Fertilizer application boosts crop yield and soil health in Himalayas.
The researchers studied the effects of long-term fertilizer use on soil properties and nutrient uptake in maize-wheat rotation in the North Western Himalayas. They found that different fertilizers and amendments significantly impacted soil properties like bulk density, pH, organic carbon, and nutrient availability. The highest yields of maize and wheat were obtained with a combination of NPK fertilizers and farmyard manure. This treatment also resulted in the highest uptake of primary nutrients and sulfur by the crops. Overall, the study showed that the right combination of fertilizers and amendments can improve soil quality and crop productivity in the region.