Agricultural management practices: Effects on soil properties, root growth and sesame yield

Abstract

The influence of agricultural management practices, such as organic fertilisation and plant densities on soil properties, root growth, and sesame yield were investigated. Soil samples (depth of 0–20 cm) were taken from a field study with sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) cultivated on a Chromic Luvisol, which was conducted to explore the effects of six fertilisation systems [Non-fertilisation (Control); Mineral fertilisation (Min); Organic fertilisation with 2 (Org-1) and 3 Mg ha^–1 (Org-2) of commercial organic fertiliser Organus B; and with 1 (Tak 1) and 2 Mg ha^–1 (Tak-2) of commercial organic fertiliser Takamix] and two plant densities [111111 (Pdens1) and 55555 (Pdens2) plants ha^–1), in a factorial design (6 × 2) with four blocks. The highest values of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, root density and sesame yield were found in the Org-2 fertilisation and Pdens1 treatments. We found that organic fertilisation combined with Pdens1 significantly increased root growth. Organic fertilisation treatments were able to maintain 80% of sesame roots distributed at a soil depth of 0–10 cm, whereas the last 20% were distributed at a soil depth of 10.1–20 cm. In conclusion the utilization of commercial organic fertilisers as an organic matter source enhanced soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and root density that contributed to increase sesame yield. Our findings also suggest that inputs of organic matter source with a correct plant density might change positively soil organic carbon and total nitrogen, root growth, root distribution and sesame yield.