results and discussion - shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/9786/9/09...4. results...

RESULTS

AND

DISCUSSION

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The results obtained from the present investigation entitled “Effect of integrated

nutrient management on yield, quality and soil properties in pea -okra system in an acid

Alfisol” are presented in this chapter and an attempt has been made to explain the

important findings by establishing a cause and effect relationship on the basis of available

data and literature evidence under following subheads:

4.1 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on yield

4.2 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on nutrient uptake

4.3 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on quality parameters

4.4 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on soil properties

4.5 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on economics of the system

4.1 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on yield

i. Pea

The data with respect to green pod yield as influenced by the application of chemical

fertilizers, lime and vermicompost as given in table 4.1 revealed that during 2008-09 green

pod yield varied from a lowest of 44.4 q ha-1 in the plots where no fertilizer or lime or

vermicompost was applied (T1) to a highest of 97.0 q ha-1 in the plots which received 125%

NPK along with 10 t ha-1 vermicompost (T13). Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in

combination with lime or vermicompost increased the pod yield of pea significantly over

control except 75% NPK (T2) and 100% NPK (T3). Among inorganic treatments viz. 75, 100

and 125% (T2 to T4), 125% NPK (T4) application recorded an increase of 37.4 percent over

control. Lime when applied with graded doses of fertilizers viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK

increased the pod yield of pea by 34, 46.6 and 60.6 per cent over control, respectively.

Among the plots receiving vermicompost either @ 5 t ha-1 or 10 t ha-1 along with graded

doses of fertilizer increased the pod yield significantly over control and 100% NPK alone.

Application rate of 10 t ha-1 of vermicompost recorded higher increase in pod yield over 5 t

ha-1 rate of application, the differences however were not significant at respective level of

fertilizers.

Table 4.1 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on pod/fruit yield (q ha-1)

Treatments Pea 2008-09 Pea 2009-10 Pea 2010-11 Okra 2009 Okra 2011

T1 Control 44.4 45.5 87.2 35.5 33.7

T2 75 % NPK 53.4 55.3 97.4 40.0 38.2

T3 100 % NPK 58.2 59.9 101.5 42.7 42.1

T4 125 % NPK 61.0 62.5 103.8 44.7 45.2

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 59.5 61.2 110.2 50.9 55.8

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 65.1 67.4 117.2 56.9 62.3

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 71.3 73.4 120.8 58.5 66.3

T8 75 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 75.6 77.6 125.6 64.4 72.0

T9 100 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 81.4 83.7 130.2 71.6 79.2

T10 125% NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 86.3 88.8 134.1 75.1 82.7

T11 75% NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 85.6 88.2 134.8 101.8 90.8

T12 100 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 91.6 94.4 138.9 106.7 97.9

T13 125 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 97.0 99.9 140.8 108.0 100.2

CD (P=0.05) 14.2 14.7 15.3 22.8 20.7

During second year (rabi 2009-10) almost similar trend in pod yield of pea

was observed as in the first year and highest green pod yield of 99.9 q ha-1 was recorded in

T13 (125 % NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1) and lowest of 45.5 q ha-1 under control (T1).

Application of graded doses of fertilizers (T2 to T4) increased the green pod yield over

control by 21.5, 31.6 and 37.4 per cent, respectively. The increase in the green pod yield

over control by 75, 100 and 125% NPK with lime (T5 to T7) was 34.5, 48.1 and 61.3 per cent,

respectively. Conjoint use of fertilizers and vermicompost also significantly increased pod

yield over control. Treatment T13 recorded highest pod yield and was at par with T10, T11

and T12. Vermicompost when applied @ 10 t ha-1 recorded higher yield as compared to 5 t

ha-1 rate of its application however, the difference at the respective level of chemical

fertilizers were not significant.

Green pod yield of pea during third year (2010-11) also followed almost

similar trend as was in first and second year, as it varied from a minimum of 87.2 q ha -1

under control (T1) to a maximum of 140.8 q ha-1 in the plots which received 125% NPK

along with vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1. Chemical fertilizers alone (T2 to T4) increased green

pod yield over control in a significant manner. The application of 75, 100 and 125 % NPK

with lime resulted in an increase of 8.6, 15.5 and 19 per cent over 100 % NPK alone,

respectively. Application of chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost also resulted in a

significant increase in green pod yield of pea over control. Treatment T13 which recorded

highest green pod yield was significantly superior over all other treatments except all the

treatments getting chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost.

The increase in green pod yield might be due to the beneficial effect of combined

use of vermicompost at a particular dose of inorganic fertilizer could be attributed to an

increased rate of photosynthetic activity due to nitrogen through its direct application,

resulting in stimulated vegetative and reproductive growth, thus ultimately increasing the

yield. Addition of phosphorus increased the rate of symbiotic nitrogen fixation and in turn

stimulated the growth of plant, thereby having beneficial effects in giving higher yield.

Significant influence of nitrogen application has been reported by Yadav et al. (1996),

Diebert and Utter (2004) and Kumar et al. (2006). On the other hand, high phosphate

fixation capacity of acid soils is the major

growth limiting factor which can be overcome by the application of vermicompost and lime

(Khanna et al. 1982). In the current study, the experimental soil was acidic in nature with P-

fixation capacity of about 600 mg kg-1 soil and in such soils the integration of vermicompost

or lime with chemical fertilizers is beneficial as evident by higher green pod yield in

treatment, where vermicompost or lime was applied along with chemical fertilizers.

Phosphorus application improves shoot as well as root growth, hasten the crop maturity and

increases the number of pods per plant (Dubey et al. 1999 and Kanaujia et al. 1998).

However, application of potassium helps to increase the efficiency of leaves as well as active

translocation of prepared food to its storage organs. The increase in yield due to application

of potassium may be attributed to either direct or indirect involvement of potassium in

major plant processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, enzyme activation, metabolism of

carbohydrates and protein synthesis (Dev 1991). These results are in conformity with the

findings of Singh et al. (1992), Singh et al. (1995) and Kanaujia et al. (1998).

ii. Okra

The results pertaining to the effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on

fruit yield of okra (2009 and 2011) is presented in table 4.1. A perusal of the data revealed

that different treatments have significant effect on fruit yield of okra during both the years.

During first year (2009), the fruit yield varied from a minimum of 35.5 q ha-1 in control (T1)

to a maximum of 108.0 q ha-1 in plots receiving 125 % NPK through chemical fertilizer along

with vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13). Increase in the fruit yield of okra was recorded with

the application of chemical fertilizers alone or along with lime however this increase was not

significant over control except in treatment 125% NPK plus lime (T7). Application of

vermicompost at either of rates increased the fruit yield of okra significantly over control.

The highest pod yield of okra 108.0 q ha-1 was registered in the treatment T13 which was at

par with pod yield under T11 and T12. It is further noted that 10 t ha-1 rate of application of

vermicompost was significantly superior over 5 t ha-1 application rate at all the three levels

of NPK.

A close look of the data also showed

that fruit yield of okra during second year (2011) ranged from 33.7 q ha-1 in control (T1) to

100.2 q ha-1 in T13 where 125% NPK plus vermicompost @ 10 t ha -1 was applied. Among

inorganic treatments (T2 to

T4) maximum increase of 34.1 per cent over control was recorded in 125% NPK treatment

(T4). Graded doses of fertilizers when applied along with lime increased the pod yield of

okra by 65.5, 84.8 and 96.7 per cent in T5, T6 and T7 over control, respectively. On

comparing the treatments consisting of vermicompost, it was observed that T10, T11 and

T12 were at par with T13 and the increase in fruit yield was highest under treatment applied

with 125% NPK with vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 and this increase was to the tune of 138 per

cent, over 100 % NPK. Application of 10 t ha-1 vermicompost showed higher fruit yield over

5 t ha-1 rate of application at all the three levels of NPK, however, the increase was not

significant.

A significant increase in yield of okra fruit with integrated use of chemical fertilizers

alone or in conjunction with vermicompost may be due to vigorous vegetative growth and

increased chlorophyll content, which together accelerate the photosynthetic rate and

thereby increased the supply of carbohydrate to plants. The beneficial role in improving soil

physical, chemical and biological role is well known, which in turn helps in better nutrient

absorption by plant and resulting in higher yield (Prabu et al. 2002). These results are in the

conformity with the findings of Abuseleha and Shanmugavela (1988), Yadav et al. (2006),

Baarwa et al. (2009) and Bodanwad et al. (2006). Increase in yield of okra with lime

application might be attributed to improvement of soil health by increase of pH and

decrease of active forms of Al and soil acidity which resulted in ideal conditions in acid soils

for the growth of microbes which are responsible for mineralization (Verma 2002) and

release of nutrients which resulted in more availability of nutrients and thereby resulting in

more production and translocation of photosynthates in plants which subsequently higher

yield. Similar results have also been reported by Uwah et al. (2010).

Average green pod yield of pea for 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11 and fruit yield of

okra for 2009 and 2011 have been reported graphically in figure 4.1. Application of lime and

vermicompost in conjunction with chemical fertilizers had stimulatory effect on green pod

yield of pea.

Fig 4.1 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on pod/fruit yield (q ha-1) of pea (average of 2008-09,

2009-10 and 2010-11) and okra (average of 2009 and 2011)

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12 T13

Yie

ld (

q h

a-1)

Treatment

Pea

Okra

4.2 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on nutrient uptake

i. Nitrogen uptake

a. Pea

The perusal of the data in table 4.2 with respect to total uptake of nitrogen by pea

during first year (2008-09) revealed that it varied from 43.2 kg ha-1 in control to 121.6 kg ha-

1 in 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13). Application of chemical fertilizers alone

(T2 to T4) resulted in a significant increase in total N uptake over control except in T2 i.e.

75% NPK. Total nitrogen uptake in these treatments differed non significantly among

themselves. Use of lime along with graded doses of chemical fertilizers viz. T5, T6 and T7

increased the total N uptake by pea significantly over control and this increase was to the

tune of 60.6, 78 and 95.1 per cent, respectively. Integration of chemical fertilizers and

vermicompost (T8 to T13) increased N uptake by pea significantly over control. Among the

rate of application, 10 t ha-1 rate was found to be superior over 5 t ha -1 rate, however, the

difference among them were not significant at the respective level of chemical fertilizers.

During second year i.e. 2009-10, total nitrogen uptake by the crop followed almost

similar trend as in the first year as it varied from 48.8 kg ha-1 in control (T1) to 135.6 kg ha-1

in T13, where 125% NPK was applied along with 10 t ha-1 vermicompost. Among graded

doses of NPK, total N uptake was statistically at par among themselves. Application of lime

along with 75, 100 and 125 % NPK increased the total N uptake by 48.8, 68.2 and 84.6 per

cent over control, respectively. Amongst the treatments applied with chemical fertilizers

along with vermicompost, highest N uptake was recorded in T13 which was at par with the

values observed in T10, T11 and T12. Application of 10 t ha-1 vermicompost recorded higher

increase in total N uptake as compared to 5 t ha-1 application rate.

Table 4.2 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on total nitrogen uptake (kg ha-1)


T1 Control 43.2 48.8 90.8 24.99 24.33

T2 75 % NPK 60.2 64.8 115.8 34.33 34.31

T3 100 % NPK 66.3 73.1 125.8 37.93 38.34

T4 125 % NPK 71.5 77.4 132.4 40.67 41.72

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 69.4 72.6 137.9 42.21 45.46

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 76.9 82.1 149.3 48.78 51.96

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 84.3 90.1 154.8 50.66 54.90

T8 75 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 87.6 97.2 172.5 52.24 55.83

T9 100 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 98.0 107.4 185.3 59.45 63.22

T10 125% NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 104.1 114.2 195.1 61.61 65.43

T11 75% NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 105.4 115.2 197.5 69.80 66.31

T12 100 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 114.5 127.1 215.4 77.15 74.60

T13 125 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 121.6 135.6 228.8 79.66 77.87

CD (P=0.05) 22.1 24.0 38.1 14.9 14.4

Total N uptake by pea during third year i.e. 2010-11 also followed almost similar

trend as was there in respective treatments of first and second year. It varied from 90.8 to

228 kg ha-1 in T1 and T13, respectively. Plots receiving 75, 100 and 125% NPK were at par

among themselves in respect of total N uptake by pea. Application of chemical fertilizers

along with lime or vermicompost increased total N uptake by pea significantly over control.

Application of vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 was found inferior as compared to 10 t ha-1

application rate, however, the differences among them were at par at their respective level

of chemical fertilizers viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK.

b. Okra

The data pertaining to the effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on

the total nitrogen uptake by okra during 2009 and 2011 are given in table 4.2. During first

year, total N uptake in okra varied from 24.99 kg ha-1 in control to 79.66 kg ha-1 in T13

where 125% NPK along with vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 was applied. Application of chemical

fertilizers alone or in conjunction with lime or vermicompost resulted in a significant

increase in total N uptake in okra over control. Among graded doses, application of 125%

NPK which recorded highest (about 62.7%) increase in total N uptake in okra over control

and was at par with T2 and T3. Lime when applied with 75, 100 and 125% NPK significantly

increased total N uptake by 68.9, 95.1and 102.7 per cent, over control respectively.

Application of vermicompost at the rate of 10 t ha-1 resulted in significantly higher total N

uptake in comparison to 5 t ha-1 application rate at respective level of NPK.

A perusal of the date in table 4.2 revealed that total N uptake in okra during

second year (2011) varied from 24.33 kg ha-1 in control (T1) to 77.87 kg ha-1 in T13 where

125% recommended dose of NPK was applied with 10 t ha-1 vermicompost. Application of

75, 100 and 125% NPK alone increased the total N uptake by about 41, 57.6 and 71.5 per

cent over the control, respectively. Amongst the treatments applied with lime along with

graded doses of NPK, highest increase of 125.6 per cent was observed in T7 over control.

Integration of chemical fertilizers and vermicompost also increased the total N uptake in

okra significantly over control. Among rates of application 10 t ha-1 recorded higher uptake

over 5 t ha-1, however, the differences were not significant at the respective doses of

chemical fertilizers.

The lowest N uptake in control plot by both the crops during all the years

might be due to the lower yield obtained in these plots. The increased uptake in rest of the

treatments over control was due to the increased yield of these crops with the application of

lime or vermicompost along with chemical fertilizers. It may be explained on the basis that

conjunction of vermicompost, lime and chemical fertilizers might have improved plant

health by accelerating initial process of plant growth such as cell division, number of root

hairs enabling the plant to have healthy root system that helped better absorption of

nutrients and moisture from soil. These results are in direct conformity with those of Parmar

et al. (1998), Datt et al. (2003), Kasturikrishna and Ahlawat (1999).

ii. Phosphorus uptake

a. Pea

It is evident from the date (Table 4.3) that total P uptake by pea followed almost

similar trend as followed in case of N uptake. The P uptake in pea during first year (2008-09)

varied from a minimum of 10.60 kg ha-1 under control (T1) to a maximum of 34.60 kg ha-1

in the plots which received 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13). Differences in total

P uptake by pea among graded doses of fertilizers (T2 to T4) were not significant. Application

of lime along with graded doses of fertilizers increased the total P uptake in pea significantly

over control to the extent of 54.7, 86.2 and 104 per cent over control, respectively. Conjoint

application of vermicompost and fertilizers enhanced the total P uptake significantly over

control, however, differences were not significant among them at respective doses of

chemical fertilizer.

Like total P uptake in first year, its uptake in second year was also highest

(36.84 kg ha-1) under T13 and lowest (10.77 kg ha-1) in T1. All the treatments recorded

increase in total P uptake over control. Treatment T13 which recorded highest P uptake in

pea was at par with T12. When rates of application of vermicompost were compared it was

observed that total P uptake was higher under 10 t ha-1 rate over 5 ha-1. However, the

increasing P uptake was not significant. Among the treatments where vermicompost was

applied with 75, 100 and 125% NPK, highest P uptake was registered in 125% NPK followed

by 100 % NPK and lowest in 75% NPK.

Table 4.3 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on total phosphorus uptake (kg ha-1)


T1 Control 10.60 10.77 19.31 9.38 9.13

T2 75 % NPK 13.61 14.05 26.03 13.58 13.62

T3 100 % NPK 15.77 16.85 29.92 15.88 16.27

T4 125 % NPK 17.84 18.40 32.91 17.84 18.18

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 16.40 15.98 31.65 17.01 18.31

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 19.74 19.56 37.81 21.23 23.02

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 21.62 22.25 39.84 22.16 24.27

T8 75 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 21.50 21.84 41.04 21.44 23.70

T9 100 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 26.43 25.95 48.47 26.06 28.10

T10 125% NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 28.78 28.58 52.25 26.95 29.29

T11 75% NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 27.78 27.35 49.41 29.28 28.46

T12 100 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 32.20 33.26 61.03 33.71 32.99

T13 125 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 34.60 36.84 66.73 34.66 34.46

CD (P=0.05) 7.38 7.49 13.14 6.84 6.81

Phosphorus uptake by pea crop during third year (2010-11) ranged from

19.31 kg ha-1 in control to 66.73 kg ha-1 in T13 where 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-

1 was applied. Total P uptake in T13 was statistically at par with P uptake in T12. All the

plots receiving chemical fertilizers alone or in combination with lime or vermicompost

significantly increased the total P uptake over control, except T2, T3 and T5. Among lime

treated plots, highest total P uptake was recorded in T7 and the increase over control was to

the tune of 106.3 per cent over control. On comparing rate of application, 10 t ha-1 rate of

application was found to be superior over 5 t ha-1 rate of application.

b. Okra

Different treatments had significant effect on total P uptake by okra crop during

both the years (Table 4.3). During first year (2009) the range of variation in total P uptake by

okra was from 9.38 kg ha-1 under control (T1) to 34.66 kg ha-1 under T13 where 125% NPK +

vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 were applied. Treatment T1 was significantly inferior over rest of

the treatments except T2 and T3, while T13 which recorded highest P uptake was at par with

T11 and T12. Application of lime along with graded doses of fertilizers significantly increased

the total P uptake to the tune of 7.1, 33.7 and 39.5 per cent in T5, T6 and T7 over 100 %

NPK, respectively. Among conjoint application of vermicompost and fertilizers, treatments

applied with 10 t ha-1 vermicompost were found to be significantly superior over treatments

applied with 5 t ha-1 vermicompost.

