Harshita Sahu, Yogesh Kumar, Satendra Kumar, U.P. Shahi, S.P. Singh, P.K. Singh, Akansha Tyagi and V.M. Patel
Abstract
Cropping sequence plays a crucial role in maintaining soil fertility by influencing nutrient dynamics and the distribution of soil properties within the soil profile. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of four contrasting cropping sequences on soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), and available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) at two soil depths (0â15 and 15â30 cm) in the Upper Gangetic Plain of India. Twenty representative farmersâ fields (five replications per cropping sequence) were selected from the jurisdictional area of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Thakurdwara, Moradabad. Soil samples were analysed using standard analytical procedures. The results showed that soil pH (6.84 7.44) and EC (0.07â0.15 dS m-¹) varied only slightly among the cropping sequences. In contrast, marked differences were observed for organic carbon and available macronutrients. Organic carbon ranged from 0.21 to 0.48%, while available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium varied from 145.2 to 236.5 kg ha-¹, 15.6 to 22.2 kg ha-¹, and 170.8 to 245.6 kg ha-¹, respectively, in the surface soil. Across all cropping sequences, organic carbon and available N, P, and K declined in the 15â30 cm layer. Cropping systems incorporating sugarcane and rapeseed maintained comparatively higher organic carbon and macronutrient status than the conventional riceâwheat sequence and fallow land. The study highlights the importance of diversified cropping sequences in maintaining soil fertility and nutrient reserves under intensive cultivation. These findings provide a useful basis for developing sustainable nutrient management strategies for the Upper Gangetic Plain.