Comparative Analysis of Soil Fertility under Conventional and Organic Farming Systems in Rural Areas of Surguja Division of Chhattisgarh, India

The present study provides a comparative analysis of soil fertility under conventional and organic farming systems in rural areas of the Surguja division of Chhattisgarh, based on soil samples collected from Khairbar (Surguja), Pathalgaon (Jashpur), and Mainpat (Surguja).Soil parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphate, and micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, B, Mo) were analyzed.Results reveal significant differences in soil fertility status across locations, influenced by both soil management practices and inherent soil characteristics.Mainpat soils showed relatively higher levels of organic carbon (0.84%), nitrogen (302 kg/ha), and available potassium (305 kg/ha), indicative of better fertility under organic amendments.In contrast, Khairbar soils had lower organic carbon (0.24%) and nitrogen (150.55 kg/ha), reflecting nutrient depletion under conventional practices.The study highlights that integrating organic amendments such as compost and cow dung manure can improve soil fertility by enhancing organic carbon and macro/micro-nutrient availability.It is concluded that organic farming practices offer long-term benefits for sustaining soil fertility and crop productivity in Surguja division.