The data regarding the effect of different treatments on total P uptake during

second year i.e. 2011 is presented in table 4.3. In okra, it varied from 9.13 kg ha-1 under T1

(control) to 34.46 kg ha-1 under T13 (125 % NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha -1). Application

of graded doses of fertilizers increased the P uptake by 49.2, 78.2 and 99.1 per cent in T2, T3

and T4 over control, respectively. Among lime treated plots, highest increase was recorded

in T7 (165.8 %) over control, respectively. Integration of chemical fertilizers and

vermicompost either @ 5 t ha-1 or 10 t ha-1 increased the total P uptake in okra significantly

over control. It was further noted that 5 t ha-1 rate of application was inferior over 10 t ha-1

application rate, however, the differences among the respective level of chemical fertilizers

were not significant.

The higher P uptake values in vermicompost might be due to the fact that organic

materials form chelates with Al3+ and Fe3+ resulting in low P fixing capacity and thus

increasing its availability. Similarly, lime precipitates the Al3+ with increase in pH and

thereby making P readily available to growing crops. Moreover, both these amendments

might have improved the health of plant thus culminating into healthy root and shoot

system that further can give rise to sound biomass system capable of removing higher

amounts of nutrients like P from soil. Bhardwaj et al. (2010) also reported similar type of

results.

iii. Potassium uptake

a. Pea

Like N and P, total uptake of K was also affected significantly under different

treatments (Table 4.4) during all the years. Total K uptake by pea during first year (2008-09)

ranged from 29.3 to 79.9 kg ha-1 in T1 and T13, respectively. Application of chemical

fertilizers alone or in combination with lime or vermicompost increased total K uptake over

control, significantly except T2, T3, T4 and T5. Among the treatments applied with lime,

highest increase (85.3 %) was recorded in T7 over control. Combined application of

vermicompost and chemical fertilizers resulted in higher total K uptake over control. Among

rates of application 10 t ha-1 recorded higher total K uptake over 5 t ha-1 rate of application.

During second year (2009 -10), total K uptake by pea varied from 28.4 kg ha-

1 in control to 82.3 kg ha-1 in T13 where 125% NPK plus 10 t ha-1 vermicompost were

applied. Graded doses of fertilizer viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK increased total K uptake in pea

by 29.6, 54.9 and 66.2 per cent over control, respectively. Application of chemical fertilizers

in combination with vermicompost further increased the total K uptake by pea over control.

Application of vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 proved superior over 5 t ha-1 rate of application

at respective level of NPK.

Table 4.4 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on total potassium uptake (kg ha-1)


T1 Control 29.3 28.4 48.9 8.4 8.2

T2 75 % NPK 37.5 36.8 66.7 11.4 11.5

T3 100 % NPK 41.4 44.0 77.1 12.9 13.1

T4 125 % NPK 46.2 47.2 84.4 13.9 14.3

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 45.1 41.6 85.9 14.1 15.2

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 50.3 48.5 94.5 16.4 17.5

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 54.3 53.7 97.7 17.0 18.4

T8 75 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 55.4 56.1 108.3 17.5 18.6

T9 100 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 63.9 62.7 118.3 20.0 21.2

T10 125% NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 67.4 66.5 126.8 20.8 22.0

T11 75% NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 70.5 69.1 129.3 23.0 22.0

T12 100 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 75.8 77.2 145.9 25.8 25.3

T13 125 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 79.9 82.3 159.6 26.9 26.4

CD (P=0.05) 18.1 17.8 31.8 5.0 4.8

During third year i.e. 2010 -11, K uptake by pea followed almost similar

trend as in the first and second year as it varied from 48.9 kg ha-1 in control (T1) to 159.6 kg

ha-1 in T13 where 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 was applied. Among graded doses

of NPK viz. 75, 100 and 125%, total K uptake was statistically at par among themselves.

Application of lime along with 75, 100 and 125% NPK increased the total K uptake by 75.7,

93.3 and 99.8 per cent over control, respectively. Amongst the treatments applied with

chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost, highest K uptake was observed in T13 which

was significantly superior over all other treatments except T11 and T12.

b. Okra

During 2009, total potassium uptake by okra varied from 8.4 to 26.9 kg ha-1 in T1

and T13, respectively (Table 4.4). Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in combination

with lime or vermicompost increased the total K uptake in okra over control Graded doses

of chemical fertilizers viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK increased the total K uptake by 35.7, 53.6

and 65.5 per cent over control, respectively. In the treatments where lime was applied with

graded doses of NPK, highest K uptake was observed in T7 (102.4 per cent) over control.

Among vermicompost treated plots highest potassium uptake was recorded in T13 which

was at par with T11 and T12. Among rate of application 10 t ha-1 rate was found

significantly superior and 5 t ha-1 rate of application.

A perusal of the data (Table 4.4) revealed that the range of variation of total

K uptake by okra during second year (2011) was found from 8.2 kg ha-1 under control (T1) to

26.4 kg ha-1 under 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 ( T13). Among graded doses of

fertilizers application of 125% NPK registered an increase of 74.4 per cent over control.

Highest and significant increase over the control was recorded in T13 followed by T12 and

the increase was to the tune of 222 and 208.5 per cent over control, respectively.

The increased uptake of potassium may be ascribed to more availability of

potassium from the added fertilizers and vermicompost. Positive influence of lime on K

uptake is due to the improvement in soil pH and crop yield and thus greater uptake.

Application of vermicompost along with recommended dose of fertilizers recorded highest K

uptake which might be due to the favourable conditions for good proliferations of root

system in these plots resulting in better absorption of K in these plots. Similar positive

influence was also reported by Singh et al. (1997), Parmar et al. (1998) and Datt et al. (2003).

iv. Calcium uptake

a. Pea

It is evident from the data (Table 4.5) that total Ca uptake by pea followed almost

similar trend as that in case of N uptake. The Ca uptake in pea during first year (2008-09)

varied from a minimum of 18.0 kg ha-1 under control (T1) to a maximum of 54.3 kg ha-1 in

the plots which received 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13). Differences in Ca

uptake by pea among graded doses of fertilizers (T2 to T4) were not significant. Application

of lime along with graded doses of fertilizers increased the total Ca uptake in pea

significantly over control to the extent of 83.3, 101.1and 120 per cent, respectively. Conjoint

application of vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 and fertilizers enhanced the total Ca uptake

significantly over respective doses of chemical fertilizer along with vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1

except at 75% NPK level.

Like total Ca uptake in first year, its uptake in second year was also highest

(57.2 kg ha-1) under T13 and lowest (18.2 kg ha-1) in T1. All the treatments recorded

increase in total Ca uptake over control. Treatment T13 which recorded highest Ca uptake in

pea was at par with T10, T11 and T12. When rates of application of vermicompost were

compared it was observed that total Ca uptake was higher under 10 t ha-1 rate over 5 t ha-1.

Among the treatments where vermicompost was applied along with 75, 100 and 125% NPK,

highest Ca uptake was registered in 125% NPK followed by 100 % NPK and lowest in 75%

NPK.

Table 4.5 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on total calcium uptake (kg ha-1)


T1 Control 18.0 18.2 33.3 6.8 6.6

T2 75 % NPK 26.4 27.3 48.3 10.5 10.2

T3 100 % NPK 29.1 31.0 52.8 11.7 11.5

T4 125 % NPK 31.7 33.4 56.6 12.7 12.7

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 33.0 33.1 64.4 14.9 16.3

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 36.2 37.5 69.6 16.8 18.1

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 39.6 41.0 72.3 17.6 19.1

T8 75 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 39.5 41.3 73.6 16.8 18.3

T9 100 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 44.0 45.5 78.0 18.3 19.6

T10 125% NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 46.4 47.9 82.6 19.2 20.7

T11 75% NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 47.5 48.9 83.8 22.8 22.2

T12 100 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 51.1 53.7 91.4 24.4 23.9

T13 125 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 54.3 57.2 96.6 25.1 25.0

CD (P=0.05) 10.2 10.5 16.9 4.9 5.0

Calcium uptake by pea during third year (2010-11) ranged from 33.3 kg ha-1 in

control to 96.6 kg ha-1 in T13 where 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 was applied.

Total Ca uptake in T13, was statistically at par with Ca uptake in T10, T11 and T12. All the

plots receiving chemical fertilizers alone or in combination with lime or vermicompost

significantly increased the total Ca uptake over control except 75% NPK alone (T2). Among

lime treated plots highest total Ca uptake was recorded in T7 and the increase over control

was to the tune of 117.1 per cent. On comparing rate of vermicompost application, 10 t ha-1

rate of application was found better over 5 t ha-1 rate of application.

b. Okra

Different treatments had significant effect on total Ca uptake by okra crop during

both the years (Table 4.5). During first year (2009) the range of variation in Ca uptake by

okra was from 6.8 kg ha-1 under control (T1) to 25.1 kg ha-1 under T13, where 125% NPK +

vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 were applied. Treatment control (T1) was significantly inferior

over rest of the treatments except T2 and T3 while T13 was at par with T11 and T12 in

respect of total calcium uptake. Application of lime along with graded doses of fertilizers

significantly increased the total Ca uptake to the tune of 119.1, 147.1 and 158.8 per cent in

T5, T6 and T7 over control, respectively. Among conjoint application of vermicompost and

fertilizers, treatments applied with 10 t ha-1 vermicompost were found to be significantly

superior over treatments applied with 5 t ha-1 vermicompost.

The data regarding the effect of different treatments on total Ca uptake

during second year i.e. 2011 have been presented in table 4.5. In okra, it varied from 6.6 kg

ha-1 under T1 (control) to 25.0 under T13 (125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1).

Application of graded doses of fertilizers increased the Ca uptake by 54.5, 74.2 and 92.4 per

cent in T2, T3 and T4 over control, respectively. Among lime treated plots highest increase

was recorded in T7 (189.4 %) over control. Integration of chemical fertilizers and

vermicompost either @ 5 t ha-1 or 10 t ha-1 increased the total Ca uptake in okra

significantly over control. It was further revealed that 5 t ha-1 rate of application was

inferior over 10 t ha-1 application rate; however, the differences among them at the

respective level of chemical fertilizers were not significant.

Application of lime and vermicompost over control plot resulted in a significant

increase in Ca uptake which might be ascribed to the greater availability of calcium through

these sources. Such a trend of increased Ca uptake with the application of vermicompost has

earlier been reported by Adewole and Ilesanmi (2011).

v. Magnesium uptake

a. Pea

Like Ca, total uptake of Mg was also affected significantly with different treatments

(Table 4.6) during all the years. Total Mg uptake by pea during first year (2008-09) ranged

from 5.30 to 13.42 kg ha -1 in T1 and T13, respectively. Application of chemical fertilizers

alone or in combination with lime or vermicompost improved total Mg uptake significantly

over control except T2, T3, T4 and T5. Among the treatments, where graded doses were

applied with lime, the highest increase (72.6 %) was recorded in T7 over control. Combined

application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers resulted in significantly higher uptake

of total Mg over control. Among rate of application 10 t ha-1 recorded higher total Mg

uptake over 5 t ha-1 rate of application, although the results were non significant at

respective levels of chemical fertilizers.

During second year (2009 -10), total Mg uptake by pea varied from 5.42 kg ha-1 in

control to 14.25 kg ha-1 in T13 where 125% NPK plus 10 t ha-1 vermicompost was applied.

Graded doses of fertilizer viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK increased total Mg uptake in pea by

24.2, 43 and 52.2 per cent over control, respectively. Application of chemical fertilizers in

combination with vermicompost further increased the total Mg uptake by pea over control.

Application of vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 remained at par with 5 t ha-1 rate of application.

Table 4.6 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on total magnesium uptake (kg ha-1)


T1 Control 5.30 5.42 9.5 1.10 1.06

T2 75 % NPK 6.52 6.73 12.1 1.45 1.43

T3 100 % NPK 7.09 7.75 13.5 1.59 1.59

T4 125 % NPK 7.79 8.25 14.5 1.71 1.74

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 7.77 7.58 15.1 1.82 2.05

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 8.46 8.58 16.3 2.03 2.26

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 9.15 9.46 16.8 2.11 2.40

T8 75 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 9.61 10.12 18.9 2.30 2.40

T9 100 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 10.77 11.07 20.2 2.50 2.61

T10 125% NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 11.34 11.67 21.5 2.61 2.72

T11 75% NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 12.01 12.28 22.2 3.17 3.00

T12 100 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 12.79 13.41 24.4 3.34 3.24

T13 125 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 13.42 14.25 26.4 3.48 3.40

CD (P=0.05) 2.81 2.83 4.9 0.67 0.63

During third year i.e. 2010-11, Mg uptake by pea followed almost similar

trend as in the first and second year as it varied from 9.5 kg ha-1 in control (T1) to 26.4 kg


of NPK, total Mg uptake was statistically at par among themselves. Application of lime along

with 75, 100 and 125% NPK increased the total Mg uptake by 59, 71.6 and 76.8 per cent over

control, respectively. Amongst the treatments applied with chemical fertilizers along with

vermicompost, highest Mg uptake was observed in T13 which was significantly superior over

all other treatments, except T10, T11 and T12.

b. Okra

During 2009, total magnesium uptake by okra varied from 1.10 to 3.48 kg ha-1 in T1

and T13, respectively (Table 4.6). Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in combination

with lime or vermicompost increased the total Mg uptake by okra over control. Graded

doses of chemical fertilizers viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK increased the total K uptake by 31.8,

44.5 and 55.5 per cent over control, respectively. In the treatments where lime was applied

with graded doses of NPK, highest K uptake was observed in T7 (91.8 per cent) over control.

Among vermicompost treated plots, highest magnesium uptake was recorded in T13 which

was at par with T11 and T12. Among rates of vermicompost application, 10 t ha-1 rate was

found significantly superior and 5 t ha-1 rate of application.

A perusal of the data (Table 4.6) further revealed that the range of variation

of total Mg uptake by okra during second year (2011) was 1.06 kg ha-1 in control and 3.40

kg ha-1 in 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13). Among graded doses of fertilizers

application of 125% NPK registered an increase of 64.2 per cent over control. Highest as well

as significant increase over the control was recorded in T13 followed by T12 and the increase

was to the tune of 220.8 and 205.7 per cent over control, respectively.

There was a beneficial effect of vermicompost on the uptake of magnesium might

be attributed to the fact that an additional amount of magnesium added through the

addition of vermicompost. In addition to this, application of organics also result in

the improvement of physical and microbiological properties of soils, thereby, improving the

root, shoot and yield of pea and okra and in the ultimate analysis, the uptake of nutrients

(Adewole and Ilesanmi 2011).

vi. Iron uptake

a. Pea

A close look of the data in table 4.7 with respect to total uptake of iron by pea during

first year (rabi 2008-09) revealed that it varied from 85 mg kg-1 in control to 277 mg kg-1 in

125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13). Application of chemical fertilizers alone (T2 to

T4) and use of lime along with graded doses of chemical fertilizers viz. T5, T6 and T7 resulted

in slight increase in total Fe uptake by pea over control, but the increase was non significant.

Integration of chemical fertilizers and vermicompost (T8 to T13) increased Fe uptake by pea

significantly over control.

During second year i.e. after pea 2009-10, total iron uptake by pea followed almost

similar trend as in the first year as it varied from 85 mg kg-1 in control (T1) to 296 mg kg-1 in

T13, where 125% NPK was applied along with 10 t ha-1 vermicompost. Total Fe uptake was

statistically at par among graded doses of NPK alone and in combination with lime. Amongst

the treatments applied with chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost, highest Fe uptake

was observed in T13 which was at par with the values observed in T10, T11 and T12.

Application of 10 t ha-1 vermicompost recorded higher total Fe uptake as compared to 5 t

ha-1 rate.

Table 4.7 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on total iron uptake (mg kg-1)


T1 Control 85 85 149 868 860

T2 75 % NPK 111 112 201 1065 1077

T3 100 % NPK 126 134 227 1151 1184

T4 125 % NPK 143 146 244 1218 1278

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 123 117 227 1292 1401

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 137 128 245 1427 1540

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 152 152 263 1475 1624

T8 75 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 184 193 361 1650 1853

T9 100 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 207 221 401 1792 2002

T10 125% NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 226 236 429 1861 2078

T11 75% NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 242 243 441 2275 2245

T12 100 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 261 273 506 2375 2396

T13 125 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 277 296 552 2441 2487

CD (P=0.05) 67 64 121 460 471

Total Fe uptake by pea in third year i.e. 2010-11 also followed almost similar trend as

was in respective treatments of first and second year. It varied from 149 to 552 mg kg-1 in

T1 and T13, respectively. Plots receiving 75, 100 and 125% NPK alone and in combination

with lime were at par among themselves. Application of vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 was found

to be inferior as compared to 10 t ha-1 application rates; however, the differences among

them were at par at their respective level of chemical fertilizers viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK.

b. Okra


the total iron uptake by okra during 2009 and 2011 are given in table 4.7. During first year,

total Fe uptake in okra varied from 868 mg kg-1 in control to 2441 mg kg-1 in T13 where

125% NPK was applied along with vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1. Application of chemical

fertilizers alone showed non significant increase in total Fe uptake in okra over control.

Application of chemical fertilizers in conjunction with lime or vermicompost resulted in a

significant increase in total Fe uptake in okra over control. Application of vermicompost at

the rate of 10 t ha-1 resulted in significantly higher total Fe uptake in comparison to 5 t ha-1

application rate.

A perusal of the date in table 4.7 revealed that total Fe uptake in okra during second

year (2011) varied from 860 mg kg-1 in control (T1) to 2487 mg kg-1 in T13 where 125%

recommended dose of NPK was applied with 10 t ha-1 vermicompost. Application of 75,

100 and 125% NPK alone showed non significant increase in total Fe uptake in okra over

control. Amongst the treatments applied with lime along with graded doses of NPK, highest

increase of 88.8 per cent was observed in T7 over control. Integration of chemical fertilizers

and vermicompost also increased the total Fe uptake by okra significantly over control.

Among rate of application of vermicompost, 10 t ha-1 recorded higher uptake over 5 t ha-1,

however; the differences were not significant at the respective doses of NPK.

