.4. Statistical analysis
Data were analyzed using the standard techniques of analysis of variance (ANOVA) for randomized block design (RBD) with the help of statistical software, SAS (version 9.2). Bartlett's χ2 test was performed to analyze the homogeneity of the error variance. Then, pooled analysis was performed as per Cocharan and Cox (1957) as the error variance was homogeneous. Differences were tested for Fisher's F-test at a 5% level of significance. When the F-test was found significant at a 5% level of significance, the least significant difference (LSD) was used to test the significance of differences between the two treatment means (Gomez and Gomez, 1976).
3. Results and discussion
3.1. Active pools of soil organic matter
The dynamics of SOM are crucial for enhancing soil quality and maintaining crop productivity under intensive farming. In the following sections, we will discuss the results and interpretations of the active pools of SOM.
3.1.1. Soil microbial biomass carbon
The integration of organic manure with fertilizer and biofertilizers got a positive impact on soil microbial biomass carbon (Table 3). Compared to non-compost treatments (T1-T5), the microbial biomass carbon was higher in compost-based INM treatments (T5-T11). The lowest microbial carbon (180 mg kg−1) was found in control (T1), whereas treatment with 75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB + Zn (T8) recorded the highest value (251 mg kg−1). Compared to the unfertilized plot, treatment T8 had 1.4 folds of higher soil microbial biomass carbon. Biofertilizers application also poses a significant and pragmatic influence on soil microbial biomass carbon. The application of Zn as foliar spraying did not induce significant changes as evident from comparisons made between T7 and T8 and T10 and T11. In addition to EPC and biofertilizers (BF), i.e., Azotobacter and PSB, increasing levels of NPK bring significant improvement in microbial biomass carbon to control.
Table 3. Effect of integrated nutrient management practices on soil microbial biomass.
Microbial biomass is closely tied to SOC, and its levels rise with the addition of a carbon substrate and fall when the carbon content is consumed (Manna and Ganguly, 2000; Zhao et al., 2009). The increase in soil microbial biomass carbon in treatments with EPC could also be due to a decrease in soil pH and electrical conductivity resulting from the addition of organic matter. This improvement in soil microbial biomass carbon with compost application aligns with findings from Kallenbach and Grandy (2011) and Meena and Biswas (2015). Similarly, numerous studies have found that organic amendments significantly impact microbial biomass carbon levels due to the range of macro- and micronutrients added via these amendments (Hu et al., 2011; Chinnadurai et al., 2014; Tamilselvi et al., 2014; Obalum et al., 2017; Rajput et al., 2019; Ogumba et al., 2020; Padbhushan et al., 2021).
3.1.2. Soil microbial biomass nitrogen
Significant differences in the microbial biomass of soil nitrogen were recorded in response to various nutrient sources and their combinations (Table 3). Like microbial biomass of soil carbon, the highest (36.8 mg kg−1) and lowest values (26.4 mg kg−1) of microbial biomass of soil nitrogen were observed in 75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB + Zn (T8) and control (T1), respectively. The biomass nitrogen content of the soil microbial population is significantly influenced by the levels of NPK. Compared to the control, 17.25% and 6.5% higher biomass nitrogen were obtained in 125% NPK and 100% NPK + Zn, respectively. In addition to EPC and inorganic fertilizers, the co-application of Zn and biofertilizers also brought significant improvement in microbial biomass nitrogen as evident from comparing T9 and T11 and T6 and T8.
The enhancement in the microbial biomass of soil carbon is perhaps ascribed to the balanced nutrient provision to soil microbes through an INM approach (Rajput et al., 2019). The higher levels of SOC and improved nitrogen availability mediated by EPC can be an additional factor contributing to the increased soil microbial biomass nitrogen observed in EPC-based plots. Significantly higher soil microbial biomass nitrogen levels were observed in 100% and 125% NPK treatments compared to the control. This aligns with findings by Verma and Mathur (2009) and Padbhushan et al. (2021), who noted that microbial biomass nitrogen increased with rising nitrogen levels.
