English abstract
The organic farming system is an important entity to keep sustainable agricultural system. Soil amendment practices are used to improve the soil fertility, quality, and better crop productivity. The investigations were carried to examine the effects of soil amendments (biochar, compost 1, compost 2) on soil (cropped and non-cropped) properties (soil texture, electrical conductivity, pH, organic matter, water holding capacity, total organic carbon), and plant growth (broccoli and okra) under organic farming system. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design over the period of 8 weeks. The results showed that the cropped soil was significantly higher in soil EC, OM, WHC, TOC compared to the non-cropped soil. While-the-non-cropped soil showed significantly higher-plant height and dry biomass. Soil texture analysis revealed that the cropped soil was sandy loam and the non-cropped soil was loamy sand in texture. The biochar amendment improved the soil quality by significantly enhancing the soil OM, WHC, and TOC. Biochar application slightly increased the soil-pH, plant height and dry biomass. Compost supplements resulted in significant increase in the soil EC, and OM. This study highlights the effects of organic amendments on the soil properties and plant growth under cropped and non-cropped soils.
