To what extent does long-term compost application improve soil organic carbon and microbial activity, and how does this affect the yield stability of cereals, pulses, and oilseeds in Eastern U.P.?
Himanshu Tiwari
Long-term compost application significantly improves soil organic carbon and microbial activity by adding stable organic matter and nutrients, leading to better soil structure, water retention, and a gradual nutrient release that buffers seasonal yield fluctuations and enhances the yield stability of cereals, pulses, and oilseeds. Studies in India, including those relevant to Eastern Uttar Pradesh, show that compost enhances soil health indicators such as microbial biomass, enzymatic activity, and aggregate stability, which contribute to sustainable productivity and can help restore depleted soil organic carbon pools caused by intensive farming.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037842902500231X
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10850899
Thanks!
Long-term compost application consistently increases soil organic carbon and stimulates microbial biomass and activity, with measurable SOC gains and enhanced biological functioning appearing over multi-year applications (often detectable within 5–10 years), thereby improving soil structure, nutrient cycling and resilience against degradation.
Dear Dr. Tiwari,Plz have a look at the cited article. Short term impact of organic fertilization and seasonal variations on enzymes and microbial indices under rice-wheat rotation. Gaind and Singh, Clean Soil and water 2016. We could not find a positive response on microbial activities beyond three years of organic fertilization.
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