Organic and inorganic amendments enhance the growth and productivity of pea (Pisum sativum L.) by improving soil microbial biomass carbon

Abstract

The indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers in agricultural tracts is a serious problem, contributing to soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) depletion. In this regard, the use of chemical fertilizers together with organic amendments is considered as a sustainable approach, which alters SMBC, thereby increasing nutrient availability in soil-plant ecosystems. The present study was thus conducted to examine the effects of various mixes of organic amendments both with and without chemical fertilizers (NPK) on SMBC and pea (Pisum sativum L.) growth. The following eight treatments were established: control, 100% farmyard manure (FYM), 100% compost, 50% compost + 50% FYM, 33% compost + 33% chemical fertilizers (NPK) + 33% FYM, 50% chemical fertilizers + 50% FYM, 50% compost + 50% NPK, and 100% NPK, each with three replications. Results showed that the combination of 33% compost + 33% NPK + 33% FYM (T5) had the most significant impact on plant height, number of leaves, and roots and shoots biomass. Furthermore, the combination of NPK, compost and FYM enhanced the soil organic matter and SMBC, contributing to the increased amounts of available NPK in the soil-plant systems. Based on the results, it has been concluded that 33% compost + 33% NPK, and 33% FYM improves pea productivity due to improved SMBC that contributed to increased nutrient uptake by plants. It has been suggested to the farmers that integrated nutrient management approaches must be adopted for maintaining SMBC and further sustainable crop production.