The lowest Fe uptake in control plot by both the crops during all the years is due to

the lower yield obtained on these plots. Vermicompost was found to be better in respect to

uptake of iron compared to chemical fertilizers. Rakshit and Sen (2008) also reported

increase in uptake of iron with the application of vermicompost.

vii. Copper uptake

a. Pea

It is evident from the date (Table 4.8) that total Cu uptake by pea followed almost

similar trend as followed in case of Fe uptake. The Cu uptake in pea during first year (2008-

09) varied from a minimum of 9.9 mg kg-1 under control (T1) to a maximum of 47.6 mg kg-1

in the plots which received 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13). Differences in its

uptake among graded doses of fertilizers (T2 to T4) were not significant. Total Cu uptake,

with application of graded doses of NPK alone and in combination with lime was statistically

at par with respect to control except T4 and T7 i.e. 125% NPK alone and 125% NPK with lime,

respectively. Conjoint application of vermicompost and fertilizers enhanced its uptake

significantly over control, however, the differences were not significant among them at

respective doses of NPK and rates of vermicompost application.

Like total Cu uptake in first year, its uptake in second year was also highest (50.3 mg

kg-1) under T13 and lowest (8.7 mg kg-1) in T1. All the treatments recorded increase in total

Cu uptake over control. Treatment T13 which recorded highest Cu uptake in pea was at par

with T12. When rates of application of vermicompost were compared it was observed that

total Cu uptake was higher under 10 t ha-1 rate over 5 ha-1. Among the treatments where

vermicompost was applied with 75, 100 and 125% NPK, highest Cu uptake was registered in

125% NPK followed by 100 % NPK and lowest in 75% NPK.

Copper uptake by pea during third year (2010 -11) ranged from 14.5 mg kg-1 in

control (T1) to 87 mg kg-1 in T13 where 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 was applied.

Its uptake in T13 was statistically at par with that in T11 and T12. Total Cu uptake in all the

plots receiving chemical fertilizers alone or in combination with lime except T7 were at par

with control. On comparing rates of vermicompost application, 10 t ha-1 rate of application

was found to be superior over 5 t ha-1 rate of application at respective graded doses of NPK.

Table 4.8 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on total copper uptake (mg kg-1)


T1 Control 9.9 8.7 14.5 13.0 11.8

T2 75 % NPK 16.5 13.8 23.9 22.7 20.8

T3 100 % NPK 20.3 20.1 29.6 27.5 24.6

T4 125 % NPK 23.5 23.8 36.1 31.1 29.7

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 15.2 13.8 26.1 35.3 34.3

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 19.2 20.3 36.6 41.9 38.3

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 24.1 22.2 38.2 43.2 42.8

T8 75 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 23.1 23.3 47.7 49.4 52.4

T9 100 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 29.3 33.6 57.3 54.4 59.1

T10 125% NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 35.8 35.5 56.4 57.8 64.0

T11 75% NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 35.2 36.0 68.2 73.9 71.5

T12 100 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 42.7 45.8 77.1 78.5 79.1

T13 125 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 47.6 50.3 87.0 82.6 85.7

CD (P=0.05) 13.0 12.8 22.8 19.5 20.9

b. Okra

Different treatments have significant effect on total Cu uptake by okra crop during

both the years (Table 4.8). During first year (2009), the range of variation in Cu uptake by

okra was from 13 mg kg-1 under control (T1) to 82.6 mg kg-1 under T13, where 125% NPK +

vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 were applied. Treatment T1 was statistically at par with graded

doses of fertilizers while T13 was at par with Cu uptake in T11 and T12. Application of lime

along with graded doses of fertilizers significantly increased the total Cu uptake by 171.5,

222.3 and 232.3 per cent in T5, T6 and T7 over control, respectively. Among conjoint

application of vermicompost and fertilizers, treatments applied with 10 t ha-1 vermicompost

were found to be superior over treatments applied with 5 t ha-1 vermicompost at different

levels of NPK.

The data regarding the effect of different treatments on total Cu uptake

during second year i.e. 2011 is presented in table 4.8. It varied from 11.8 mg kg-1 under

control (T1) to 85.7 mg kg-1 under 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13). Among

lime treated plots, highest increase was recorded in T7 (262.7 %) over control. Integration

of chemical fertilizers and vermicompost either @ 5 t ha-1 or 10 t ha-1 increased the total Cu

uptake in okra significantly over control. It was further noted that 5 t ha-1 rate of

vermicompost application was inferior over 10 t ha-1 application rate.

Rakshit and Sen (2008) have also reported increased uptake of copper with the

application of vermicompost which might be ascribed to the good proliferation of root

system and balanced nutrient application through addition and build-up in Cu with

vermicompost application, thereby, resulting in better absorption of nutrients.

viii. Zinc uptake

a. Pea

Total uptake of Zn was also affected significantly with different treatments (Table

4.9) in all the years. Total Zn uptake by pea during first year (2008-09) ranged from 42 to

157 mg kg-1 in T1 and T13, respectively. Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in

combination with lime resulted in statistically similar total Zn uptake as in control, except T7

(125% NPK plus lime). Combined application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers

resulted in higher uptake over control. Application 10 t ha-1 recorded higher total Zn uptake

over 5 t ha-1 rate of application. Total Zn uptake in T13 was statistically at par with Zn

uptake in T11 and T12.

During second year (2009 -10), total Zn uptake by pea varied from 43 mg kg-1 in

control to 167 mg kg-1 in T13 where 125% NPK plus 10 t ha-1 vermicompost was applied.

Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in combination with lime resulted in statistically

similar total Zn uptake with control, except T7 (125% NPK plus lime). Application of chemical

fertilizers in combination with vermicompost further increased the total Zn uptake by pea

over control. Total Zn uptake in T13 was statistically at par with Zn uptake in T11 and T12.

During third year of experimentation i.e. 2010-11, Zn uptake by pea

followed almost similar trend as in the first and second year and it varied from 72 mg kg-1 in

control (T1) to 302 mg kg-1 in T13 where 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 was

applied. Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in combination with lime resulted in

significantly similar total Zn uptake as in control, except T7 i.e. 125% NPK plus lime.

Application of chemical fertilizers in combination with vermicompost also increased the total

Zn uptake by pea over control. Total Zn uptake in T13 was statistically at par with Zn uptake

as in T11 and T12.

Table 4.9 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on total zinc uptake (mg kg-1)


T1 Control 42 43 72 70 65

T2 75 % NPK 56 58 97 103 102

T3 100 % NPK 67 71 119 114 114

T4 125 % NPK 76 78 130 123 123

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 58 56 107 130 136

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 73 69 126 146 150

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 83 85 147 153 160

T8 75 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 94 95 178 165 177

T9 100 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 108 111 209 181 194

T10 125% NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 116 122 224 190 201

T11 75% NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 130 132 238 229 220

T12 100 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 143 153 276 241 236

T13 125 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 157 167 302 250 245

CD (P=0.05) 36 37 69 49 49

b. Okra

During 2009, total Zn uptake by okra varied from 70 to 250 mg kg-1 in T1 and T13,

respectively (Table 4.9). Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in combination with lime

or vermicompost increased the total Zn uptake in okra over control except T2 and T3. In the

treatments where lime was applied with graded doses of NPK and highest Zn uptake was

observed in T7 (118.6 per cent) over control. Among vermicompost treated plots highest

zinc uptake was recorded in T13 which was at par with T11 and T12. Among rate of

vermicompost application, 10 t ha-1 rate was found significantly superior over 5 t ha-1.

An insight of the data (Table 4.9) revealed that the range of variation of total

Zn uptake by okra during second year (2011) was found from 65 mg kg-1 under control (T1)

to 245 mg kg-1 in 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13). Application of chemical

fertilizers alone or in combination with lime or vermicompost increased the total Zn uptake

in okra over control except T2 (75% NPK). In the treatments where lime was applied with

graded doses of NPK, highest Zn uptake was recorded in T7 (146.2 per cent) over control.

Among vermicompost treated plots highest zinc uptake was recorded in T13 which was

statistically at par with T10, T11 and T12. Among rate of vermicompost application 10 t ha-1

rate was found significantly superior over 5 t ha-1.

The lower uptake in the control plots is due to the lower yield obtained in these

plots. The increase in uptake of nutrients may be due to better availability of these nutrients

due to added supply of Zn through vermicompost and because of good proliferation of root

system and balanced nutrient application, thereby, resulting in better absorption of

nutrients (Sharma et al. 2001). Since nutrient uptake is the multiple of nutrient

concentration and yield, hence, uptake generally follows the yield trend, as the treatment

differences in the concentration of nutrients were comparatively low to influence the overall

uptake.

ix. Manganese uptake

a. Pea

Total uptake of Mn was also affected significantly with different treatments (Table

4.10) in all the years. Total Mn uptake by pea during first year (2008-09) ranged from 70 to

218 mg kg-1 in T1 and T13, respectively. Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in

combination with lime resulted in statistically similar total Mn uptake compared with

control, except T7 i.e. 125% NPK plus lime, which recorded (74.3 %) increase over control.

Combined application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers resulted in higher uptake in

total Mn uptake over control. Among rate of vermicompost application 10 t ha-1 recorded

higher total Mn uptake over 5 t ha-1. Amongst the treatments applied with chemical

fertilizers along with vermicompost, highest Mn uptake was observed in T13 which was at

par with the values observed in T10, T11 and T12.

During second year (2009 -10), total Mn uptake by pea varied from 71 mg kg-1 in

control to 232 mg kg-1 in T13 where 125% NPK plus 10 t ha-1 vermicompost was applied.

Total Mn uptake, with application of graded doses of NPK alone and in combination with

lime was statistically at par with respect to control except T4 and T7 i.e. 125% NPK alone and

125% NPK with lime, respectively. Amongst the treatments applied with chemical fertilizers

along with vermicompost, highest Mn uptake was observed in T13 which was at par with the

values observed in T11 and T12. Application of vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 proved superior

over 5 t ha-1 rate of application.

During third year i.e. 2010-11, Mn uptake by pea followed almost similar trend as in

the first and second year as it varied from 123 mg kg-1 in control (T1) to 406 mg kg-1 in T13

where 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 was applied. Total Mn uptake, with

application of graded doses of NPK alone and in combination with lime was statistically at

par with respect to control. Amongst the treatments applied with chemical fertilizers along

with vermicompost, highest Mn uptake was observed in T13 which was significantly superior

over all other treatments except T11 and T12.

Table 4.10 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on total manganese uptake (mg kg-1)


T1 Control 70 71 123 272 253

T2 75 % NPK 91 95 166 344 331

T3 100 % NPK 107 112 194 377 366

T4 125 % NPK 117 121 206 403 398

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 92 88 163 352 356

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 106 102 182 388 392

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 122 123 203 406 415

T8 75 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 139 148 270 556 603

T9 100 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 161 164 287 605 650

T10 125% NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 171 175 316 627 674

T11 75% NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 186 189 328 763 738

T12 100 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 205 213 371 808 791

T13 125 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 218 232 406 836 832

CD (P=0.05) 50 49 83 172 175

b. Okra

During 2009, total mangenese uptake by okra varied from 272 to 836 mg kg-1 in T1

and T13, respectively (Table 4.10). Total Mn uptake, with application of graded doses of NPK

alone and in combination with lime was statistically at par with respect to control.

Application of chemical fertilizers in combination with lime or vermicompost significantly

increased the total Mn uptake in okra over control. Among vermicompost treated plots

highest Mn uptake was recorded in T13 which was at par with T11 and T12. Among rate of

vermicompost application 10 t ha-1 rate was found significantly superior over 5 t ha-1.

A perusal of the data (Table 4.10) revealed that the range of variation of

total Mn uptake by okra during second year (2011) ranged from 253 mg kg-1 under control

to 832 mg kg-1 in 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13). Total Mn uptake, with


par with respect to control. Amongst the treatments applied with chemical fertilizers along

with vermicompost, highest Mn uptake was observed in T13 which was at par with the

values observed in T10, T11 and T12.

The higher uptake of Mn in 75, 100 and 125% NPK over control was due to more

yields in these treatments as compared to control. In case of vermicompost applied

treatments, higher uptake was recorded which was due the fact that vermicompost was

containing 0.065 per cent Mn which was added to the soil. Moreover, yield was also higher

in integrated nutrient treatments as compare to the solo use of NPK. Similar results have

also been reported by Rakshit and Sen (2008).

4.3 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on quality parameters

i. Pea

a. Crude protein

A perusal of the data on crude protein content (%) of pea 2008-09 (Table

4.11) revealed that it varied from a lowest of 16.3 per cent in control plots to a highest value

of 18.9 per cent in the plots which received 125% NPK along with 10 t vermicompost ha-1

(T13). The data also revealed that application of fertilizers alone or in conjunction with lime

or vermicompost either @ 5 t ha-1 or 10 t ha-1 significantly increased the crude protein

content in pea seeds over control. Application of graded doses of fertilizers i.e. 75, 100, and

125% of NPK resulted in 11, 12.3 and 12.9 per cent increase in crude protein content over

control. It was further observed that there was slight increase in crude protein content with

the application of fertilizers along with lime over alone application of fertilizers, however,

the differences among them were non-significant. The plots which received graded doses of

fertilizers along with vermicompost either @ 5 t ha-1 or 10 t ha-1 (T8 to T13) enhanced the

crude protein content of pea seed over control and recommended dose of fertilizer (100%

NPK). The difference among vermicompost treated plots (T8 toT13) either at the rate of 5 or

10 t ha-1 with 75, 100 and 125% NPK however, were not significant. The highest increase in

crude protein content was to the tune of 16 and 15.3 per cent with the application of 125%

NPK plus 10 t ha-1 vermicompost and followed by 100% NPK plus 10 t ha-1 vermicompost

over control, respectively. During next two years i.e. 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, almost

similar trend was observed in case of crude protein content of pea seeds as that in the first

year (2008-09). Different treatments significantly increased the crude protein content of pea

with the application of chemical fertilizers alone or in conjunction with lime or

vermicompost over control.

Table 4.11 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on crude protein (%)

content in pea seed

Treatments 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

T1 Control 16.3 18.4 18.5

T2 75 % NPK 18.1 19.4 19.5

T3 100 % NPK 18.3 19.6 19.6

T4 125 % NPK 18.4 19.7 19.8

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 18.2 19.5 19.6

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 18.4 19.7 19.8

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 18.5 19.8 19.9

T8 75 % NPK + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 18.4 19.7 19.9





T13 125 % NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1

18.9 20.2 20.3

CD(0.05) 0.7 0.5 0.4

Such a favourable effect of organics and fertilizer doses on protein content of pea

seeds has been reported earlier by Srivastava and Verma (1984), Naidenov et al. (1991) and

Shamima and Farid (2003). This can be explained on the basis as demonstrated by Tisdale et

al. (1995) that the amount of protein produced may be affected by the N supplied to the

crop. On the other hand added vermicompost play an important role in synthesis of protein

by enhancing the availability of N and S through mineralization, which help in formation of

sulphur containing amino acids. Koshalendra et al. (1992) have reported increase in protein

content of beans due to the application of organics. They attributed this firstly to the

increase in the N content of beans and secondly due to the increase in the availability of P

with the application of lime or vermicompost, which help in energy storage and transfer in

form of ADP and ATP, which are essential for protein biosynthesis.

b. Total Soluble Solids (TSS)

The data on the effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on total

soluble solids (%) of pea seed are given in table 4.12. The data revealed that the range of

variation in total soluble solids of pea during 2008-09 was from 13.8 per cent in control

where no fertilizer, lime or vermicompost was applied (T1) to 16.7 per cent and under 100%

and 125% NPK along with 10 t ha-1 vermicompost. Application of chemical fertilizers alone

i.e. either 75, 100, and 125% NPK or in conjunction with lime (T5 to T7) or vermicompost @

5 t ha-1 (T8 to T10) or @ 10 t ha-1 (T11 to T13) resulted in a significant improvement in TSS

over control. The increase in TSS under 75, 100 and 125% NPK alone was worked out to be

10.9, 12.3 and 13 per cent, over control, respectively. Application of lime along with graded

doses of fertilizer slightly increased the TSS content over alone application of fertilizers,

however, the difference among them was non-significant. Addition of vermicompost @ 5 t

ha-1 resulted in lower TSS content over 10 t ha-1 application rate, however, the differences

were not significant among both the rates of application at different levels of NPK.

The TSS content of pea seed during 2009-10 and 2010-11 also showed almost similar

trend, as in the first year (2008-09).

Table 4.12 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on total soluble solids

(%) of pea seed

Treatments 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

T1 Control 13.8 13.7 13.7

T2 75 % NPK 15.3 15.3 15.3

T3 100 % NPK 15.5 15.5 15.5

T4 125 % NPK 15.6 15.6 15.6

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 15.4 15.3 15.3

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 15.5 15.4 15.4

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 15.5 15.5 15.5







16.7 16.8 17.0

CD(0.05) 0.72 0.77 0.83

Koshalendra et al. (1992) have revealed that total polysaccharides and sugars in

crops increased due to application of organics, which resulted due to the higher availability

of phosphorus which is a constituent of ADP, ATP and other high energy compounds. This

increase in TSS with the application of organics may be attributed to increase in sugar

phosphates polysaccharides as phosphorus is one of the important constituent. Sharma and

Rana (1993) also reported increase in TSS in pea seed with the application of NPK.

c. Ascorbic acid


ascorbic acid content of pea have been presented in table 4.13. During first year (2008-09,

ascorbic acid content in pea varied from 21.0 mg 100 g-1 in control to 29.0 mg 100 g-1 in T12

and T13 where 100% and 125% NPK was applied with 10t ha-1 vermicompost respectively.

Application of graded does of fertilizers viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK significantly increased the

ascorbic acid content in pea seed and the increase was 14.3, 19 and 23.8 percent over

control, respectively. In case where lime was applied with graded doses of fertilizers, there

was slight increase in ascorbic acid content over chemical fertilizers alone. However, the

ascorbic acid content with the application of lime along with chemical fertilizers was at par

with the ascorbic content in treatment applied with chemical fertilizers alone. Addition of

vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 along with graded doses of fertilizers was found to be superior

over 5 t ha-1 application rate, and resulted in higher ascorbic acid content. However the

differences were not significant.