3.1.3. Soil microbial biomass phosphorus
Differences in phosphorus content of microbial biomass between the non-compost treatments (T1-T5) and the compost-based treatments (T6-T11) are significant except for T2 and T9 which were non-significantly different (Table 3). The maximum microbial biomass phosphorus values were found in T8, followed by T7, T6, T11, T10, and T9 treatments, respectively. The treatments T1 to T4 recorded the least value of microbial biomass phosphorus. The addition of biofertilizers and Zn did not improve the microbial biomass of soil phosphorus significantly. The microbial biomass of soil phosphorus was higher under integrated nutrient application than sole use of NPK fertilizers. However, compared to the control (T1) and 100% NPK + Zn (T3), significantly higher soil microbial biomass phosphorus was observed in 125% NPK (T2). Balanced NPK application in conjunction with EPC enhanced the soil microbial biomass phosphorus more than the rest of all treatments. Integrated nutrient management provides substrates needed for microbes' growth and activity, thus enhancing microbial biomass phosphorus (Verma and Mathur, 2009; Kumar et al., 2017). Lack of nutrient addition in the soil might have resulted in low microbial biomass phosphorus in control plots. Additionally, the optimal level of P fertilizer might have promoted microbial metabolism processes that in turn raised the level of microbial biomass phosphorus (Verma and Mathur, 2009).
3.1.4. Water-soluble organic carbon
Integration of organic manure with fertilizer and biofertilizers recorded a positive impact on the water-soluble organic carbon (WSC). Its value in soil varied from 46.2 to 73.9 mg kg−1 under different treatments (Table 4). The maximum value of WSC (73.86 mg kg−1) in soil was recorded under T8 (75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB + Zn), and this treatment was found at par with T7 (75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB). The lowest value of WSC (46.2 mg kg−1) in soil was recorded in the control treatment (T1). The WSC is the most mobile as well as most labile C pool, and it serves as an immediate C source for soil microbes (Verma and Mathur, 2009). Verma and Mathur (2009) also reported that the highest WSC was recorded in INM treatments. In the INM, organic manures, inorganic fertilizers, and biofertilizers all are applied in combination to the soil and this kind of management practice increases the SOC as well as the activities of the soil beneficial microbes which ultimately attributed to higher WSC in soil (Laik et al., 2021b). In contrast to the above, the beneficial effects of organic manures on WSC content were reported by Dutta et al. (2018). The addition of organic manures increased WSC irrespective of inorganic fertilizers usage.
Table 4. Effect of integrated nutrient management practices on water-soluble organic carbon and water-soluble carbohydrates, dehydrogenase activity, and carbon mineralization in the soil after harvest of maize.
3.1.5. Water soluble carbohydrate
The integrated nutrient management practices significantly enhanced the water-soluble organic carbohydrates of soil (Table 4). The water-soluble organic carbohydrates in soil varied from 26.45 to 43.80 mg kg−1 under various treatments. The minimum value (26.45 mg kg−1) of water-soluble organic carbohydrates was recorded in control (T1) whereas the maximum value (43.80 mg kg−1) was recorded in T8 (75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB + Zn) which was statistically at par with T7 (75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB). Water-soluble carbohydrates function as both sources and sink for mineral nutrients and organic substrates in the short term. Over a longer period, they act as catalysts for plant nutrient conversion, therefore, influencing crop productivity and nutrient cycling (Kumari et al., 2011). Water-soluble carbohydrates are the most readily accessible energy source for microbes, and they play a substantial role in stabilizing soil structure (Verma and Mathur, 2009). Studies conducted by Padbhushan et al. (2014) and Verma and Mathur (2009) have also reported that the addition of organic manure to soil increases the total SOM which ultimately increases the carbohydrate content in the soil.
