Comparative study of soil biological properties under organic and conventional farming systems in acidic soils of Meghalaya, India

Aim: To compare the soil biological properties under organic and conventional farming systems. The lack of information on these properties results in an unbalanced use of nutrient sources in crop production. Therefore, proper research in this area is important to harness the benefits of soil biological properties into the desired crop yield and productivity. Methodology: Five different sites consisting two conventionally managed sites, i.e., CPGS-AS Farm, Umiam and Palwi Village, Bhoirymbong Block, and three organically managed, i.e., ICAR Farm, Umiam; Kyrdem Village, Bhoirymbong Block and virgin soil of CPGS-AS Farm, Krydemkulai were selected for study. A total of 40 random soil samples were collected in a zig-zag manner from the plough layer (0-15 cm depth) from each site. The soil samples were well composited and six composite samples of 1 kg each were derived from each of the sites and stored in the freezer at 4 & ring;C for microbial studies. The collected soil samples were studied for various biological properties using standard protocols and the properties were compared. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used foranalysis and themeans were compared by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (p<0.01). Results: Biological properties viz. soil organic carbon, bacterial count, actinomycetes count, acid phosphatase activity, soil microbial biomass carbon and soil microbial biomass phosphorus, except fungal count resulted in higher amounts in soils collected from organic farming systems than that of the conventional systems. Interpretation: Organic farming systems have better soil biological properties compared to the conventional farming systems indicating superior soil health and soil fertility status under organic farming systems.