Effect of forest litter on the important soil properties and performance of upland rice in Nagaland

Abstract

This research was conducted at the experimental plot in School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development (SASRD), Soil & Water Conservation Department, Nagaland University from 2019-2020, as a continuation of a field research carried out in the year 2018, with an objective of analysing the effect of forest litter on important soil properties and performance of upland rice. The research was based on a split plot design with two factors having four replications. The treatments adopted were incorporation of forest litter @ 0, 3, 6 and 9 t ha-1 at 45 and 30 days before sowing (DBS). The amount of applied forest litter significantly increased organic carbon, available NPK, soil pH, cation exchange capacity and bulk density. The maximum organic carbon, available NPK, soil pH, cation exchange capacity and bulk density was observed when forest litter was added @ 9 t ha-1 at 45 DBS. With respect to the growth and its attributes, a significant increase in the plant height, number of tiller, grain yield and straw yield was observed. The maximum plant height, number of tillers, grain yield and straw yield of rice was recorded when forest litter was applied at a rate of 9 t ha-1 at 45 DBS. The incorporation of forest litter at 45 days before sowing @ 9 t ha-1 provided a significant boosts to nutrient content, improves soil properties and provides better grain and straw yield.