Effect of Different Levels of Fertilizers in Combination with Biofertilizers on Biological Properties of Soil under Maize

S. Janardhan *

Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural College, Bapatla, 522101, India.

P. R. K. Prasad

Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural College, Bapatla, 522101, India.

P. Venkatasubbaiah

Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural College, Bapatla, 522101, India.

B. Venkateswarlu

Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural College, Bapatla, 522101, India.

D. Ramesh

Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural College, Bapatla, 522101, India.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

A field experiment entitled “Effect of different levels of fertilizers in combination with biofertilizers on biological properties of soil under maize” was conducted at Agriculture College Farm, Bapatla, during both kharif 2020 and 2021. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with seven treatments and replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of T1- Control; T2- 100% RDF; T3- 125% RDF; T4 – 100% RDF + VAM; T5- 100% RDF +VAM + Azospirillum + PSB; T6- 75% RDF + VAM; T7- 75 % RDF + VAM + Azospirillum + PSB. The results revealed that microbial activity (Bacteria, Fungi and Actinomycetes) and enzyme activity (Urease, Dehydrogenase, Acid phosphatase and Alkaline phosphatase) of maize were significantly higher with 100% RDF +VAM + Azospirillum + PSB (T5) at kneehigh, tasseling and harvest stages of maize crop during kharif 2020 and 2021. Lowest microbial activity and enzyme activity were recorded with the T1(control) which received no fertilizers at all the three stages of crop growth during both the years of study. Present study highlights the need of use of biofertilizers along with inorganic fertilizers to enhance microbial activity and improve soil health.

Keywords: Biofertilizers, biological properties, crop productivity, recommended dose of fertilizers, soil health


How to Cite

Janardhan, S., P. R. K. Prasad, P. Venkatasubbaiah, B. Venkateswarlu, and D. Ramesh. 2022. “Effect of Different Levels of Fertilizers in Combination With Biofertilizers on Biological Properties of Soil under Maize”. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science 34 (22):1407-17. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2022/v34i2231513.