Soil chemical properties as influenced by crop establishment and residue retention in rice-wheat cropping system of indo-gangetic plains

Long-term field experiments are important for explaining tillage and residue effects on soil fertility and to de­velop sustainable nutrient management strategies. An investigation was conducted at Research Farm, Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa during kharif 2019 and rabi, 2019-2020. The experiment was planned as randomized block design and was replicated thrice having eight treatment combinations. Soil from the experimental field (0-15 cm depth) was sampled and laboratory analysis following the standard procedures of various chemical properties was conducted to study the combined effects of crop establishment and residue retention. The results showed a reduction in pH and EC by 6.88% and 57.5% in the plots where crop residue was retained on permanent beds with zero tillage over control. The available B, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn contents were significantly influenced by application of CA practices after harvest of wheat. Thus, we can observe that conservation tillage practice with residue retention have a positive effect on the soil chemical properties and can certainly increase crop growth and yield.