Impact of Organic Farming Practices on Available Nutrients Status and Biological Properties of Soils of Udupi District, Karnataka, India

Abstract

A study was conducted in the Department Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Shivamogga, KSNUAHS, Shivamogga to know the impact organic farming practices on available nutrients status and biological properties in soils of Udupi district, Karnataka. Results of the study revealed that an increase in soil pH, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) were recorded in soils under organic farming practices compared to that of soils under inorganic farming practices. Further, relatively higher number total counts (CFU g-1soil) of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and azatobacter were recorded in soils under organic farming practices compared to the soils under inorganic farming practices. Similarly, an increase in enzymes (Dehydrogenase, Acid phosphatase and Urease) activities were also recorded relatively high in soils under the influence of organic farming practices. An increase in available nutrients status, total microbial counts and enzyme activities in soils under organic farming practices may be attributed an increase in soil pH and organic carbon status in soil due continuous addition of organic manures and also an increase in microbial counts and enzyme activities and this was evidenced by a positive and significant correlation recorded between available nutrient status, microbial activities, soil pH and organic carbon status of soils.