Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Levels on Soil, Water Quality, and Crop Yield in Different Villages of Palanpur Taluka

Abstract

A field-pot experiment was conducted across nine villages of Palanpur Taluka to evaluate the impact of different nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer levels on soil and water quality, leachate characteristics, and crop growth parameters. Six treatment combinations—ranging from no fertilizer (N₀P₀) to maximum application (N₁P₂)—were replicated thrice for each village. Parameters measured included soil and water physicochemical properties (pH, EC, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus), leachate nutrient and salt content, and plant growth/yield indices (root and shoot length, biomass, pods per plant, seeds per pod, seed yield, protein content). Data analysis using a factorial completely randomized design (FCRD) revealed that higher N and P doses significantly improved root and shoot length, dry matter accumulation, seed yield, and protein content, with N₁P₂ showing the highest productivity gains. However, elevated nutrient inputs also increased EC and nutrient leaching, highlighting the need for optimized fertilizer management to balance yield benefits with environmental sustainability.