Table 4.13 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on ascorbic acid

content (mg 100 g-1) of pea seed

Treatments 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

T1 Control 21.0 20.0 20.0

T2 75 % NPK 24.0 24.0 24.0

T3 100 % NPK 25.0 25.0 25.0

T4 125 % NPK 26.0 25.0 24.0

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 24.0 24.0 25.0

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 25.0 25.0 25.0

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 26.0 25.0 25.0







29.0 30.00 32.0

CD(0.05) 2.34 2.91 3.54

Almost similar trend was followed in ascorbic acid content in pea seed during 2009-

10 and 2010-11 as during 2008-09. Different treatments influenced the ascorbic acid content

of a seed significantly during both years.

Improvement in ascorbic acid content in pea seeds with vermicompost application

may be because of slow but continuous supply of all major and micro-nutrients, which might

have helped in the assimilation of carbohydrates and in turn

synthesis of ascorbic acid. Bahadur et al. (2009) and Jaipaul et al. (2011) also noticed

significantly higher vitamin C content in lettuce where organic manures were applied.

d. Carbohydrates

The data pertaining to carbohydrate content in pea seed differed not significantly

amongst different treatments during all the years viz. 2008-09, 2009 - 10 and 2010 -11. It

varied from 56.38, 56.37 and 56.39 mg 100 g-1 in control (T1) to 56.6, 56.6 and 56.6 mg 100

g-1 under 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 in 2008-09, 2009 - 10 and 2010 -11 year,

respectively. Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in conjunction with lime or

vermicompost increased the carbohydrate content over control. Although increase was

there but carbohydrate content of pea seed during all the years was not affected

significantly under different treatments (Table 4.14).

Table 4.14 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on carbohydrate

content (mg 100 g-1) of pea seed

Treatments 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

T1 Control 56.4 56.4 56.4

T2 75 % NPK 56.4 56.4 56.4

T3 100 % NPK 56.5 56.5 56.5

T4 125 % NPK 56.5 56.5 56.4

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 56.4 56.4 56.4

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 56.5 56.5 56.5

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 56.5 56.5 56.5







56.6 56.56 56.6

CD(0.05) NS NS NS

The increase in carbohydrate content in pea is some but natural as NPK fertilizer and

lime as well as vermicompost were added, these nutrients has a role in the formation of

carbohydrates.

Micronutrients such as Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Mo and B assist in the formation of

carbohydrate (Follet et al. 1981). Therefore, the type of organic or inorganic fertilizers used

in agriculture with different quantities of macro and micronutrient has a significant effect on

the nutrient value of the plants consumed. It is well established that inadequate levels of

any mineral nutrient in the growth media may limit photosynthesis due to their involvement

in carbohydrate synthesis (Lambers et al. 1998).

e. Reducing sugars

The data pertaining to the effect of different treatments on reducing sugar content

in pea seed is given in table 4.15. In first year (2008-09), reducing sugar content ranged

from a lowest value of 2.07 mg g-1 dry weight of pea in control (T1) to a maximum of 2.81

mg g-1 dry weight under T13 (125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1). Application of

graded doses of fertilizers significantly increased the reducing sugar content by 21.7, 27.1

and 29.5 per cent in T2, T3 and T4 over control, respectively. The reducing sugar content was

at par when different levels of inorganics alone or NPK along with lime were applied. It was

further noted that the integration of inorganic and organics (T8 to T13) resulted in higher

reducing sugar content then inorganically treated plots (T2 to T4). Amongst integrated

treatments application rate of 10 t ha-1 proved to be better than 5 t ha-1 application rate,

the differences however, were not significant and both the application rates behaved alike

at their respective levels of chemical fertilizers.

In second and third year of experimentation, the treatment wise trend was almost

similar as that was observed during first year.

Table 4.15 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on reducing sugar

content (mg g-1 dry weight) of pea seed

Treatments 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

T1 Control 2.07 2.10 2.10

T2 75 % NPK 2.52 2.51 2.50

T3 100 % NPK 2.63 2.64 2.65

T4 125 % NPK 2.68 2.69 2.70

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 2.55 2.55 2.55

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 2.64 2.65 2.62

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 2.68 2.68 2.66







CD(0.05) 0.17 0.17 0.18

Similar results were reported by Khurana and Chatterjee (2003), who suggested that

increase in reducing sugar content with the application of NPK was due to the close

relationship between the carbohydrate metabolism and formation of reducing sugar. Lime

and vermicompost enhanced the nutrient availability in soil and carbohydrate metabolism,

which resulted in higher reducing sugar content.

f. Non-reducing sugars

A glance of the data in table 4.16 revealed that the non-reducing sugar content of

pea seed in the first year (2008-09) varied from 1.35 mg g-1 dry weight under control

treatment to 1.65 mg g-1 dry weight of pea under the treatment 125% recommend dose of

chemical fertilizer along with vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13). Application of chemical

fertilizers alone significantly increased the non-reducing sugar content over control by about

13.3, 16.3 and 17 per cent in T2, T3 and T4, respectively. Lime when applied with graded

doses also improved the non-reducing sugar content of pea significantly over control and

this increase was to the tune of 13.3, 15.5 and 16.3 per cent with the application of 75, 100

and 125% NPK in conjunction with lime, respectively. Integration of chemical fertilizers and

vermicompost also increased the non-reducing sugar content of pea seed over control.

Among both the application rates of vermicompost, 10 t ha-1 was proved to be better than 5

t ha-1 rate of application. Both the application rates behaved alike at their respective levels

of chemical fertilizers except 125% NPK level. Similar trend with respect to non-reducing

sugar content of pea seed was recorded in second and third year as under first year.

Table 4.16 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on non-reducing sugar

content (mg g-1 dry weight) of pea seed

Treatments 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

T1 Control 1.35 1.36 1.37

T2 75 % NPK 1.53 1.54 1.55

T3 100 % NPK 1.57 1.58 1.58

T4 125 % NPK 1.58 1.58 1.56

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 1.53 1.54 1.57

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 1.56 1.57 1.58

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 1.57 1.57 1.58







1.65 1.66 1.68

CD(P=0.05) 0.06 0.07 0.07

The increase in the sugar content in pea seeds with the application of organics might

be due to the increase in boron and copper content in seeds. Higher copper content in pea

seeds increased the synthesis of soluble carbohydrates and boron enhances uptake and

translocation of sugars giving an ionizable sugar borate complex that moves readily through

cellular membrane. In addition, there is direct involvement of boron and copper in the

enzymatic reactions of sucrose, starch and uridine diphosphate glucose synthesis. These

observations are in accordance with those of Khurana and Chatterjee (2003).

g. Total sugars

The data regarding total sugar content in pea seed during first year (2008-

09) is illustrated in table 4.17. It varied from 3.42 mg g-1 dry weight in control (T1) to 4.40

mg g-1 in the treatment receiving 125% recommended dose of NPK along with

vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13). Application of 75, 100 and 125% NPK alone (T2 to T4)

increased the total sugar content by about 18.4, 23.7 and 24.6 per cent over control,

respectively. The increase in total sugar content in T5, T6 and T7 treatments over control

was worked out to be 19.3, 24 and 24.9 per cent, respectively. Combined use of

vermicompost and fertilizers (T8 to T13) further increased the total sugar content of pea

over alone NPK use. Among rates of vermicompost application, 10 t ha-1 showed higher

values of total sugar content over 5 t ha-1 rate of application; however, the differences

among them were not significant.

Table 4.17 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on total sugar content

(mg g-1 dry weight) of pea seed

Treatments 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

T1 Control 3.42 3.43 3.47

T2 75 % NPK 4.05 4.02 4.05

T3 100 % NPK 4.23 4.20 4.23

T4 125 % NPK 4.26 4.27 4.29

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 4.08 4.10 4.11

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 4.24 4.24 4.23

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 4.27 4.25 4.27







4.40 4.41 4.57

CD(P=0.05) 0.22 0.16 0.24

Almost similar treatment wise trend was revealed in second and third year as that

was in first year.

Application of organics and NPK fertilizers alone and in combination brought out a

significant increase in the total sugar content of pea seeds and such a favourable impact of

organics and NPK fertilization on total sugar content of pea seeds has earlier been reported

by Awaad et al. 2006. Moreover, due to lime or vermicompost along with chemical fertilizers

there was increase in reducing and non reducing sugar, so the increase in total sugar content

in pea seed was natural.

ii. Okra

a. Crude fibre

Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in conjunction with lime or vermicompost

either at 5 t ha-1 or 10 t ha-1 rate reduced the crude fibre content over

control, the differences however, were not significant (Table 4.18) during both the years.

The highest values 1.20 and 1. 21 per cent was recorded in control (T1) while minimum of

1.14 and 1.13 per cent in plots receiving 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13) during

2009 -10 and 2010 -11, respectively.

Table 4.18 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on crude fibre content

(%) of okra fruit

Treatments 2009 2011

T1 Control 1.20 1.21

T2 75 % NPK 1.19 1.20

T3 100 % NPK 1.19 1.19

T4 125 % NPK 1.19 1.19

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 1.18 1.18

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 1.18 1.18

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 1.17 1.17

T8 75 % NPK + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 1.16 1.16






CD(P=0.05) NS NS

In vermicompost treated plots, increased uptake due to improved plant health and

healthy root system resulted in better absorption of nitrogen, which might have increased

succulence and thereby decreased crude fibre content (Raj and Kumari 2001).

b. Chlorophyll


chlorophyll content of okra fruit have been presented in table 4.19. During first year (2009),

chlorophyll content in okra fruit varied from 0.152 mg 100 g-1 in control to 0.193 mg 100

g-1 in T13 where 125% NPK was applied with 10t ha-1 vermicompost. Application of graded

does of fertilizers viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK increased the chlorophyll content in okra fruit

by 6.6, 8.6 and 11.2 percent over control, respectively. In case where lime was applied with

graded doses of fertilizers, it was observed that there was slight increase in chlorophyll

content over chemical fertilizers alone. However the chlorophyll content with lime

application along with chemical fertilizers was at par with the chlorophyll content in

treatment applied with chemical fertilizers alone. Addition of vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1

along with graded doses of fertilizers was found to be superior over 5 t ha-1 application rate,

and resulted in higher chlorophyll content. However, the differences were not significant at

respective level of chemical fertilizers.

Table 4.19 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on chlorophyll content

(mg 100 g-1) of okra fruit

Treatments 2009 2011

T1 Control 0.152 0.150

T2 75 % NPK 0.162 0.161

T3 100 % NPK 0.165 0.166

T4 125 % NPK 0.169 0.169

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 0.164 0.165

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 0.169 0.170

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 0.172 0.173







CD(P=0.05) 0.011 0.012

Almost similar trend was followed by chlorophyll content in okra fruit during 2011 as

during 2009. Different treatments influenced the chlorophyll content of a fruit significantly

during both years.

Nutrients such as N, P, K, Mg, Fe and Cu, which are readily available through

vermicompost, are used in the formation of chlorophyll which is required for light harvesting

(Tanaka et al. 1998). Iron affects the synthesis of chlorophyll precursor S-aminolevulinic acid,

thus, playing an important role in chlorophyll biosynthesis (Pushnik and Miller 1989).

Deficiency of these plant nutrients may deter the formation of chlorophyll (Dutta 2005). It is

therefore worth establishing if improvement of soil nutrient via vermicompost of different

rates will enhance the chlorophyll production in vegetable crops. (Theunissen et al. 2010).

4.4 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on soil properties

4.4.1 Physical properties

i. Bulk density

Bulk density of soil (0-0.15 m depth) at the end of experimentation differed

significantly and ranged from 1.24 to 1.17 Mg m-3 (Table 4.20) under different treatments.

Application of fertilizers alone or in combination with lime or vermicompost decreased bulk

density of soil significantly over control. The extent of reduction in bulk density however,

was more when vermicompost were applied along with chemical fertilizers. Marginal

reduction in bulk density in NPK and NPK + lime treated plots could be ascribed to the

increased root biomass production that might have increased organic matter content of soil.

Continuous addition of chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost for three cropping

cycles caused significantly highest decrease in bulk density of soil may be due to addition of

higher organic carbon that resulted in more pore space and good soil aggregation. Highest

reduction in bulk density was recorded in treatment T12 and T13 which was at par with T10

and T11. As compared to the initial status (1.25 Mg m-3), all the plots either receiving

fertilizer alone or in combination with lime or vermicompost recorded significantly lower

bulk density of soil. Similar results were also reported by Pandey et al. (2006) and Gopinath

et al. (2008).

Table 4.20 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on physical properties

of soil

Treatments Bulk Density

(Mg m-3)

Water holding

capacity (%)

T1 Control 1.24 45.1

T2 75 % NPK 1.23 47.4

T3 100 % NPK 1.23 48.1

T4 125 % NPK 1.22 49.3

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 1.22 48.2

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 1.21 49.7

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 1.22 50.4







1.17 55.9

CD(P=0.05) 0.02 3.1

Initial 1.25 45.0

ii. Water holding capacity

Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in conjunction with lime or

vermicompost increased the water holding capacity of soil (Table 4.20). It varied from

minimum of 45.1 per cent in control (T1) to a maximum 55.9 percent under treatment

receiving 125% NPK along with vermicompost @ 10 t ha -1 (T13). Application of 75, 100 and

125% NPK increased the water holding capacity of soil by 5.1, 6.7 and 9.3 per cent over

control, respectively; the differences amongst doses however, were not significant. This

increase could be attributed to better root growth and more plant residues addition under

there treatments (Bellakki and Badanur 1997). Further it was revealed that application of

lime along with chemical fertilizers also increased the water holding capacity of soil and the

increase was to the tune of 6.9, 10.2 and 11.8 per cent with the application of 75, 100 and

125% NPK along with lime, respectively over control. Amongst different rate of application

of vermicompost application @ 10 t ha-1 was found to be superior of over 5 t ha-1

application rates. Among conjoint application of fertilizer and vermicompost highest water

holding capacity observed under T13 was at par with T9, T10, T11 and T12. Continuous

addition of vermicompost for three years influenced the water holding capacity positively

and this could be ascribed to the improvement in structural condition of soil. These results

are in line with the findings of Babhulkar et al. (2000), Selvi et al. (2005) and Rakshit and Sen

(2008).

4.4.2 Chemical properties

i. Soil pH

a. Pea

In general, the pH of the soil under study after pea crop (rabi 2008-09) varied from

5.35 to 5.40 (Table 4.21). The pH was highest (5.4) in the plots receiving 75, 100 and 125%

NPK along with lime (T5, T6 and T7) and lowest in the control plot (T1). On the whole, the

soil pH under different treatments was not affected significantly. However, application of

lime tended to increase the soil pH marginally in comparison to the control.

Effect of different treatments on soil pH after pea crop (rabi 2009-10), was

significant and it varied from 5.35 to 5.45 (Table 4.21). The lowest was in the control plot

(T1) and highest (5.45) was in the plots receiving 75, 100 and 125% NPK along with lime (T5,

T6 and T7) which were significantly superior over all other treatments. Application of 75, 100

and 125% NPK along with vermicompost increased the soil pH marginally in comparison to

the control.

The pH in third year i.e. 2010-11 also followed almost similar trend as was in

respective treatments of first and second year. It varied from 5.35 to 5.50 in T1 and plots

receiving 75, 100 and 125% NPK along with lime (T5, T6 and T7), respectively. Application of

75, 100 and 125 % NPK alone and along with vermicompost marginally increased the pH

over control. The plots receiving 75, 100 and 125% NPK along with lime viz. T5, T6 and T7

increased the pH significantly over all other treatments.

Table 4.21

Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on soil pH at harvest

Treatments Pea 2008-

09 Okra 2009

Pea

2009-10 Okra 2010

Pea

2010-11 Okra 2011

T1 Control 5.35 5.35 5.35 5.40 5.35 5.35

T2 75 % NPK 5.35 5.35 5.35 5.35 5.35 5.36

T3 100 % NPK 5.35 5.36 5.36 5.36 5.36 5.36

T4 125 % NPK 5.35 5.36 5.36 5.36 5.36 5.36

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 5.40 5.40 5.45 5.45 5.50 5.50

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 5.40 5.40 5.45 5.45 5.50 5.51

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 5.40 5.40 5.45 5.45 5.50 5.51

T8 75 % NPK + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 5.36 5.36 5.36 5.38 5.38 5.38




T12 100 % NPK + Vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 5.36 5.36 5.38 5.39 5.39 5.40


5.37 5.37 5.38 5.39 5.40 5.40

CD (P=0.05) NS NS 0.05 0.03 0.05 0.06

Initial 5.35

b. Okra

The data in table 4.21 revealed that, the pH of the soil under study after okra crop

(2009) varied from 5.35 to 5.40. The pH was highest in the plots receiving 75, 100 and 125%

NPK along with lime (T5, T6 and T7) and lowest in the control plot (T1). On the whole, the

soil pH under different treatments was not affected significantly. However, application of

lime and vermicompost increased the soil pH marginally in comparison to the control.

Perusal of the data in table 4.21 revealed that the effect of treatments on soil pH

after okra during second year (2010) followed almost similar trend as during first year, the

differences, however were significant. It varied from 5.35 to 5.45. The lowest was in T2,

where 75% NPK was applied and highest was in the plots receiving 75, 100 and 125% NPK

along with lime (T5, T6 and T7) which were significantly superior over all other treatments.

When organic and inorganic treatments were compared, the soil pH was higher in the

treatments where integrated use of chemical fertilizers and vermicompost was done.

During third year after harvest of okra (2011), the soil pH almost followed similar

trend as after okra 2010. It was maximum (5.51) in treatment receiving 100 and 125% NPK

along with lime (T6 and T7) and minimum of 5.35 in control (T1). Application of 75, 100 and

125 % NPK alone and along with vermicompost marginally increased the pH over control.

The plots receiving 100 and 125% NPK along with lime viz. T6 and T7, respectively increased

the pH significantly over all other treatments except T5 i.e.75% NPK + lime.