3.1.6. Soil dehydrogenase activity
The activity of soil dehydrogenase is known as the index of microbial activities happening inside the soil (Dutta et al., 2018); therefore, it is a good indicator of soil biological activities. The effect of different treatments on dehydrogenase activity in soils was found significant (Table 4). The highest value of dehydrogenase activity in soil (6.82 μg TPF g−1 soil 24 hr−1) was estimated under T8 (75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB + Zn) and this treatment was found statistically at par with T7 (75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB). Soil dehydrogenase activity was greatly stimulated by organic, inorganic, and integrated management practices (Gao et al., 2020). Application of EPC augmented dehydrogenase activity in the soil. The extended activity of dehydrogenase in EPC-amended plots might be due to increased microbial activity under a higher organic manure supply. Earlier, Dutta et al. (2018) also reported similar results while working on various nutrient management practices.
3.1.7. Carbon mineralization
Carbon mineralization plays a critical role in the dynamics of SOM as it determines the amount of carbon that accumulates in the soil (Zhao et al., 2008). The combined use of organic manures, fertilizers, and biofertilizers significantly influenced carbon mineralization in soil (Table 4). The value of carbon mineralization in soil ranges from 26.45 to 43.80 mg CO2C kg−1 soil 24 hr−1 under various treatments. The maximum value of carbon mineralization (43.80 mg CO2-C kg−1 soil 24 hr−1) in soil observed in T8 (75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB + Zn), and this treatment was found statistically at par with T7 (75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB), whereas the lowest value (26.45 mg CO2-C kg−1 soil 24 hr−1) was observed in control treatment (T1) (Table 4). Balanced nutrient supply and adequate carbonaceous substrate availability and a favorable environment under INM may enhance microbial growth that leads to an increased soil carbon mineralization (Mandal et al., 2020). Depletion of nutrients in unfertilized control plots can be the reason for the least carbon mineralization. This study echoes the findings of Mandal et al. (2020), who observed similar effects of INM on carbon mineralization. The increase in carbon mineralization observed in plots treated with both NPK fertilizer and organic amendments can be attributed to the ample supply of labile carbon substrates, as pointed out by Majumder et al. (2008). This finding is corroborated by studies from Kaur et al. (2008) and Mohanty et al. (2013). Zhao et al. (2009) further proclaimed that long-duration employed usage of both intensive fertilizers and organic manures not only provides a supportive domain for microbial growth and activity but also supplies the necessary substrates for the course of carbon mineralization.
3.2. Passive pools of soil organic matter
3.2.1. Humic acid
Humic acid, as the second most significant component of SOM, plays a crucial role in enhancing nutrient recovery and transformation in soil, thereby contributing to higher yield production. This study discovered that INM significantly increased the humic acid levels in the soil post-cutting of the maize (as shown in Table 5). The content of humic acid in the soil ranged from 0.230% to 0.332% under different treatment conditions. The lowest value of humic acid (0.230%) in soil was observed under control. The treatment T8 (75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB + Zn) showed a significantly higher amount of humic acid (0.332%) status in soil and this treatment was closely followed by T7 (75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB) which can be due to enhanced soil physical parameters and directed favorable conditions for the evolution of humic acid (Santhy et al., 2001). The findings are in line with those reported by Deshmukh et al. (2015). Similarly, studies by Prasad et al. (1991), Banik and Sanyal (2006), Gathala et al. (2007), Bhoye et al. (2011), Meshram et al. (2016), and Meshram et al. (2018) all found that the greatest amount of humic acid was present when organic manure/residue was integrated with inorganic fertilizers. This might be attributed to the enhancement of SOM through the application of organic manures coupled with the biofertilizers that created a suitable condition for humus evolution (Kurbah and Dixit, 2020).
Table 5. Effect of integrated nutrient management practices on humic, fulvic, and hymatomelanic acid in soil.
3.2.2. Fulvic acid
It is the uttermost dominant pool of SOM which was also significantly affected by various nutrient management practices (Table 5).
