Impact of management levels and land-use changes on soil properties in rice–wheat cropping system of the Indo-Gangetic Plains

Abstract

Five benchmark soils, namely Fatehpur (Punjab) and Haldi (Uttarakhand) non-sodic soils, Zarifa Viran (Haryana), Sakit and Itwa sodic soils (Uttar Pradesh) representing Trans, Upper, Middle and Central Indo- Gangetic Plains (IGP) were revisited for studying the morphological, physical and chemical properties of soils at low and high management levels to monitor changes in soil properties due to the impact of landuse as well as management levels. The results indicate an increase in bulk density (BD) below the plough layer, and build up of organic carbon (OC) and decline in pH in surface layers of Zarifa Viran, Sakit and Itwa sodic soils under high management. The concentration of carbonates and bicarbonates in sodic soils decreased due to adaptation of rice–wheat system. The build-up of OC and decrease of pH in surface soils under rice–wheat system enhanced the soil health. Increase in BD in subsurface soils, however, is a cause of concern for sustaining rice–wheat cropping system. Soil management interventions such as tillage, conservation agriculture and alternate cropping system have been suggested for improved soil health and productivity.