Marginal increase in soil pH was observed in some treatments involving conjoint use

of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers might be due to moderating effect of organic

manures as it decreased the activity of exchangeable Al3+ ions in soil solution due to

chelation effect of organic molecules (Hue 1992). Moreover, lime also reduced different

types of acidities which might have increased the pH. The application of lime has also raised

the pH of soil. The ameliorating effect of lime on soil acidity has been reported by many

workers (Sharma et al. 2002; Subehia and Sharma 2005).

ii. Organic carbon

a. Pea

A glance at the data in table 4.22 revealed that, in general, the organic carbon

content of the soil under study after pea crop (rabi 2008-09) varied from 9.80 g kg-1 under

control to 9.87 g kg-1 under the treatment receiving 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1

(T13). A deep insight into the data revealed that application of chemical fertilizers alone or

with lime increased the organic carbon content of the soil over control. However, the

differences were not significant. Application of vermicompost along with chemical fertilizers

increased the organic carbon content of the soil significantly over the control. Highest

increase in organic carbon content was observed under 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t

ha-1 (T13), the increase being about 0.71 percent over control. The treatment 125% NPK +

vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13) was also superior over the treatments where chemical

fertilizers were applied alone or with lime (T2 to T7). Amongst the rates of application, 10 t

ha-1 rate resulted marginally higher organic carbon content over 5 t ha-1 rate of application

at different levels of NPK. As compared to initial status (9.80) all the plots either receiving

chemical fertilizers alone or in combination with lime or vermicompost recorded higher

organic carbon status except control (T1).

The organic carbon content in third year i.e. 2010-11 also followed almost similar

trend as was in respective treatments during first and second year as it varied from 9.63 g

kg-1 in control (T1) to 10.50 g kg-1 in T13 where 125% NPK was applied along with 10 t ha-1

vermicompost. Application of 75, 100 and 125 % NPK alone or with lime or along with

vermicompost significantly increased the organic carbon content over control. The organic

carbon content was statistically similar in the treatments where 100 and 125 % NPK was

applied alone or with lime. Amongst the treatments applied with chemical fertilizers along

with vermicompost resulted in highest organic carbon content in T13 and it was at par with

the values observed in T8, T9, T10, T11 and T12. Application of 10 t ha-1 vermicompost

recorded slightly higher content of organic carbon content as compared to 5 t ha-1 rate of

application.

Table 4.22 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on organic carbon (g kg-1) content of soil at harvest

Treatments Pea

2008-09 Okra 2009

Pea

2009-10 Okra 2010

Pea

2010-11 Okra 2011

T1 Control 9.80 9.79 9.73 9.68 9.63 9.56

T2 75 % NPK 9.81 9.84 9.87 9.92 9.95 9.98

T3 100 % NPK 9.82 9.85 9.90 9.97 10.18 10.22

T4 125 % NPK 9.82 9.85 9.92 10.00 10.19 10.24

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 9.80 9.83 9.88 9.95 10.13 10.21

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 9.82 9.88 9.93 10.06 10.18 10.24

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 9.82 9.90 9.97 10.08 10.20 10.26







9.87 9.99 10.25 10.40 10.50 10.57

CD (P=0.05) 0.03 0.06 0.15 0.19 0.22 0.25

Initial 9.80

b. Okra

The data in table 4.22 showed that, the organic carbon content of the soil after okra

in first year (2009) varied from 9.79 g kg-1 under control to 9.99 g kg-1 under the treatment

receiving 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13). Data further revealed that

application of chemical fertilizers alone or with lime increased the organic carbon content of

the soil over control except T2, T3, T4 and T5. Application of vermicompost along with

chemical fertilizers increased the organic carbon content of the soil significantly over the

control and highest increase of about 2 per cent in organic carbon content was observed

under 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13). Amongst the rate of application, 10 t

ha-1 rate resulted in greater increase in organic carbon content of soil over 5 t ha-1 rate of

application.

Nutrient management treatments had significant and almost similar effect of organic

carbon content after the harvest of okra in second year (2010), as in the first year (2009), it

varied from 9.68 g kg-1 in control (T1) to 10.40 g kg-1 in T13 where 125% NPK was applied

along with 10 t ha-1 vermicompost. The organic carbon content was observed statistically

similar in the treatments where 75, 100 and 125 % NPK was applied alone or with lime.

Amongst the treatments applied with chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost, highest

organic carbon content was observed in T13 which was at par with the values observed in

T8, T9, T10, T11 and T12. Application of 10 t ha-1 vermicompost recorded higher content of

organic carbon as compared to 5 t ha-1 rate of application of vermicompost.

During third year (2011) organic carbon content of soil followed almost similar trend

as was in respective treatments of first and second year as it varied from 9.56 g kg-1 in

control (T1) to 10.57 g kg-1 in T13 where 125% NPK was applied along with 10 t ha-1

vermicompost. Application of 75, 100 and 125 % NPK alone or with lime or along with

vermicompost significantly increased the organic carbon content over control. Amongst the

treatments applied with chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost, highest increase (10.6

percent) in organic carbon content of soil over control was observed in T13. Treatment T13

was observed to be at par with the values in T8, T9, T10, T11 and T12. Application of 10 t

ha-1 vermicompost recorded higher increase in organic carbon content as compared to 5 t

ha-1 rate.

Improvement in soil organic carbon status in plots treated with vermicompost may

be due to the stimulating effect of vermicompost on growth and activity of microorganisms

(Babhulkar et al. 2000). This effect is further enhanced by addition of NPK fertilizers that

improved the root and shoot growth. Higher production of root biomass might have

increased the organic carbon content (Subramanian and Kumaraswamy 1989). Slow rate of

organic matter decomposition in wet temperate zone could be another reason for buildup of

soil organic carbon (Acharya et al.1988; Sharma et al. 2002).

iii. Available nitrogen

a. Pea

The perusal of the data in table 4.23 revealed that available nitrogen after pea crop

(rabi 2008-09) varied from 255 kg ha-1 in control (T1) to 288 kg ha-1 in 125% NPK +

vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13). Application of chemical fertilizers alone or with lime or

with vermicompost increased the available N as compared to control. Treatment control (T1)

was statistically at par with the treatments getting graded doses of fertilizers alone and in

combination with lime except T7 (125% NPK + lime). Integration of chemical fertilizers and

vermicompost (T8 to T13) increased available N significantly over control except T8 (75%

NPK+ vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1). Among the rates of application, 10 t ha-1 rate was superior

over 5 t ha-1 rate. The treatment getting 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13)

resulted in highest available N content of soil which was found to be superior over all other

treatments except 100% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T12).

During second year i.e. after pea 2009-10, available nitrogen followed almost similar

trend as in the first year as it varied from 243 kg ha-1 in control (T1) to 302 kg ha-1 in T13

where 125% NPK was applied along with 10 t ha-1 vermicompost. Application of 75, 100

and 125 % NPK alone or with lime or along with vermicompost significantly increased the

available N over control except T2 (75% NPK). Amongst the treatments applied with

chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost, highest available N was observed in T13 which

was at par with the

values observed in T9, T10, T11 and T12. Application of 10 t ha-1 vermicompost recorded

higher content of available N as compared to 5 t ha-1 rate.

The available N in third year i.e. 2010-11 also followed almost similar trend as was in

respective treatments of first and second year. It varied from 233 to 315 kg ha-1 in T1 and

T13, respectively. Application of 75, 100 and 125 % NPK alone or with lime or along with

vermicompost significantly increased the available N over control. Plots receiving 75, 100

and 125% NPK alone or along with lime were at par among themselves in respect of

available N. Application of vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 was found inferior as compared to 10 t

ha-1 application rate, however, the differences among them were statistically at par at their

respective level of chemical fertilizers viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK.

b. Okra

The available nitrogen after okra crop (2009) varied from 250 kg ha-1 in control (T1)

to 299 kg ha-1 in 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13) (Table 4.23). Application of

chemical fertilizers alone or with lime or with vermicompost increased the available N over

control. Control (T1) was statistically at par with graded doses of fertilizers alone and in

combination with lime except T4, T6 and T7 viz. 125% NPK, 100% NPK + lime and 125% NPK

+ lime, respectively. Integration of chemical fertilizers and vermicompost (T8 to T13)

increased available N significantly over control. Among the rate of application, 10 t ha -1 rate

was found to be superior to 5 t ha-1 rate. The treatment 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t

ha-1 (T13) was found to be superior over all other treatments except 125% NPK +

vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 (T10) and 100% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T12).

Table 4.23 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on available nitrogen (kg ha-1) status of soil at harvest

Treatments Pea 2008-

09

Okra 2009 Pea 2009-

10

Okra 2010 Pea

2010-11

Okra 2011

T1 Control 255 250 243 239 233 230

T2 75 % NPK 258 254 257 261 267 265

T3 100 % NPK 260 261 267 270 278 282

T4 125 % NPK 262 266 270 275 282 286

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 251 258 261 265 270 273

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 262 267 268 277 283 283

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 267 273 277 280 284 288

T8 75 % NPK + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 263 270 275 279 282 286




T12 100 % NPK + Vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 283 292 300 306 313 315


CD (P=0.05) 10.7 13.6 15.3 16.7 19.1 21.1

Initial 256

Similarly, available N status of the soil after okra 2010 was also significantly

influenced by the application of varying levels of fertilizers alone or in conjunction with lime

or vermicompost. It varied from 239 kg ha-1 in control (T1) to 306 kg ha-1 in T13 where

125% NPK was applied along with 10 t ha -1 vermicompost. Application of graded doses of

NPK along with lime increased the available N content of soil over control by 10.9, 15.9 and

17.2 percent under T5, T6 and T7, respectively. Amongst the treatments applied with

chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost, highest available N was observed in T13 which

was at par with the values observed in T10, T11 and T12. Application of 10 t ha-1

vermicompost recorded higher content of available N as compared to 5 t ha-1 rate.

During third year (2011), available N also followed almost similar trend as was in

respective treatments of first and second year. It ranged from 230 to 320 kg ha-1 in T1 and


vermicompost significantly increased the available N over control. Plots receiving 75, 100

and 125% NPK were at par among themselves in respect of available N. Incorporation of

vermicompost along with graded doses of chemical fertilizers either @ 5 t ha-1 or 10 t ha-1

also showed a significant increase in available N content of soil over control. When different

rates of application were compared among themselves it was found that the application of

vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 was found inferior as compared to 10 t ha-1 application rate,

however, the differences among them were at par at their respective levels of chemical

fertilizers viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK.

Increase in available nitrogen with vermicompost is attributed to its direct addition

as it contained 1.46 per cent nitrogen. The favourable soil conditions might have helped in

greater multiplication of microbes which could convert organically bound nitrogen to

inorganic form leading to build up of higher available nitrogen. These results are in

conformity with the findings of Bhardwaj et al. (2010).

iv. Available phosphorus

a. Pea

The data reported in table 4.24 indicated that the available P content after pea crop

(2008-09) in soils ranged from 16.7 kg ha-1 in control plots to 22.0 kg ha-1 under 100% NPK

+ vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T12). Application of chemical fertilizers alone or with lime or

with vermicompost significantly increased the available P over control except in treatment

T2 and T3 viz. 75% NPK and 100% NPK, respectively. Application of lime along with graded

doses of fertilizers significantly increased the available P to the tune of 16.2, 16.2 and 21 per

cent in T5, T6 and T7 over control, respectively. Among the rates of vermicompost

application, 10 t ha-1 rate was found to be superior over 5 t ha-1 rate. The treatment 100%

NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T12) was found to be superior over all the treatments

except T10, T11 and T13 viz. 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1, 75% NPK +

vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 and 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1, respectively.

During second year (2009-10), available phosphorus content varied from 15.1 kg ha-

1 in control (T1) to 24.4 kg ha-1 in T13 where 125% NPK was applied along with 10 t ha-1

vermicompost. Application of chemical fertilizers alone or with lime or vermicompost

significantly increased the available P over control. Application of lime along with graded

doses of fertilizers significantly increased the available P to the tune of 33.1, 50 and 53.6 per

cent in T5, T6 and T7 over control, respectively. Graded doses of chemical fertilizers also

increased the available P content in soil over control. The treatment getting 125% NPK +

vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13) was found to be superior over all other treatments except

T10, T11 and T12. Moreover this treatment was also statistically at par with T6 and T7 viz.

100% NPK + lime and 125% NPK + lime, respectively.

The available P in soil in third year (2010-11) also followed almost similar trend as

was in respective treatments of second year. It varied from 13.2 to 25.0 kg ha-1 in T1 and


vermicompost significantly increased the available P over control.

Plots receiving 75, 100 and 125% NPK alone were at par among themselves in respect of

available P. The treatment 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13) was found to be

significantly superior over all other treatments except T6, T7, T10, T11 and T12.

b. Okra

A perusal of the data reported in table 4.24 indicated that the available P content

after okra harvest (2009) in soils ranged from 16.3 kg ha-1 in control plots to 23.9 kg ha-1

under T13 where 125% NPK was applied along with 10 t ha-1 vermicompost. Application of

chemical fertilizers alone or with lime or with vermicompost significantly increased the

available P over control. Application of different levels of chemical fertilizers also increased

the available P over control and 100% NPK alone registered an increase of 22.1 percent over

control. Lime when applied along with graded doses of fertilizers significantly increased the

available P to the tune of 26.4, 31.3 and 31.3 per cent in T5, T6 and T7 over control,

respectively. The treatment 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13) was found to be

superior over all other treatments except T11 and T12 and registered an increase of 46.6

percent over control.

During second year (2010), available phosphorus varied from 14.3 kg ha-1 in control

(T1) to 24.6 kg ha-1 in T13 where 125% NPK was applied along with 10 t ha-1 vermicompost.

Application of chemical fertilizers alone or with lime or vermicompost significantly improved

the available P status in soil over control. Application of lime along with graded doses of

fertilizers significantly increased the available P, and highest increase of 58 per cent was

observed in T7 over control. Different treatment combinations of vermicompost and

chemical fertilizers were significantly superior over control and highest increase over control

to the tune of 72 per cent was registered in T13 where 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t

ha-1 was applied. Among the rates of vermicompost application, 10 t ha-1 rate resulted in

higher available P content over 5 t ha-1 rate.

Table 4.24 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on available phosphorus (kg ha-1) status of soil at harvest

Treatments Pea 2008-09 Okra 2009 Pea 2009-10 Okra 2010 Pea 2010-11 Okra 2011

T1 Control 16.7 16.3 15.1 14.3 13.2 12.0

T2 75 % NPK 17.1 19.0 19.4 20.1 20.4 21.4

T3 100 % NPK 17.4 19.9 20.6 21.0 22.3 22.7

T4 125 % NPK 18.8 20.6 21.3 21.5 22.4 23.3

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 19.4 20.6 20.1 21.5 21.6 22.0

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 19.4 21.4 22.6 22.1 23.8 23.0

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 20.2 21.4 23.2 22.6 24.3 24.0







CD (P=0.05) 1.54 1.72 2.09 2.35 3.27 3.04

Initial 17.0

The available P in soil during third year (2011) varied from 12 to 25.6 kg ha-1 in T1

and T13, respectively. Application of 75, 100 and 125 % NPK alone or with lime or along with

vermicompost significantly increased its status over control. The treatment receiving 125%

NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13) was statistically at par with all the vermicompost

treated plots except 75% NPK + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 (T8).

Buildup of available phosphorus with the application of NPK fertilizers in conjunction

with vermicompost might be due to the release of organic acids during decomposition which

in turn helped in releasing phosphorus through solubilizing action of native phosphorus in

the soil. The organic matter also forms a cover on sesquioxides and makes them inactive and

thus reduces the phosphate fixing capacity of the soil, which ultimately, helps in release of

ample quantity of phosphorus as reported by Bhardwaj et al. (2010). In current study

vermicompost was added which contained 0.65 per cent phosphorus, therefore, its

application contributes an appreciable additional amount of phosphorus to the soil. Lime

application also markedly increased the available P status of the soil due to decrease in

exchangeable acidity which decreased from 0.26 to 0.13 C mol (p+) kg-1 in present case

(Table 4.32) and increase in mineralization of organic phosphates (Kumar and Verma 1997).

v. Available potassium

a. Pea

Available K content was affected significantly under different treatments (Table

4.25) during all the years. Available K content after pea during first year (2008-09) ranged

from 192 to 243 kg ha-1 in T1 and T13, respectively. Application of chemical fertilizers alone

or in combination with lime or vermicompost significantly increased available K over control.

Among the treatments applied with lime highest increase (12.5 %) was recorded in T7 over

control. Combined application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers also enhanced the

available K content over control. The treatment 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1

(T13) was found to be significantly superior over treatments applied with 75, 100 and 125%

NPK alone and

along with lime (T2 to T4) but at par with all the treatments where vermicompost at was

applied.

During second year (2009 -10), available K content varied from 183 kg ha-1 in

control (T1) to 250 kg ha-1 in T13 where 125% NPK plus 10 t ha-1 vermicompost was

applied. Graded doses of fertilizer viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK increased available K by 13.1,

20.2 and 23.5 per cent over control, respectively. The treatment 125% NPK + vermicompost

@ 10 t ha-1 (T13) resulted in highest available K and was found to be superior over 75, 100

and 125% NPK alone and along with lime treatments.

Similarly, available K content of soil during third year after pea (2010 -11) was also

significantly influenced by the application of varying levels of fertilizers alone or in

conjunction with lime or vermicompost. It varied from 177 kg ha-1 in control (T1) to 264 kg


of NPK, available K content was highest in T4 (125% NPK) and was statistically at par with 75

and 100% NPK (T2 and T3). Application of lime along with 75, 100 and 125% NPK increased

the available K by 29.4, 32.2 and 34.5 per cent over control, respectively. Amongst the

treatments applied with chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost, highest available K

was observed in T13 which was significantly superior over all other treatments, except the

treatments where graded doses of NPK were applied along with vermicompost.

b. Okra

During 2009, available potassium content after okra varied from 186 to 245 kg ha-1

in T1 and T13, respectively (Table 4.25). Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in

combination with lime or vermicompost increased the available K content over control.

Graded doses of chemical fertilizers viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK increased the available K by

10.8, 14.5 and 18.8 per cent over control, respectively. In the treatments, where lime was

applied with graded doses of NPK, highest available K content was observed in T7 (224 kg

ha-1). Among vermicompost treated plots, highest available potassium content was

recorded in T13 which was at par with all other treatments where vermicompost was

applied except 75% NPK + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 (T8).

