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Maize-based crop systems are promoted in large scale in South Asia because they are more sustainable and efficient than rice-based systems. In the present study, using two combinations of crop residue management practices (CRM) with four precision nitrogen (N) management (PNM) systems, we assessed the impacts on soil physicochemical characteristics [soil organic carbon (SOC), bulk density (BD), soil penetration resistance (PR)] and crop yields in 6 years old continuous zero tillage (ZT) practices under maize-wheat-mungbean cropping system in a sandy loam soil of northwestern India. The highest SOC (5.73 g/kg) was observed in Zero Tillage with Residue Retention (ZT + R) plots. Zero-tillage with residue retention (ZT + R) significantly reduced the bulk density over the zero-tillage with no residue retention (ZT-R) across the soil depth. The bulk density in ZT + R was 6.5 and 10.7% lower at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm soil depth, respectively, than under ZT-R. The penetration resistance (PR) was significantly lower in ZT + R than in ZT-R across the soil depth. Soil organic carbon (SOC) in ZT + R was 7.4% higher at 0-15 cm depth and 11.9% higher at 15-30 cm depth than under ZT-R treatment. Among PNM treatments, the sequence of treatments in SOC content was 50%N + Green Seeker (GS) >33%N + GS > RDN > 70%N + GS. The system productivity (maize equivalent yield) under ZT + R in combination with 50%BN + GS was 15.0% higher than crops grown under ZT-R with RDN. The wheat equivalent yield under the ZT + R treatment is found to be higher (5.97) in the 50%BN + GS, which was 18% higher than the recommended dose of nitrogen treatment (5.04) and 28% higher than the 70%BN + GS treatment (4.68). Results demonstrated that plots with residue retention performed better, showing a 10% increase in system productivity. The study concludes that a ZT-based system with maize-based crop rotations (MWMb) with crop residue retention and precision nitrogen management can improve soil properties and system productivity in northwestern India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of soil fertility is essential to help identify strategies for sustainable agricultural production systems that decrease the negative environmental impact. The objective of this research study is to carry out a preliminary assessment of soil fertility status to adopt climate-smart agriculture to address the climate change challenges that adversely affect crop productivity and livelihoods of the farming community. The research was carried out in Mambattu village, Maduranthakam block of Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu. A systematic set of twenty geo-referenced soil samples were collected from the study village using GPS (Global Positioning System) and analysed for pH, EC, available macro, secondary and micronutrients to develop a credible soil fertility index (SFI). The preliminary fertility data of Mambattu village revealed that the pH of soil samples varied from acidic to alkaline with about 40% as neutral while the electrical conductivity showed non-saline and medium status of Organic Carbon (OC). The soil samples were predominantly sufficient in N and some micro nutrients (Fe, Mn), while medium in S and B and deficient in P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn and Cu. Results from initial studies indicate that practices like site specific nutrient management, green manuring, use of organic inputs, use of integrated pest management, seed treatment etc., have a high potential for implementing climate-smart agricultural technologies. Soil fertility evaluation can be an efficient tool to improve soil health which can positively impact crop productivity and be one of the important climate-smart technologies practices adopted by the farmers.