Abstract A study was conducted in a long-term field
experiment initiated in 1939 at the University of Pretoria,
South Africa. The aim was to assess the long-term
effect of direct N and K and residual P fertilizers on
chemical and microbial properties of soil and grain yield
of maize in rotation with field pea. Long-term fertilization
resulted in decreased total organic C (TOC) and basic
cation contents, and had an acidifying effect on soil.
The decrease in TOC was greater in simple fertilizer
treatments (N, P, or K) whereas basic cation contents and
pH declined more in balanced fertilizer treatments
(NPK). Levels of total N were higher in the balanced
than in simple fertilizer treatments. Soil microbial biomass
and numbers of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi
were influenced by, and exhibited qualitative changes in
response to, long-term fertilization. Crop rotation also
exerted effects on chemical and microbial properties of
the soil. Maize grain yield showed significant increases
due to balanced fertilizer treatments. Responses of maize
to simple fertilizer applications were not beneficial in
terms of yield returns. The results suggested that judicious
use of inorganic fertilizers may, in the long-term,
maintain soil quality and productive capacity