Table 4.25 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on available potassium (kg ha-1) status of soil at harvest


T1 Control 192 186 183 180 177 175

T2 75 % NPK 207 206 207 208 209 211

T3 100 % NPK 211 213 220 224 227 230

T4 125 % NPK 216 221 226 230 234 236

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 212 214 221 222 229 234

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 214 219 223 227 234 244

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 216 224 225 233 238 248





T12 100 % NPK + Vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 235 241 246 253 259 263


CD (P=0.05) 12.7 15.4 16.9 19.2 21.2 22.9

Initial 195

A perusal of the data as given in table 4.25 revealed that the range of

variation of available K after okra during second year (2010) was from 180 kg ha-1 under

control (T1) to 258 kg ha-1 under 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13). Among

graded doses of fertilizers, application of 125% NPK registered highest increase of 27.8 per

cent over control. Among graded doses of fertilizers along with lime, 125% NPK + lime

registered an increase of 1.3 per cent over 125% NPK alone. Highest increase in a significant

manner over the control was recorded in T13 followed by T12 and the increase was to the

tune of 43.3 and 40.6 per cent over control, respectively.

The range of variation of available K content in soil during third year (2011) was from

175 kg ha-1 under control to 269 kg ha-1 under 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1

(T13). Among graded doses of fertilizers, application of 125% NPK registered an increase of

34.9 per cent over control. Among graded doses of fertilizers along with lime, 125% NPK +

lime registered an increase of 41.7 and 7.8 per cent over control and 100% NPK alone,

respectively. Highest significant increase over the control was recorded in T13 the increase

was to the tune of 53.7 per cent, over control.

Increase in available potassium due to addition of vermicompost may be ascribed to

the reduction of potassium fixation and release of potassium due to interaction of organic

matter with clay, besides the direct potassium addition to the pool of soil. Such increase in

the content of available potassium with the use of organics with chemical fertilizers was also

reported by Bhardwaj et al. (2010).

vi. Exchangeable calcium

a. Pea

It is evident from the date (Table 4.26) that exchangeable Ca content after pea

during first year (2008-09) varied from a minimum of 3.15 c mol (p+) kg-1 under control (T1)

to a maximum of 4.55 c mol (p+) kg-1 in the plots which received 125% NPK + lime (T7).

Differences in exchangeable Ca content after pea among graded doses of fertilizers (T2 to

T4) were not significant. Application of lime along with graded doses of fertilizers increased

the exchangeable Ca content after pea significantly over control to the extent of 41, 42.9

and 44.4 per cent, respectively. Conjoint application of vermicompost and fertilizers

enhanced the exchangeable Ca content significantly over control, except T8 i.e. 75% NPK

+ vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1.

Like exchangeable Ca content after first year, its content during second year

was also highest (4.65 c mol (p+) kg-1) under T7 and lowest (3.11 c mol (p+) kg-1) in control

(T1). All the treatments recorded increase in exchangeable Ca content over control.

Treatment 125% NPK + lime (T7) recorded highest exchangeable Ca content in soil and was

at par with T5 and T6. When rates of application of vermicompost were compared, it was

observed that exchangeable Ca was higher under 10 t ha-1 rate over 5 ha-1. Among the

treatments where vermicompost was applied along with 75, 100 and 125% NPK, highest

exchangeable Ca was registered in 125% NPK followed by 100 % NPK and lowest in 75% NPK,

however, the differences among them were not significant.

Exchangeable calcium content in soil after pea during third year (2010 -11) ranged

from 3.07 c mol (p+) kg-1 in control to 5.61 c mol (p+) kg-1 in T7 where 125% NPK + lime was

applied. Exchangeable Ca content in T7 was statistically at par with exchangeable Ca in T5

and T6. All the plots receiving chemical fertilizers alone or in combination with

vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 were found to be statistically at par with control. Among lime

treated plots highest exchangeable Ca content was recorded in T7 and the increase over

control was to the tune of 83 per cent over control. On comparing rates of vermicompost

application, 10 t ha-1 rate of application was found to be statistically at par with 5 t ha-1 rate

of application.

b. Okra

Different treatments had significant effect on exchangeable Ca content in soil after

okra crop during all the years (Table 4.26). During first year (2009), the range of variation in

exchangeable Ca content in soil was from 3.14 c mol (p+) kg-1 under control (T1) to 4.55 c

mol (p+) kg-1 under T7 where 125% NPK + lime was applied. Treatment T1 was significantly

inferior over rest of the treatments except T2, T3, T4 and T8, while T7 was at par with T5 and

T6 in exchangeable Ca content. Application of lime along with graded doses of fertilizers

significantly increased the exchangeable Ca content to the tune of 41, 43.7 and 45 per cent

in T5, T6 and T7 over control, respectively. Among conjoint application of vermicompost and

fertilizers, treatments applied with 10 t ha-1 vermicompost were found to be statistically at

par with the treatments applied with 5 t ha-1 vermicompost.

The data regarding the effect of different treatments on exchangeable Ca

content in soil after okra (2010) have been presented in table 4.26. Data revealed that it

varied from 3.09 c mol (p+) kg-1 under control (T1) to 4.64 c mol (p+) kg-1 under T7 (125%

NPK + lime). Application of graded doses of fertilizers increased the exchangeable Ca content

in soil by 1.9, 2.8 and 5.8 per cent in T2, T3 and T4 over control, respectively. Among lime

treated plots highest increase was recorded in T7 (50.4 %) over control. Integration of

chemical fertilizers and vermicompost either @ 5 t ha-1 or 10 t ha-1 increased the

exchangeable Ca content after okra significantly over control. It was further noted that 5 t

ha-1 rate of application was statistically at par with 10 t ha-1 application rate.

The data regarding the effect of different treatments on exchangeable Ca content in

soil during third year i.e. 2011 have been presented in table 4.26. It varied from 3.06 c mol

(p+) kg-1 under T1 (control) to 5.62 c mol (p+) kg-1 under T7 (125% NPK + lime). The results

of exchangeable Ca content with respect to all the treatments were alike as were in previous

year.

Exchangeable calcium status of soil increased in vermicompost and lime treated

plots due to its availability from these sources (Ansari and Sukhraj 2010 and Yagi et al. 2003).

The presence of lime ameliorates soil acidity and the subsequent effect increases available

calcium to a greater extent as compared to vermicompost. Oluwatoyinbo et al. (2005) also

reported almost similar results.

Table 4.26 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on exchangeable calcium (c mol (p+) kg-1) content of soil at harvest

Treatments Pea

2008-09

Okra 2009 Pea 2009-

10

Okra 2010 Pea 2010-

11

Okra 2011

T1 Control 3.15 3.14 3.11 3.09 3.07 3.06

T2 75 % NPK 3.23 3.20 3.17 3.15 3.13 3.11

T3 100 % NPK 3.28 3.24 3.21 3.17 3.15 3.13

T4 125 % NPK 3.36 3.31 3.29 3.27 3.24 3.22

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 4.44 4.42 4.52 4.53 5.48 5.51

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 4.50 4.51 4.62 4.63 5.56 5.61

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 4.55 4.55 4.65 4.64 5.61 5.62







CD (P=0.05) 0.43 0.44 0.48 0.49 0.82 0.83

Initial 3.20

vii. Exchangeable magnesium

a. Pea

Like Ca, exchangeable Mg content in soil was also affected significantly with

different treatments (Table 4.27) during all the years. Exchangeable Mg content in soil after

pea during first year (2008-09) ranged from 0.50 to 0.59 c mol (p+) kg-1 in T1 and T7,

respectively. Application of chemical fertilizers alone showed that exchangeable Mg content

was statistically at par with control. Among the treatments, where graded doses of fertilizer

were applied with lime, the highest increase (18 %) was recorded in T7 over control, which

was statistically at par with T5 and T6. Combined application of vermicompost and chemical

fertilizers also resulted in significantly higher exchangeable Mg content in soil over control.

Among rate of application 10 t ha-1 recorded higher exchangeable Mg content over 5 t ha-1

rate of application. The treatments, where graded doses were applied with lime, were found

to be statistically at par with the treatments where 10 t ha-1 vermicompost was applied with

graded doses of fertilizers.

During second year (2009-10), exchangeable Mg content after pea harvest

varied from 0.48 c mol (p+) kg-1 in control (T1) to 0.59 c mol (p+) kg-1 in T12 and T13 where

100 and 125% NPK plus 10 t ha-1 vermicompost were applied. Graded doses of fertilizers viz.

75, 100 and 125% NPK remained statistically at par with control. Graded doses of fertilizers

along with lime viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK increased exchangeable Mg content in soil after

pea by 14.6, 14.6 and 16.7 per cent over control, respectively. Application of chemical

fertilizers in combination with vermicompost further increased the exchangeable Mg

content after pea over control. Application of vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 remained at par

with T7 where 125% NPK + lime was applied.

During third year (2010-11), exchangeable Mg content in soil after pea

followed almost similar trend as in the second year as it varied from 0.47 c mol (p+) kg-1 in

control (T1) to 0.59 c mol (p+) kg-1 in T13 where 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 was

applied. Among graded doses of NPK, exchangeable Mg content was statistically at par

among themselves. With the application of lime along with 75, 100 or 125% NPK, the

exchangeable Mg content increased by 17 per cent over control. Amongst the treatments

applied with chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost, highest exchangeable Mg content

was observed in T13 and was statistically at par with all other treatments, except control and

graded doses of NPK alone.

b. Okra

During 2009, exchangeable Mg content in soil after okra varied from 0.48 to 0.58 c

mol (p+) kg-1 in control (T1) and 100% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T12) (Table 4.27).

Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in combination with lime or vermicompost

increased the exchangeable Mg content over control. Graded doses of chemical fertilizers

statistically remained at par with control. Graded doses of chemical fertilizers along with

lime viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK, increased the exchangeable Mg content by 16.7, 18.8 and

16.7 per cent over control, respectively. Among vermicompost treated plots highest

exchangeable Mg content was recorded in T12 which was at par with T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10,

T11 and T13. Among rates of application, 10 t ha-1 rate was found to be statistically at par

with 5 t ha-1 rate of application at all the levels of NPK.

A perusal of the data (Table 4.27) revealed that the range of variation of

exchangeable Mg content after okra during second year (2010) was from 0.47 c mol (p+) kg-

1 under control and 0.58 c mol (p+) kg-1 under 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1

(T13). Among graded doses of fertilizers, 125% NPK application registered an increase of 4.3

per cent over control. Highest significant increase over the control was recorded in T13

followed by T12 and the increase was to the tune of 23.4 and 21.3 per cent, over control

respectively.

Table 4.27 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on exchangeable magnesium (c mol (p+) kg-1)

content of soil at harvest


T1 Control 0.50 0.48 0.48 0.47 0.47 0.47

T2 75 % NPK 0.51 0.50 0.49 0.48 0.47 0.46

T3 100 % NPK 0.51 0.50 0.49 0.49 0.48 0.46

T4 125 % NPK 0.52 0.51 0.50 0.49 0.48 0.47

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 0.58 0.56 0.55 0.53 0.55 0.52

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 0.58 0.57 0.55 0.53 0.55 0.52

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 0.59 0.56 0.56 0.53 0.55 0.52







CD (P=0.05) 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.04

Initial 0.51

During third year (2011), exchangeable Mg content in soil after okra followed almost

similar trend as in the second year as it varied from 0.47 c mol (p+) kg-1 in control (T1) to

0.59 c mol (p+) kg-1 in T13 where 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 was applied.

Among graded doses of NPK, exchangeable Mg content was significantly at par among

themselves. With the application of lime along with 75, 100 or 125% NPK, the exchangeable

Mg content increased by 10.6 per cent over control. Amongst the treatments applied with

chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost, highest exchangeable Mg content was

observed in T13 which was statistically at par with all the treatments, where graded doses of

NPK were applied with vermicompost.

Vermicompost application might have resulted in a significant increase in its

content which might be ascribed to the additional of magnesium in soil as it contains

0.041percent of magnesium. These observations are in accordance with those of Ansari and

Sukhraj 2010 and Yagi et al. 2003.

viii. DTPA extractable iron

a. Pea

Data pertaining to DTPA extractable iron after harvest of pea (rabi 2008-09) for 0.15

m soil depth have been presented in table 4.28. It is evident from the data that DTPA

extractable iron, decreased with the application of lime and increased with the application

of vermicompost. It varied from 30.8 mg kg-1 in 125% NPK + lime (T7) to 34.5 mg kg-1 in

75% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T11). Application of chemical fertilizers alone (T2 to

T4) was statistically at par with the DTPA extractable iron content in control (T1). Use of lime

along with graded doses of chemical fertilizers viz. T5, T6 and T7 resulted in significant

decrease in DTPA extractable iron over control. Integration of chemical fertilizers and

vermicompost (T8 to T13) increased DTPA extractable iron content significantly over control,

75, 100 and 125% NPK alone or in combination with lime. The highest increase (6.8 percent

over control) was found in 75% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T11), which was at par

with T8, T12 and T13.

After harvest of pea crop (2009-10), DTPA extractable iron in soil varied from 28.7

mg kg-1 in 125% NPK + lime (T7) to 36.5 mg kg-1 in 75% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1

(T11). DTPA extractable iron was statistically at par among graded doses of NPK alone (T2 to

T4) and in combination with lime (T5 to T7). Amongst the treatments applied with chemical

fertilizers along with vermicompost, highest DTPA extractable iron was observed in T11

which was at par with the values observed in all the treatments receiving chemical fertilizers

along with vermicompost (T8 to T13). Application of 10 t ha-1 vermicompost recorded

higher content of DTPA extractable iron as compared to 5 t ha-1 rate.

DTPA extractable iron after pea in third year i.e. 2010 -11, varied from 26.5 to 38.2

mg kg-1 in T6 and T11 viz. 100% NPK + lime and 75% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1,

respectively. Plots receiving 75, 100 and 125% NPK alone or in combination with lime were

at par among themselves and also with control with respect to DTPA extractable iron

content in soil. Integration of chemical fertilizers and vermicompost (T8 to T13) increased

DTPA extractable iron significantly over control and treatment getting, 75, 100 and 125%

NPK alone or in combination with lime. The highest increase was observed in 75% NPK +

vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 treated plot (T11), which was at par with all the treatments

getting chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost (T8 to T13). Application rate of

vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 was found inferior as compared to 10 t ha-1 application rates;

however, the differences among them were at par at their respective level of chemical

fertilizers viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK.

Table 4.28 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on DTPA extractable iron (mg kg-1)



T1 Control 32.3 30.0 29.6 29.2 28.1 27.4

T2 75 % NPK 31.7 29.6 29.4 28.8 27.3 27.8

T3 100 % NPK 31.4 29.7 29.3 28.6 27.0 27.6

T4 125 % NPK 31.1 29.6 29.2 27.8 27.3 26.2

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 31.4 29.2 29.0 28.1 26.8 26.2

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 30.9 28.8 28.9 28.2 26.5 26.1

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 30.8 29.3 28.7 27.4 27.0 26.0







CD (P=0.05) 1.24 1.95 2.88 3.71 4.45 4.9

Initial 32.4

b. Okra


the DTPA extractable iron after okra harvest during 2009, 2010 and 2011 are given in table

4.28. During first year, DTPA extractable iron after okra harvest varied from 28.8 mg kg-1 in

100% NPK + lime (T6) to 75% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T11). Application of

chemical fertilizers alone and in conjunction with lime showed non significant decrease in

DTPA extractable iron over control. Application of chemical fertilizers in conjunction with

vermicompost resulted in significant increase in DTPA extractable iron over control.

Application of vermicompost at the rate of 10 t ha-1 resulted in marginally higher DTPA

extractable iron content as compared to 5 t ha-1 application rate at three respective levels

of NPK.

A perusal of the date in table 4.28 revealed that DTPA extractable iron after okra

harvest during second year (2010) varied from 27.4 mg kg-1 in 125% NPK + lime (T7) to 37.9

mg kg-1 in 75% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T11). Application of 75, 100 and 125% NPK

alone showed non significant decrease in DTPA extractable iron over control. Amongst the

treatments applied with lime along with graded doses of NPK, highest decrease of 6.6 per

cent was observed in T7 over control. Integration of chemical fertilizers and vermicompost

increased the DTPA extractable iron after okra significantly over control. Among rate of

application 10 t ha-1 recorded higher content over 5 t ha-1 however; the differences were

not significant at the respective dose of chemical fertilizers.

DTPA extractable iron after okra harvest during third year i.e. 2010 -11, varied from

26 to 38.5 mg kg-1 in T7 and T11 viz. 125% NPK + lime and 75% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t

ha-1 (T11), respectively. Plots receiving 75, 100 and 125% NPK alone and in combination

with lime were at par among themselves and also with control in respect of DTPA

extractable iron after okra. Integration of chemical fertilizers and vermicompost ( T8 to T13)

increased DTPA extractable iron after pea significantly over control, 75, 100 and 125% NPK

alone and in combination with lime. The highest increase was found in 75% NPK +

vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T11), which was at par with all the treatments getting chemical

fertilizers and vermicompost (T8 to T13).

Application of vermicompost in combination with fertilizer doses, generally resulted

in build-up of iron status of the soil. The increase in iron content due to the application of

vermicompost may be ascribed that in current study, vermicompost contained 2188 mg kg-1

Fe, therefore its addition can supply iron to the soil. Such a trend of increased Fe with

vermicompost application has been reported by Sakal (2001) and Gupta et al. (1994). The

increased Fe content may be attributed to the production of natural chelating agents from

the decomposition of vermicompost that help in keeping iron soluble and more available to

plants (Sakal, 2001). The reduction in Fe content with lime application was due to reduction

in soil acidity and increase in soil pH.

ix. DTPA extractable copper

a. Pea

It is evident from the date (Table 4.29) that DTPA extractable Cu after pea followed

almost similar trend as followed by DTPA extractable Fe. The DTPA extractable Cu after pea

during first year (2008-09) varied from a minimum of 1.51 mg kg-1 under 125% NPK + lime

(T7) to a maximum of 1.65 mg kg-1 in the plots which received 75% NPK + vermicompost @

10 t ha-1 (T11). Differences in DTPA extractable Cu after pea harvest among graded doses of

fertilizers (T2 to T4) were not significant. DTPA extractable Cu, with application of graded

doses of NPK alone and in combination with lime significantly decreased over control except

T2 i.e. 75% NPK alone. Conjoint application of vermicompost and fertilizers enhanced the

DTPA extractable Cu over control, however, differences were not significant among them.