Fulvic acid, a component of the passive pool of SOM, remains soluble in alkaline solutions and stays in the solution even after humic acid has precipitated with acid. Fulvic acid components assist in binding soil particles into skeletal portions known as aggregates, which are crucial in mobilizing and transporting sesquioxides in the soil complex. The amalgamation of diverse nutrient sources noticeably elevated the levels of fulvic acid in the soil following the maize harvest. It ranges from 0.136 to 0.210% under various treatments. Similar to humic acid, fulvic acid (0.210%) also recorded the highest in T8 (75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB + Zn), which was found statistically at par with T7 (75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB). Kumari et al. (2011) noted that the repeated usage of organic manures, either alone or in tandem with intensive fertilizers, had a significant impact on the fulvic acid fraction in the soil. This might be due to the increase in SOM and beneficial microorganisms in the soil. These results align with the findings of Gathala et al. (2007) and Deshmukh et al. (2015), who documented increased fulvic acid levels following the combined application of NPK and farmyard manure.
3.2.3. Hymatomelanic acid
Integrated nutrient management significantly enhanced hymatomelanic acid (HyMA) in the soil after cutting the maize crop in both years and in the combined analysis (Table 5). The maximum value of HyMA (0.052%) in soil was obtained in T8 (75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB + Zn), and this treatment was found statistically at par with T7 (75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB). The lowest value of HyMA (0.033%) in soil was obtained under control (T1). These outcomes are in tune with the salient findings of Kumari et al. (2011). The content of HyMA was low because it consists of more than 90% aliphatic structure and is poorer in amino acid fragments and twice as rich in hydrocarbons as humic acid (Ranjana et al., 1984).
3.2.4. Brown humic acid
Application of compost with NPK fertilizer and biofertilizers enhanced the brown humic acid (BHA). The brown humic acid in the soil varied from 0.175 to 0.252% under varied treatments (Table 6). The maximum value of BHA (0.252%) in soil was obtained in T8 (75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB + Zn), and this treatment was statistically at par with treatment T7 (75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB). It might be due to added N through inorganic N and EPC and these fractions of SOM, especially BHA, showed stronger signals for N compounds (Saizet et al., 1979). These outcomes are perfectly synced with the findings of Kumari et al. (2011).
Table 6. Effect of integrated nutrient management practices on brown humic acid, gray humic acid, and humin in soil.
3.2.5. Gray humic acid
This is the smallest passive SOM pool in the study region. Despite the various nutrient management strategies applied, no significant improvement was noted in the content of gray humic acid. The values varied between 0.023 and 0.034% under different treatment conditions (Table 6). The lowest value of gray humic acid (0.023%) in soil was recorded in the control (T1). Combined use of EPC, 50% NPK fertilizers, foliar application of Zn, and biofertilizer (T11) exhibited the maximum value of gray humic acid (0.034%) in soil followed by the treatment T8 (75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB + Zn). It might be due to the added N through inorganic nitrogen and EPC and a gray humic acid fraction of SOM showed stronger signals for N compounds (Saizet et al., 1979). These outcomes are fine-tuned with the evident findings of Kumari et al. (2011). Moreover, the potential explanation for the lack of significant improvement in gray humic acid content may be due to already optimized soil physical parameters and a conducive environment for this fraction.
3.2.6. Humin
The extremely impervious and resistant fraction of SOM is humin and its distribution or extent of share is the largest among the passive fraction of SOM. Among various passive pools of SOM, humin is the biggest soil pool followed by humic acid and fulvic acid fractions. The INM practices in maize significantly increased humin content in the soil after the harvest of the crop (Table 6). The humin in soil varied from 0.383% to 0.604% under various treatments. Unfertilized plots had the lowest humin (0.383%) whereas integrated use of 75% NPK via STR + EPC @ 5 t ha−1 + Azotobacter + PSB + Foliar application of Zn @ 0.5% (T8) exhibited the largest humin pool, and this treatment was closely followed by T7 (75% NPK via STR + EPC+ Azotobacter + PSB). The increase in humin fraction could be related to increased mineralization activity due to higher surface soil temperatures in tropical regimes by Santhy et al. (2001). When organic manure is added, it can serve as a source of humus. Compounds, such as cellulosic, xylose, mono and polysaccharides, glucosides, fatty acids, and amino acids, that are utilized by microorganisms can be indirectly converted into humic substances within microbial cells. These transformed substances can then be involved in the setup of humic substances evolution (Kononova, 1966). Previous studies by Prasad et al. (1991), Banik and Sanyal (2006), Gathala et al. (2007), Bhoye et al. (2011), Meshram et al. (2016), and Meshram et al. (2018) have all shown that applying 100% NPK via STR together with organic manures outstandingly enriched humus values in soil. This could be attributed to the stabilized employment of intensive fertilizers in conjunction with organic manure or matter, which led to more humus contributions in the soil, eventually resulting in greater nutrient accessibility for plants. Meena (2017) also reported that the highest humin fraction was obtained under the application of organic manure, compared to other treatments comprising chemical fertilizers.
