Integrative effects of organic and inorganic fertilization on soil functions, nitrogen use efficiency, and wheat productivity depend on tillage intensities

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) management and tillage practices influenced sustainability of agricultural systems. We conducted field studies to test the response of the combined organic and inorganic N management on soil properties, N use efficiency (NUE), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production under different tillage intensities in a semiarid climatic conditions. The experiment was designed on a split plot arrangement consisting of three tillage intensities: one time ploughing (T1), two times ploughing (T2), and three times ploughing (T3) with the interval of 10 days in the main plots. Seven organic–inorganic N management strategies using urea:farm yard manures were NM1 0:0, NM2 100:0, NM3 80:20, NM4 60:40, NM5 40:60, NM6 20:80, and NM7 0:100 in the subplots. Results revealed that soil organic carbon (SOC) and labile organic carbon contents were significantly higher in the NM6 treatment under the T3 tillage intensity. Higher soil N and potassium (K) were found in NM5 under the T3 tillage intensity, whereas the soil phosphorus (P) was the highest in NM6 plot. The activities of soil invertase and urease enzymes were also significantly higher in the NM6 treatment under T3 tillage intensity. Wheat growth and yield, N-uptake and NUE were the highest in T3 with NM6 management strategy. Our study demonstrated that integrative N management and tillage practices could improve soil and plant productivity by improving SOC, NUE, and yield, and thus discourage the historical soil health deteriorations of the semi-arid cropping systems.