During second year, DTPA extractable Cu was also highest (1.70 mg kg-1) under T11

and lowest (1.31 mg kg-1) in T7. Fertilizer treatments alone or along with lime showed

significant decrease in DTPA extractable Cu content over control except T2 and T3 i.e. 75%

NPK and 100% NPK alone, respectively. Treatment T11 which recorded highest DTPA

extractable Cu after pea was at par with all the treatments

getting chemical fertilizers and vermicompost (T8 to T13) except T10 i.e. 125% NPK +

vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1. When rates of application of vermicompost were compared it

was observed that DTPA extractable Cu was higher under 10 t ha-1 over 5 ha-1 rate. Among

the treatments where vermicompost was applied with 75, 100 and 125% NPK, highest Cu

uptake was registered in 75% NPK followed by 100 % NPK and lowest in 125% NPK.

DTPA extractable Cu after pea harvest during third year (2010 -11) ranged from 1.22

mg kg-1 in 125% NPK + lime (T7) to 1.75 mg kg-1 in T11 where 75% NPK + vermicompost @

10 t ha-1 was applied. DTPA extractable Cu in T11 was statistically at par with all the

treatments getting chemical fertilizers and vermicompost (T8 to T13). DTPA extractable Cu in

all the plots receiving chemical fertilizers alone or in combination with lime significantly

decreased DTPA extractable Cu over control except T2 and T3 i.e. 75% NPK and 100% NPK

alone. On comparing rate of vermicompost application 10 t ha-1 rate of application was

found to be statistically at par with 5 t ha-1 rate of application at respective graded NPK

doses.

b. Okra

Different treatments had significant effect on DTPA extractable Cu after okra crop

during all the years (Table 4.29). During first year (2009) the range of variation in DTPA

extractable Cu after okra was from 1.4 mg kg-1 in 125% NPK + lime (T7) to 1.7 mg kg-1 in

T11 where 75% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 was applied. Control was significantly

superior over graded doses of fertilizers alone and along with lime except T2 i.e. 75% NPK

while T11 which recorded highest increase was at par in Cu content with T8, T12 and T13.

Application of lime along with graded doses of fertilizers significantly decreased the DTPA

extractable Cu to the tune of 9.8, 10.6 and 12.1 per cent in T5, T6 and T7, respectively over

control. Among conjoint application of vermicompost and fertilizers, treatments applied

with 10 t ha-1 vermicompost were found to be statistically at par with the treatments

applied with 5 t ha-1 vermicompost. Treatment T11 where 75% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t

ha-1 was applied was significantly superior over control.

Table 4.29 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on DTPA extractable copper (mg kg-1)



T1 Control 1.61 1.57 1.55 1.53 1.52 1.49

T2 75 % NPK 1.57 1.48 1.44 1.39 1.39 1.36

T3 100 % NPK 1.56 1.43 1.43 1.38 1.33 1.30

T4 125 % NPK 1.56 1.41 1.42 1.35 1.30 1.27

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 1.53 1.43 1.38 1.34 1.30 1.25

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 1.52 1.42 1.32 1.27 1.23 1.18

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 1.51 1.40 1.31 1.26 1.22 1.15







CD (P=0.05) 0.04 0.10 0.12 0.15 0.19 0.21

Initial 1.63

The data regarding the effect of different treatments on DTPA extractable Cu during

second year i.e. 2010 have been presented in table 4.29. In okra it varied from 1.26 mg kg-1

in 125% NPK + lime (T7) to 1.71 mg kg-1 in T11 where 75% NPK along with vermicompost @

10 t ha-1 was applied. All the graded doses of fertilizers along with lime significantly

decreased the DTPA extractable Cu content over control. Among lime treated plots highest

decrease was recorded in T7 (21.4%) over control. Integration of chemical fertilizers with

vermicompost either @ 5 t ha-1 or 10 t ha-1 increased the DTPA extractable Cu after okra

harvest over control. However, only T8, T11 and T12 showed significant differences.

DTPA extractable Cu after okra harvest during third year (2011) ranged from 1.15 mg

kg-1 in 125% NPK + lime (T7) to 1.79 mg kg-1 in T11 where 75% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t

ha-1 was applied. DTPA extractable Cu in T11 was statistically at par with all the treatments

getting chemical fertilizers and vermicompost (T8 to T13). DTPA extractable Cu in all the

plots receiving chemical fertilizers alone or in combination with lime significantly decreased

DTPA extractable Cu over control except T2 and T3 i.e. 75% NPK and 100% NPK alone. On

comparing rate of vermicompost application 10 t ha-1 rate of application was found to be

statistically at par with 5 t ha-1 rate of application at respective graded doses.

The available copper status of the soil after three years of study declined slightly in

control plot from its initial value of 1.63 to 1.49 mg kg-1 (Table 4.29). This reduction in Cu

content might be due to the uptake of copper by pea and okra crop from the soil without

any addition. Similar findings have been reported by Bijay Singh et al. (1992), Verma and

Bhagat (1992) and Sharad (1997). Application of vermicompost in combination with NPK

fertilizer doses increased Cu status in the soil from its initial status. Sharma et al. (2002) have

reported a build up in available Cu with vermicompost application which may be attributed

to formation of Cu-humus complex of relatively high stability with humus which, in turn,

decreased its susceptibility to fixation or precipitation in the soil.

x. DTPA extractable Zinc

a. Pea

DTPA extractable Zn was also affected significantly under different treatments

(Table 4.30) during all the years. DTPA extractable Zn after pea during first year (2008-09)

ranged from 0.66 to 0.85 mg kg-1 in 125% NPK + lime (T7) and 75% NPK along with

vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T11), respectively. Application of graded doses of chemical

fertilizers except 75% NPK showed significantly similar DTPA extractable Zn content with

control. Application of chemical fertilizers in combination with lime resulted in a significant

decrease in DTPA extractable Zn over control. Combined application of vermicompost and

chemical fertilizers resulted in higher DTPA extractable Zn content over control. Among rate

of application, 10 t ha-1 recorded little higher DTPA extractable Zn over 5 t ha-1 rate of

application. DTPA extractable Zn in T11 was statistically at par with DTPA extractable Zn in

T8, T12 and T13.

During second year (2009 -10), DTPA extractable Zn after pea varied from

0.55 mg kg-1 to 0.91 mg kg-1 in 125% NPK + lime (T7) and 75% NPK along with

vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T11), respectively. Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in

combination with lime resulted in significantly similar DTPA extractable Zn with control,

except T6 and T7 i.e. 100% NPK plus lime and 125% NPK plus lime, respectively. Application

of chemical fertilizers in combination with vermicompost increased the DTPA extractable Zn

after pea harvest over control. Vermicompost application 10 t ha-1 rate of application

remained statistically at par with 5 t ha-1 rate of application with respect of DTPA

extractable Zn content in soil.

During third year i.e. 2010-11, DTPA extractable Zn after pea varied from

0.52 mg kg-1 in 125% NPK + lime (T7) to 1 mg kg-1 in 75% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1

(T11). Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in combination with lime resulted

significantly similar DTPA extractable Zn content as that in control. Application of chemical

fertilizers in combination with vermicompost significantly increased the DTPA extractable Zn

after pea over control. DTPA extractable Zn in T11 was statistically at par with all the

treatments receiving chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost (T8 to T13).

Table 4.30 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on DTPA extractable zinc (mg kg-1) content of soil at harvest


T1 Control 0.80 0.78 0.72 0.67 0.66 0.64

T2 75 % NPK 0.81 0.74 0.70 0.67 0.65 0.63

T3 100 % NPK 0.77 0.74 0.69 0.66 0.62 0.61

T4 125 % NPK 0.75 0.70 0.68 0.65 0.60 0.58

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 0.73 0.69 0.64 0.65 0.64 0.63

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 0.69 0.66 0.60 0.60 0.59 0.57

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 0.66 0.61 0.55 0.54 0.52 0.51







CD (P=0.05) 0.05 0.08 0.11 0.14 0.16 0.17

Initial 0.84

b. Okra

After okra 2009, DTPA extractable Zn varied from 0.61 to 0.90 mg kg-1 in 125% NPK

+ lime (T7) and 75% NPK + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 (T8), respectively (Table 4.30).

Application of chemical fertilizers alone decreased the DTPA extractable Zn but was

statistically at par with control. Application of chemical fertilizers in combination with lime

significantly decreased the DTPA extractable Zn after okra harvest. In the treatments where

lime was applied with graded doses of NPK, minimum DTPA extractable Zn was observed in

T7 (27.9 per cent) over control. Among vermicompost treated plots highest DTPA

extractable Zn was recorded in T8 which was significantly superior over control. This

treatment was statistically at par with all the treatments getting chemical fertilizers along

with vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 viz. T11, T12 and T13.

A perusal of the data (Table 4.30) revealed that the range of variation of DTPA

extractable Zn after okra during second year (2010) was found to be 0.54 mg kg-1 under

125% NPK + lime (T7) to 1.0 mg kg-1 under 75% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T11).

Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in combination with lime significantly decreased

the DTPA extractable Zn after okra over control. In the treatments where lime was applied

with graded doses of NPK, lowest DTPA extractable Zn was observed in T7 (0.13 mg kg-1)

less from control. Among vermicompost treated plots highest DTPA extractable Zn was

recorded in T11 which was at par with T8, T12 and T13. Among rate of application, 10 t ha-1

rate was found to be statistically at par with 5 t ha-1 rate of application.

During third year i.e. 2011, DTPA extractable Zn after okra varied from 0.51 mg kg-1

in 125% NPK + lime (T7) to 1.01 mg kg-1 in 75% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T11).

Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in combination with lime resulted in statistically

similar content of DTPA extractable Zn over control. Application of chemical fertilizers in

combination with vermicompost significantly increased the DTPA extractable Zn after okra

over control. DTPA extractable Zn in T11 was statistically at par with all the treatments

getting chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost (T8 to T13).

The reduction in zinc status in control plot could be due to the uptake of zinc by pea

crop. Application of vermicompost resulted in build up of zinc status of the soil. Maximum

amount of Zn was extracted in soil receiving chemical fertilizers applied with vermicompost.

Sakal (2001) observed increased availability of Zn with the application of vermicompost

which could be ascribed that incorporation of vermicompost in soil may serve as a source of

zinc (83.4 mg kg-1) directly contributed to nutrient pool after its decomposition and also its

decomposition products give rise to natural complexing agents which mobilize the native

zinc already present in soil through chelation.

xi. DTPA extractable manganese

a. Pea

DTPA extractable manganese was also affected significantly under different

treatments (Table 4.31) in all the three years. DTPA extractable Mn after pea during first

year (2008-09) ranged from 28.2 to 32.7 mg kg-1 in 125% NPK + lime (T7) and 75% NPK +

vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T11), respectively. Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in

combination with lime resulted significantly similar DTPA extractable Mn content as that in

control, except T7 i.e. 125% NPK plus lime, which recorded (6.4 per cent) decrease over

control. Combined application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers resulted in higher

DTPA extractable Mn over control. Treatments T8, T9 and T11 were significantly superior

over control with respect to DTPA extractable Mn content. Among rates of application, 10 t

ha-1 recorded similar DTPA extractable Mn content as was with 5 t ha-1 rate of application

at 75%, 100% and 125% NPK level. Amongst the treatments applied with chemical fertilizers

along with vermicompost, highest Mn content was observed in T11 which was at par with

the values observed in T8 and T9.

During second year (2009-10), DTPA extractable Mn after pea varied from 26.1 mg

kg-1 in 125% NPK + lime (T7) to 34.2 mg kg-1 in 75% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T11).

The decrease in DTPA extractable Mn, with application of graded doses of NPK alone and in

combination with lime was statistically at par with respect to control. Amongst the

treatments applied with chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost, highest DTPA

extractable Mn was observed in T11 which was statistically at par with all the treatments

receiving chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost (T8 to T13) except T10 i.e. 125% NPK

+ vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1.

During third year i.e. 2010-11, DTPA extractable Mn after pea followed almost

similar trend as in the first and second year as it varied from 25 mg kg-1 in 125% NPK + lime

(T7) to 34.8 mg kg-1 in 75% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T11). The decrease in DTPA

extractable Mn, with application of graded doses of NPK alone and in combination with lime

was statistically at par with control. Amongst the treatments applied with chemical fertilizers

along with vermicompost, highest DTPA extractable Mn was observed in T11 which was

significantly superior over all the treatments in which graded doses of NPK alone and in

combination with lime were applied.

b. Okra

During 2009, DTPA extractable manganese after okra varied from 26.6 to 33.8 mg

kg-1 in T7 and T11, respectively (Table 4.31). The decrease in DTPA extractable Mn, with


par with respect to control, except T7 i.e. 125% NPK + lime. Application of chemical

fertilizers in combination with vermicompost significantly increased the DTPA extractable

Mn over control. Among vermicompost treated plots highest Mn content was recorded in

T11 which was at par with T8 and T12. Among rates of application, 10 t ha-1 rate was found

statistically at par with 5 t ha-1 rate of application with respect to DTPA extractable Mn

content.

A perusal of the data (Table 4.31) revealed that the range of variation of DTPA

extractable Mn content in soil after okra harvest during second year (2010) was found to be

25.5 mg kg-1 under control to 34.5 mg kg-1 under 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1

(T13). DTPA extractable Mn, with application of graded doses of NPK alone and in

combination with lime was statistically at par with respect to control. Amongst the

treatments applied with chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost, highest Mn content

was observed in T11 which was statistically at par with all the treatments receiving chemical

fertilizers along with vermicompost (T8 to T13).

Table 4.31 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on DTPA extractable manganese (mg kg-1)



T1 Control 30.0 29.0 28.5 28.3 28.1 28.0

T2 75 % NPK 30.2 29.1 28.3 27.7 27.1 26.3

T3 100 % NPK 29.8 27.4 27.1 26.6 26.1 25.8

T4 125 % NPK 28.5 27.1 26.5 26.0 25.4 24.8

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 30.2 28.0 27.7 27.1 26.6 26.4

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 29.4 27.2 26.8 26.2 25.9 25.5

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 28.2 26.6 26.1 25.5 25.0 24.3







CD (P=0.05) 1.14 2.06 2.55 3.06 3.44 3.82

Initial 31.0

During third year i.e. 2011, DTPA extractable Mn after okra harvest followed almost

similar trend as in the first and second year and it varied from 24.3 mg kg-1 in 125% NPK +

lime (T7) to 35.1 mg kg-1 in 75% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T11). DTPA extractable

Mn, with application of graded doses of NPK alone and in combination with lime decreased

but remained significantly at par with control. Amongst the treatments applied with

chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost, highest Mn content was observed in T11

which was statistically at par with all the treatments getting chemical fertilizers along with

vermicompost (T8 to T13).

The available Mn content of the soil after three years of study declined in control

(T1) treatment from its initial value of 31 to 28 mg kg-1 (Table 4.31). The reduction in Mn

content in control plot may be due to the uptake of Mn by pea and okra crop from the soil

without any addition of fertilizers. These observations are in accordance with those of

Swarup and Yaduvanshi (2000) and Singh et al. (1999). Application of vermicompost in

combination with NPK fertilizer doses generally increased Mn status of the soil from its

initial value. It may be attributed to direct contribution of vermicompost to nutrient pool

and their beneficial effects to prevent Mn fixation, precipitation, oxidation and leaching.

Similar findings have been reported by Kumar et al. (1993) and Swarup and Yaduvanshi

(2000).

xii. Forms of soil acidities

Different forms of soil acidities viz. exchangeable, non-exchangeable and total

acidity was determined at 0-0.15 m depth at the end of experimentation after the harvest of

okra 2011. The relevant data have been given in table 4.32 and described in this section.

a. Exchangeable acidity

A perusal of the data in table 4.32 revealed that exchangeable acidity in

surface layer varied from 0.26 to 0. 13 ( c mol (P+) kg -1 of soil, the maximum being in

control (T1) and minimum in T7 (125% NPK + lime). Application of chemical fertilizers alone

or along with lime or vermicompost either @ 5 t ha-1 or 10 t ha-1 decreased the

exchangeable acidity of soil over control. Maximum reduction in exchangeable acidity was

recorded with lime application and it was to the tune of 62.5, 85.7 and 100 per cent when

75, 100 and 125% NPK was applied with lime, over

control, respectively. Application of vermicompost also resulted in reduction in

exchangeable acidity; however, the differences among vermicompost treated plot were not

significant. Among different rates of application, both showed similar effect on reduction of

exchangeable acidity. As compared to initial status, all the treatments recorded significantly

lower exchangeable acidity of soil except control.

Reduction in exchangeable acidity with vermicompost application could be due to

complexing of Al with organic chelates, thereby reducing the availability of Al3+ ions to some

extent (Venkatesh et al. 2002). Kher and Minhas (1991) also reported similar results.

Application of lime proved to be the most effective practice in reducing the exchangeable

acidity that could be due to its neutralizing effect on exchangeable Al3+, H+ and other

hydrolysable acid producing ions (Subehia et al. 2005).

Table 4.32 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on different forms of

soil acidity (c mol (p+) kg-1)

Treatments Exchangeable

acidity

Non-

Exchangeable/

pH dependent

Total

acidity

T1 Control 0.26 7.80 8.17

T2 75 % NPK 0.23 7.76 8.13

T3 100 % NPK 0.21 7.69 7.94

T4 125 % NPK 0.10 7.58 7.71

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 0.16 5.71 5.91

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 0.14 5.64 5.82

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 0.13 5.60 5.77







0.19 7.11 7.37

CD(P=0.05) 0.05 NS 0.77

Initial 0.25 7.78 8.17

b. Non exchangeable acidity

Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in conjunction with lime or vermicompost

decreased the non-exchangeable acidity of soil over control, the differences, however, were

not significant (Table 4.32). It varied from 7.80 to 5.60 (c mol (p +) kg -1 of soil, the

maximum being in control (T1) and minimum in T7 where 125% NPK was applied with lime.

