Effect of natural farming on yield performances, soil health and nutrient uptake in wheat + gram inter cropping system in sub-temperate regions of Himachal Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2019-20 and 2020-21 at Zero Budget Natural Farm (ZBNF), Holta, Department of Organic Agriculture and Natural Farming, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Palampur H.P to evaluate the comparative efficacy of different components of natural farming in wheat + gram cropping system under Subhash Palekar natural farming (SPNF). The experiment consisted of 8 treatments in randomized block design with three replications. Results revealed that ghanjeevamrit + jeevamrit + mulching was found to produce significantly highest available nitrogen (275 kg ha -1 ) and NPK content and uptake, viable microbial count {bacterial (28.3 106 cfu g -1 soil), actinomycetes (22.0 105 cfu g -1 soil), fungi (8.5 103 cfu g -1 soil), dehydrogenase activity (4.81 µg TPF g -1 soil hr -1 )} and highest seed yield {wheat (1767.3 kg ha -1 ), gram (734.1 kg ha -1 }.Treatment comprises of ghanjeevamrit + jeevamrit recorded highest available phosphorus (17.6 kg ha -1 ) and potassium (293.5 kg ha -1 ).Ghanjeevamrit + jeevamrit + mulching treatment was found having greater influence over soil properties followed by ghanjeevamrit + jeevamrit and it was significantly lowest in control treatments.