at Mandya District of Karnataka
Soil microbial properties Evaluation of Coconut based Circular Economy (CE) Model, in
the Project area at Mandya ,Karnataka under IBM-IORF Sustainability Project, Phase III
MBC
FDA ( µg/g dry Bacteri Fungi X Actinomyc
Sl. No. Major Land Use (microgram
soil) a X 104 103 etes X 103
C/gm soil)
CE 1 : (Pre
1 30.12 17.61 62 27 12
Management Soils)
CE 1 : (Post
50.72 21.22 72 20 11
Management Soils)
CE 2: (Pre
2 28.37 13.67 41 19 10
Management Soils)
CE 2: (Post
47.29 18.19 76 37 14
Management Soils)
CE 3: (Pre
3 21.62 12.11 21 18 12
Management Soils)
CE 3: (Post
42.46 17.62 29 42 42
Management Soils)
Note: Soil MBC : Soil Microbial Biomass (µg.CO2.C/gm dry soil); FDAH : Fluorescein di-acetate hydrolyzing
activity (FDAH) (µg/gm dry soil)
Evaluation of soil quality under Coconut based ‘Net Zero’ Intercropping pre and
post experimentation revealed no considerable changes in soil pH and EC.
However, slight increase ( 28% - 30%) in organic carbon was noted which was
mainly due to application of Novcom coir pith compost @ 40 ton/ha. Available
N, P, K showed increasing trend though the difference is not significant.
Soil micro-organisms play a significant role in regulating the dynamics of
organic matter decomposition and availability of plant nutrients..
Comparatively higher value of soil microbial pollution, soil MBC and its activity
(indicated by FDAH activity) etc. post soil analysis indicated the favourable role
of Novcom coir pith compost towards soil micro flora rejuvenation. This was
probably due to very high (one trillion billion microbes / ton compost) self
generated microbial presence in Novcom coir pith compost, which post
application helps to regenerate microbes in soil in speediest manner. Overall
offsetting of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides also helps to create a toxicity
free favourable condition for increasing microbial population.
IBM - IORF Sustainability Project/Page 13
In summary, the study found that implementing coconut-based intercropping
systems within the CFNZ program, alongside adopting IRF Technology,
enhances soil properties and productivity. This is achieved by maintaining a
dynamic equilibrium among biotic and abiotic components of the soil,
sustaining biochemical processes, and rejuvenating soil microflora. Diverse
species under coconut trees contribute to continuous nutrient replenishment
through recycling and addition, leading to improved crop productivity
compared to conventional farming practices.