Due to vermicompost the reduction in non-exchangeable could be due to the

neutralization of hydroxyl Al and Fe polymers. Regarding the effect of lime on these two

types of acidities might be due to the fact that lime contains basic cations like Al, Fe and Mn

which are dominant in the soil.

c. Total Acidity

Like exchangeable and non-exchangeable acidities of soil, total acidity also

reduced with the application of chemical fertilizers alone or in combination with lime or

vermicompost either @ 5 t ha-1 or 10 t ha-1. It varied from 8.17 to 5.77 (c mol (P+) kg-1

(Table 4.32). The total acidity was lowest in the plots receiving 125% NPK plus lime and

highest in the control (T1). Data further revealed that application of graded dose of

fertilizers viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK along with lime reduced the total acidity of soil to the

tune of 38.2, 40.4 and 41.6 per cent over control, respectively. Vermicompost addition

either @ 5 t ha-1 or 10 t ha-1 also reduced the soil acidity, however, greater reduction was

observed at 10 t ha-1 application rates. The differences among both the rate of application

with graded doses of fertilizers were not significant with respect to total acidity of soil. As

compared to initial soil acidity all the treatments getting fertilizer alone or in combination

with lime or vermicompost reduced the soil acidity except T1 (control).

The reduction in total acidity on liming could be due to neutralization of hydroxyl-Al

and Fe-polymers (McLean et al. 1964). Other reasons might be that on liming Al3+, Fe3+ and

Mn2+, which are dominant in acid soils, get reduced and consequently depressed the

different forms of acidities, thereby improving soils pH and base saturation (Haldar and

Mandal 1987).

xiii. Forms of Iron

Different Fe forms viz. exchangeable, extractable, amorphous and crystalline- Fe was

determined at 0-0.15 m depth at the end of experimentation after the harvest of okra 2011.

The relevant data have been given in table 4.33 and described in this section.

a. Exchangeable Fe

Different treatments have significant effect on exchangeable Fe content in

soil (Table 4.33). It reduced with the application of chemical fertilizers alone or along with

lime or vermicompost at either of rates (5 or 10 t ha-1). It varied from 23.4 to 14.0 mg kg-1

of soil, the maximum being in control (T1) and minimum in T7 where 125% NPK was applied

with lime. Graded doses of fertilizers (T2 to T4) viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK reduced the

exchangeable Fe over control, however, this reduction in exchangeable Fe was not

significant. Further it was noted that there was significant reduction in exchangeable Fe

content in soil over control where 75, 100 and 125% recommended dose of fertilizer was

applied with lime (T5 to T7) and highest reduction of 67.1 per cent over control was

recorded in T7. Application of vermicompost either at 5 t ha-1 rate or 10 t ha-1 recorded

significant reduction in exchangeable Fe over control. It is further found that 10 t ha-1 rate

of application of vermicompost recorded higher reduction as compared to 5 t ha-1 rate of

application, however, the differences among then were not significant with respect to

exchangeable Fe.

Table 4.33 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on forms of iron (mg kg-1) in soil

Treatments Exchangeable Extractable Amorphous Crystalline

T1 Control 23.4 64.0 2176 1460

T2 75 % NPK 23.1 60.4 2166 1455

T3 100 % NPK 22.8 60.0 2163 1452

T4 125 % NPK 21.5 59.0 2161 1450

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 14.5 48.7 2086 1398

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 14.2 47.6 2082 1393

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 14.0 47.3 2077 1390

T8 75 % NPK + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 20.1 57.3 2155 1448






CD (P=0.05) 2.9 4.6 29 21

Initial 23.5 64.2 2181 1463

b. Extractable Fe

Application of chemical fertilizers alone or in combination with lime or

vermicompost either @ 5 t ha-1 or 10 t ha-1 reduced the extractable Fe content of soil

significantly. It ranged from a maximum of 64.0 mg kg-1 of soil under control (T1) to a

minimum of 47.3 mg kg-1 of soil under the treatment receiving 125% NPK plus lime (T7).

Application of 75, 100 and 125% NPK alone decreased the extractable Fe content in soil 6,

6.7 and 8.5 per cent over control, respectively. Lime when applied with graded doses of

fertilizer viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK resulted in reduction in extractable Fe and highest

reduction was recorded under T7 which was to the tune of 35.3 per cent over control.

Integration of vermicompost and fertilizer also resulted in reduction in extractable Fe

content of soil, however, difference among then were not significant.

c. Amorphous Fe

It is evident from the data (Table 4.33) that amorphous Fe content in soil followed

almost similar trends as followed in case of exchangeable and extractable-Fe. The

amorphous Fe content in soil determined at the end of experimentation varied from a

maximum of 2176 mg kg-1 under control (T1) to a minimum of 2077 mg kg-1 in the plots

which received 125% NPK + Lime (T7). Though the amorphous Fe contents reduced with the

application of graded doses of fertilizers over control, however the differences were not

significant. Application of graded doses of chemical fertilizers along with lime reduced the

amorphous Fe significantly over control and this reduction was to the tune of 4.3, 4.5 and

4.8 per cent with the application of 75, 100 and 125% NPK along with lime. Consequent use

of chemical fertilizers and vermicompost either @ 10 t ha-1 or 5 t ha-1 also increased the

amorphous Fe content significantly over control. It is further noted that 10 t ha -1 rate of

application of vermicompost was found to be superior over 5 t ha-1 rate of application;

however, the differences among them were not significant at their respective level of

chemical fertilizers.

d. Crystalline Fe

Crystalline Fe content of soil determined at the end of experimentation

differed significantly and ranged from 1460 to 1390 mg kg-1 (Table 4.33) under different

treatments. Application of fertilizers alone or in combination with lime or vermicompost

decreased the crystalline Fe content of soil over control. The extent of reduction in

crystalline Fe content, however, was highest when lime was applied with graded doses of

fertilizers viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK and this reduction was to the tune of 4.4, 4.8 and 5 per

cent, respectively. Marginal reduction in crystalline Fe content was observed with the

application of NPK doses compared to control. Addition of chemical fertilizers along with

vermicompost at either of rates (5 t ha-1 or 10 t ha-1) also resulted in a significant reduction

in this form of Fe. The difference among both the rates of application 5 and 10 t ha -1 with

graded doses of fertilizers was not significant with respect to crystalline Fe content in soil.

xiv. Forms of Aluminium

Different Al forms viz. Exchangeable, extractable, amorphous and crystalline

Al was determined at 0-0.15 m depth at the end of experimentation after the harvest of okra

2011. The relevant data have been given in table 4.34 and described in this section.

a. Exchangeable Al

The exchangeable Al differed significantly under different treatments (Table 4.34). It

varied from 18.7 to 9.6 under control (T1) and 125% NPK + lime (T7), respectively. Among

inorganic treatments, there was decrease in exchangeable Al in comparison to the control,

however, the difference was not significant among them. Application of lime along with

chemical fertilizers (T5 to T7) also decreased exchangeable Al in soil significantly over all

others and the extent of decrease with 75, 100 and 125% NPK with lime treatments was to

the tune of 83.3, 90.8 and 94.8 per cent over control (T1). Similarly, treatments consisting of

vermicompost also reduced the exchangeable Al content in soil significantly over control and

amongst them the plots receiving 125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1 (T13) recorded

significantly lowest exchangeable Al content in comparison to control (T1) and inorganic

treatments (T2 to T4).

Table 4.34 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on forms of aluminium (mg kg-1) in soil

Treatments Exchangeable Extractable Amorphous Crystalline

T1 Control 18.7 59.6 518 1236

T2 75 % NPK 17.1 57.9 515 1232

T3 100 % NPK 16.9 57.4 514 1230

T4 125 % NPK 16.6 56.8 513 1229

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 10.2 46.3 445 1170

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 9.8 46.3 445 1167

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 9.6 45.9 444 1165







14.2 51.6 501 1216

CD (P=0.05) 2.6 4.1 25 23

Initial 18.9 61.2 521 1243

b. Extractable Al

The data pertaining to the effect of different treatments on extractable Al in soil is

given in table 4.34. Extractable Al content of the soil arranged from a lowest value of 45.9 in

T7 to a maximum of 59.6 under control (T1). Status of extractable Al in T7 was significantly

lowest over rest of the treatments except T6 and T5. Application of graded does of fertilizers

decreased the extractable Al content, however, the differences were not significant among

them and over control. Data further revealed that application of chemical fertilizer either

with lime or vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 or 10 t ha-1 significantly decreased the extractable Al

content in soil over control. Application of 75, 100 and 125% NPK with lime registered 28.7,

28.7 and 29.8 per cent decrease over control, respectively. Among different rates of

vermicompost, application of 10 t ha-1 along with chemical fertilizers was found to reduce

the extractable Al content over 5 t ha-1 rate of application, however, the differences among

them were not significant. In comparison to initial value, all the treatments showed decrease

in extractable Al content in 0-0.15 m depth.

c. Amorphous Al

The amorphous Al differed significantly with different treatments (Table 4.34). It

varied from 518 to 444 mg kg-1 under control (T1) and 125% NPK + lime (T7), respectively.

Among inorganic treatments (T2 to T4), there was marginal reduction in amorphous Al in

comparison to control, however, the differences were not significant. Application of 75, 100

and 125% of recommended doses of NPK through chemical fertilizers along with lime

reduced the amorphous Al content in soil significantly over control and this reduction was to

the tune of 16.4, 16.4 and 16.7 per cent, respectively. The 10 t ha-1 application rate of

vermicompost was superior with respect to reduction in its content over 5 t ha-1 application

rate at three levels of NPK, the differences however, were not significant. Different graded

doses along with vermicompost also behaved at par with one another in respect of this form

of aluminium.

d. Crystalline Al

Different treatments had significant effect on crystalline aluminium content

in soil (Table 4.34). It reduced with the application of chemical fertilizers alone or in

combination with lime or vermicompost and varied from a maximum of 1236 mg kg -1 in

control (T1) to minimum of 1165 mg kg-1 in 125% NPK + lime (T7). Graded doses of chemical

fertilizers (T2 to T4) reduced the crystalline Al over control, however, the differences were

not significant. There was significant reduction in crystalline Al content in soil over control

where graded doses of fertilizers were applied along with lime (T5 to T7), and highest

reduction of 6.1 per cent was recorded in T7 (125% NPK + lime). Application of

vermicompost ( @ 5 t ha-1 or 10 t ha-1) registered reduction in crystalline Al form over

control, however, the differences among them were significant only where 10 t ha-1

vermicompost was applied with graded doses of chemical fertilizers. It is further noted that

10 t ha-1 rate of application of vermicompost recorded higher reduction in crystalline Al as

compared to 5 t ha-1 rate of application.

Reduction in these forms of Fe and Al might be due to the fact that organic acids

produced might have occupied the exchange sesqueoxide sites to some extent, which might

have decreased the same. There was rise in pH and reduction in acidity under vermicompost

due to deactivation of Fe3+ and Al3+ and concomitant release of basic cations like Ca2+,

Mg2+ and K+ etc. on its decomposition. Addition of organic acid by microbial decomposition

or root exudation can form soluble complex with Al and Fe. Vermicompost also contain 0.53

per cent Ca which reduce these forms of Al and Fe. The reduction in different forms of Al

and Fe due to lime application was due to decrease of different types of acidities and

increase in pH of soil as discussed earlier. As reported by Adhikari and SI (1991) with

reduction of vermicompost (Organic manure) lead to contribution of phenolic and carboxyl

groups complexing Al and Fe with organic chelates, result in reducing Al and Fe activity in

soil.

4.5 Effect of chemical fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on economics of the system

The economic analysis was based on the prevailing market rates of the inputs as well

as outputs. For the purpose of economic analysis of pea and okra, the cost and returns were

calculated together treatment wise.

i. Pea

A reference to a table 4.35 indicates the economics of different treatments on pea

crop (average of three years) in terms of net returns and benefit cost ratio (B:C ratio).

a. Net Return

The net returns per hectare were highest i.e. Rs. 51705 where a combination

of vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 with 125% recommended NPK fertilizer dose (T10) had been

applied, followed by T9 (100% NPK + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1) - Rs. 46791, T4 (125% NPK) -

Rs. 44895. The lowest net returns i.e. Rs. 19601 were recorded in T5 (75% NPK + lime),

followed by T6 (100% NPK + lime) - Rs. 26451. In case where only inorganic fertilizers were

applied viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK the increase in net return were 9894, 14693 and 17242

rupees over control, respectively. Among the treatments applied with vermicompost and

chemical fertilizer highest increase in net returns were observed in T10 followed by T9.

b. Benefit Cost ratio (B:C ratio)

The order of magnitude of B:C ratio in respect of economics of different treatments

of fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on pea is as follows:

T4 (125% NPK) > T3 (100% NPK) > T2 (75% NPK) > T10 (125% NPK + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-

1) > T9 (100% NPK + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1) > T1 (control) > T8 (75% NPK +

vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1) > T7 (125% NPK + Lime) > T13 (125% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t

ha-1) > T6 (100% NPK + Lime) > T12 (100% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1) > T11 (75%

NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1) > T5 (75% NPK + Lime).

Table 4.35 Economics of fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on pea

Treatment Yield (q ha-1) Value of produce (Rs

ha-1)

Cost of inputs

(Rs ha-1)

Net returns (Rs

ha-1) B:C ratio

T1 Control 59.0 68824 41171 27653 1.67

T2 75 % NPK 68.7 80095 42548 37547 1.88

T3 100 % NPK 73.2 85353 43007 42346 1.98

T4 125 % NPK 75.8 88361 43466 44895 2.03

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 77.0 89749 70148 19601 1.28

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 83.2 97058 70607 26451 1.37

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 88.5 103200 71066 32134 1.45

T8 75 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 93.0 108387 67548 40839 1.60

T9 100 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 98.5 114798 68007 46791 1.69

T10 125% NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 103.1 120171 68466 51705 1.76

T11 75% NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 102.9 119930 92548 27382 1.30

T12 100 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 108.3 126253 93007 33246 1.36

T13 125 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 112.5 131222 93466 37756 1.40

ii. Okra

A reference to a table 4.36 indicates the economics of different treatments on okra crop (average of two years) in terms of net returns and benefit

cost ratio (B:C ratio).

a. Net Return

The net returns per hectare were highest i.e. Rs. 33239 where a combination of lime with 125% recommended NPK fertilizer dose (T7) had

been applied to okra crop, followed by T6 (100% NPK + Lime) - Rs. 31061, T5 (75% NPK + Lime) - Rs. 24969. The lowest net returns i.e. Rs. 8483 were

recorded in control plots (T1), followed by T2 (75% NPK) - Rs. 11149 and T3 (100 % NPK) - Rs. 13839. In cased where only inorganic fertilizers were applied

viz. 75, 100 and 125% NPK the increase in net return were 2666, 5356 and 7303 rupees over control, respectively. Among the treatments applied with

vermicompost and chemical fertilizer highest increase in net returns were observed in T13 followed by T10. Graded doses of chemical fertilizers when

applied with lime resulted in highest increase in net returns over control.

b. Benefit Cost ratio (B:C ratio)

The order of magnitude of B:C ratio in respect of economics of different treatments of fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on okra over control

treatment is as follows

T7 (125% NPK + Lime) > T6 (100% NPK + Lime) > T5 (75% NPK + Lime) > T4 (125% NPK) > T3 (100% NPK) > T10 (125% NPK + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1) >

T9 (100% NPK + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1) > T2 (75% NPK) > T13 (75% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1) = T1 (control) > T12 (100% NPK +

vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1) > T8 (75% NPK + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1) > T11 (75% NPK + vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1).

Table 4.36 Economics of fertilizers, lime and vermicompost on okra

Treatment Yield (q ha-1) Value of produce (Rs

ha-1)

Cost of inputs (Rs

ha-1)

Net returns (Rs

ha-1) B:C ratio

T1 Control 34.6 34613 26130 8483 1.32

T2 75 % NPK 39.1 39098 27949 11149 1.40

T3 100 % NPK 42.4 42394 28555 13839 1.48

T4 125 % NPK 44.9 44948 29161 15786 1.54

T5 75 % NPK + Lime 53.3 53333 27949 25384 1.91

T6 100 % NPK + Lime 59.6 59616 28555 31061 2.09

T7 125 % NPK + Lime 62.4 62400 29161 33239 2.14

T8 75 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 68.2 68192 52949 15243 1.29

T9 100 % NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 75.4 75368 53555 21813 1.41

T10 125% NPK + VC @ 5 t ha-1 78.9 78878 54161 24716 1.46

T11 75% NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 96.3 96283 77949 18335 1.24

T12 100 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 102.3 102278 78555 23723 1.30

T13 125 % NPK + VC @ 10 t ha-1 104.1 104130 79161 24969 1.32

The results indicated that pea and okra responded to heavy manuring from the

economic point of view. These observations are in accordance with those reported by Bhattarai

et al. (2003) who found that from the economic point of view, the integrated use of poultry

manure + 20 kg N + 17.6 kg P + 40 kg K gave the highest net return of Rs. 25630 ha-1. Shukla and

Kohli (1992) reported that maximum pea yield was obtained with the application of 20 kg N, 65

kg P2O5 and 50 kg K2O and gave a net return of Rs. 25512 ha-1. Whereas, at Solan highest pea

yield was reported with the application of 20 kg N, 67 kg P2O5 and 50 kg K2O with a net return

of Rs. 26762 ha-1. Kumar et al. (2006) reported that the application of N, P2O5 and K2O @ 20,

60 and 30 kg ha-1 resulted highest seed yield with net return of Rs. 140842 and B:C ratio value

of 6.25. Compost @ 10 t ha-1 supplemented with half quantity of the recommended fertilizers

gave same yield and profit as obtained from full dose of fertilizers (Sharma and Bhalla 1995).

Sharma et al. (2006) observed that maximum B:C ratio value of 1.04 and net return Rs. 38449

was obtained with the application of 20 kg N, 60 kg P2O5 and 97.5 kg K2O ha-1. The fruit yield

was increased 29.30 per cent over control along with highest benefit cost ratio (3.19) in the

treatment receiving neem cake @ 6 q ha-1 + vermicompost @ 10 q ha-1 + Azotobacter + PSB +

60% recommended dose of NPK through chemical fertilizers (Bairwa et al. 2009). Integrated use

of organics along with inorganic fertilizers could be a worthwhile management skill for attaining

economic yield and that could not only resulted in an adequate productivity of green pea but

would also gave maximum net return and enhance the sustainability of mountain acid soil on

long term basis.

results and discussion - shodhgangashodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/9786/9/09...4. results...

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