Short-term effects of tillage, manure and inorganic fertilizer on soil properties, agronomic characteristics and yield of rice: A review

There is currently a demand to grow more crops in less area as a result of urbanization’s reduction of agricultural land. Consequently, soil fertility is gradually declining. To maintain soil fertility, various management methods are used in modern times. By maintaining soil structure with conservational tillage, biological processes are frequently improved, and microbial biodiversity is increased. Tillage intensity influences soil physical properties through disruption or residue management especially bulk density, soil moisture, air filled porosity etc. and crop yield significantly. Soil health is the capacity of the soil to provide an environment for optimum growth and development of plants, while also ensuring the health of animals and humans. Manure is the major source of plant nutrients that also influences bulk density and yield of rice. Manure improves soil fertility and nutrient content. Tillage and manure application can improve rice yield and soil characteristics, with studies showing that a combination of appropriate tillage, like deeper plowing, and manure application significantly increases grain yield, plant height, and effective tillers per hill. Combination of manure and tillage practices can improve physical soil properties, increase yield, and enhance soil nutrient status, sometimes more effectively than applying either alone. Optimal practices often involve a synergistic approach, but the specific best treatment can vary depending on soil type, climate, and management practices. The result highlights that combination of conservational tillage and manure are much better than association of conventional tillage and manure application for soil quality and different aspects of different tillage and their interaction. This review helps to understand the role of tillage and manure in increasing rice production by maintaining soil fertility. In terms of manure and tillage management, our main goal is to improve crop yield while minimizing harm to the soil’s health.