4. Conclusion
Based on the findings of this research study, it was found that the combined application of organic and inorganic nutrient sources coupled with the application of biofertilizers led to a significant improvement in the active and passive fractions of SOM in the maize-based cropping system. From this study, it was observed that the application of 75% NPK via soil test response (STR) + enriched phosphorus compost (EPC) at 5 t ha−1 + Azotobacter + PSB + Zn foliar spray at 0.5% during 35 DAS resulted in the maximum attainments of microbial biomass carbon (251 mg kg−1), microbial biomass nitrogen (36.8 mg kg−1), microbial biomass phosphorus (6.82 mg kg−1), water-soluble organic carbon (73.9 mg kg−1), water-soluble carbohydrates (43.8 mg kg−1), presence of dehydrogenase in soil (6.82 μg TPF g−1 soil 24 hr−1), and carbon mineralization (43.8 mg CO2C kg−1 soil 24 hr−1). This treatment was also found to increase the passive fraction of SOM in the maize-based cropping system. This INM practice was also found to be closely followed by the application of 75% NPK via STR + EPC + Azotobacter + PSB. Hence, from this 2-year-long study, it can be concluded that the active and passive pools of SOM in a maize-based cropping system can be increased through the application of 75% NPK via STR + EPC @ 5 t ha−1 + Azatobacter + PSB + 0.5% Zn foliar spray at 35 DAS.
Data availability statement
The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding authors.
Author contributions
JB, HP, BN, AH, AA, AG, and BP performed the statistical analysis, project supervision, reviewed, read, and edited the manuscript with significant contributions. JB, HP, BN, BP, ShB, SuB, KD, SS, and SM collected soil/plant samples and performed chemical analysis, also wrote the initial draft of the manuscript, prepared figures and tables, led the research work, planned, supervised, and conducted field experiments, and read and edited the manuscript. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.
Funding
This research was funded by the Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Pali−306902, India, and also partially funded by Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University researchers supporting Project Number (PNURSP2023R65), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Acknowledgments
The authors are very grateful to the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University researchers supporting Project Number (PNURSP2023R65), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for supporting the current research.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Publisher's note
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Supplementary material
The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1242806/full#supplementary-material
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Keywords: integrated nutrient management, active fractions, passive fractions, soil organic matter, humic acid
Citation: Bamboriya JS, Purohit HS, Naik BSSS, Pramanick B, Bamboriya SD, Bamboriya SD, Doodhawal K, Sunda SL, Medida SK, Gaber A, Alsuhaibani AM and Hossain A (2023) Monitoring the effect of integrated nutrient management practices on soil health in maize-based cropping system. Front. Sustain. Food Syst. 7:1242806. doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2023.1242806
Received: 19 June 2023; Accepted: 10 August 2023;
Published: 12 September 2023.
Edited by:
Sudhakar Srivastava, Banaras Hindu University, IndiaReviewed by:
Sunday Ewele Obalum, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, NigeriaKiran Kumar Mohapatra, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, India
Ajay Kumar, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, India
Copyright © 2023 Bamboriya, Purohit, Naik, Pramanick, Bamboriya, Bamboriya, Doodhawal, Sunda, Medida, Gaber, Alsuhaibani and Hossain. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Biswajit Pramanick, biswajit@rpcau.ac.in; Akbar Hossain, akbarhossainwrc@gmail.com