Impact of fertilization and soil treatment methods on soil biological activity

¹ Samarkand State University Institute of Agrobiotechnology and Food Security, 15, University Boulevard, Samarkand, 140104, Uzbekistan
² Samarkand State University of Veterinary Medicine, Livestock and Biotechnology, 77, M. Ulugbek Street, Samarkand, 140103, Uzbekistan
³ South Ural State Agrarian University, 13, Gagarin Street, Troitsk, 457103, Russian Federation
⁴ RUDN University, 6, Miklukho-Maklaya Street, Moscow, 117198, Russian Federation
⁵ Kuban State Agrarian University named after I.T. Trubilin, 13, Kalinin Street, Krasnodar, 350044, Russian Federation

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different fertilization regimes and soil treatment methods on soil biological activity during sugar beet cultivation. The main objective was to determine which combinations of these practices enhance soil fertility and support sustainable agricultural production. A field experiment was conducted in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine using various combinations of organic and mineral fertilizers, as well as two soil treatment methods: traditional plowing and stratification. Soil biological activity was measured using the Tea Bag Index, which assesses the decomposition rate of organic matter. Additionally, soil microorganism populations were quantified to understand the impact of these practices on soil health. The results indicated that the application of organic and organo-mineral fertilizers significantly increased soil biological activity compared to control and purely mineral treatments. The highest activity was observed with manure application combined with mineral fertilization and traditional plowing. Stratification was associated with reduced biological activity, likely due to lower soil aeration. The study concludes that integrating organic and mineral fertilizers with traditional plowing optimizes soil biological activity, making it a viable strategy for sustainable sugar beet cultivation.