Temporal Impacts of Different Fertilization Systems on Soil Health under Arid Conditions of Potato Monocropping

The aim of this study was to determine temporary impacts of different fertilization systems on some labile soil biochemical and biological properties following potato monocropping under arid conditions. Field and incubation experiments were conducted to determine specifically soil organic carbon (SOC); dissolved organic carbon (DOC); dissolved organic nitrogen (DON); microbial biomass C (C-mic), N (N-mic), P (P-mic); bacterial and fungi counts; soil resistance index (SRI); net N mineralization (N-min); and some enzyme activity. Levels of SOC; DOC; N-min, C-mic, P-mic; bacteria and fungi counts; and soil respiration (SR) were significantly increased under organic and integrated fertilization systems compared with inorganic nano or NPK fertilization system, while levels of microbial biomass N (N-mic) and DON were markedly increased under nano or fertilizers compared to organic or integrated (organic + inorganic) fertilizers. By contrast, higher values of metabolic quotient (qCO(2)) were recorded in nano or fertilizer treatments suggesting that microbial biomass was less efficient under high maintenance of soil carbon. Enzyme activities of dehydrogenase (DH), beta-glucosidase (beta G), and acid phosphatase (Ac-P) were in the order of organic > integrated > inorganic fertilization systems, while enzyme activity of urease (UR) was in the vice versa order. Integrated fertilization system recorded greater levels of SOC; DOC; N-min, C-mic, P-mic; and SR relative to inorganic fertilizers even though applied at lower rates. It is, therefore, important for soils under monocropping system to poise organic and inorganic fertilization system that enhances soil health and soil organic matter build-up.