2024, Vol. 7, Issue 8, Part A

author(s)
P Chinmai, K Chandra shaker, A Krishna Chaitanya and N Mahesh

abstract
The study in relation to “Nutrient forms under organic and conventional cultivation practices in selected crops of Northern Telangana Zone” was carried out during kharif season of 2022 at the farmer’s field in sorghum, redgram and tumeric crops of Northern Telangana Zone. The survey was carried out to know the soil nutrient status under organic and conventional cultivation practices in selected crops. 60 soil samples of 0-15 cm depth were collected randomly after the harvest of sorghum, red gram and turmeric crops representing organic and conventional farming systems, 10 samples per each crop from both the practices. The soil samples collected were analysed for bulk density, pH, EC, organic carbon (%), CEC, available macronutrients (N, P, K and S) and micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn). The results revealed regarding physical properties of soil that, the bulk density in organic farming with a mean value of 1.32 Mg m^-3 and in conventional system with a mean value of 1.54 Mg m^-3. Due to application of organic sources resulted a 16% decrease in soil bulk density over conventional farming. Regarding physico-chemical properties of soil the results revealed that soil pH was reduced, electrical conductivity of soil slightly remained unchanged, the soil organic carbon and CEC increased due to incorporation of organic sources. soil pH was neutal to slightly alkaline in nature (6.94-8.02) and electrical conductivity of soil was rated as non-saline (0.16-0.49 ds m-¹). The soil organic carbon varied from 0.33 to 0.77% and comes under the categories of low to medium. The status of available N, P, K and S was high in organic farming with a mean values of 218, 42.3, 349 and 37.6 kg ha^-1 respectively and in conventional system with a mean values of 206, 36.9, 329 and 32.2 kg ha^-1 respectively. The DTPA extractable micronutrients Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu was high in organic farming with a mean values of 0.66, 9.33, 13.40 and 3.47 mg kg^-1 and in conventional system with a mean values of 0.50, 7.84, 10.62 and 2.38 mg kg^-1 respectively. The results revealed that organic farming practices build up the chemical composition of soil, suppliment the availability of macro and micronutrients, and enchance the soil's organic carbon status all of which are cruial for sustainable crop yields.