Bioformulation of Azotobacter spp. and Streptomyces badius on the productivity, economics and energetics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Wheat production is directly linked to energy inputs of high yielding varieties, chemical fertilizer and mechanization. In spite of their benefits, fertilizers are associated with high energy consumption. Thus there is need to develop energy-efficient agricultural systems with low input energy compared with the output of food. The only alternate to increase and/or sustain the productivity by developing a system in which nutrients are added through combined use of organic sources biofertilizers and PGPR's. Biofertilizers comprised of efficient strains of nitrogen fixing or phosphate solubilizing microorganism can play pivotal role in this regard. Thereupon the present investigation was planned with combination of chemical fertilizer and biofertilizer to find out the best combination and to get maximum profit with energy saving. The field experiment was carried out at two locations with nine different chemical and biofertilizer combination in randomized complete block design. Maximum grain yield was observed in 87.5% N and 87.5% P + Azotobacter spp and Streptomyces badius (seed treatment) at both the locations. Results indicated that Azotobacter spp and Streptomyces badius may be used synergistically as a potential source with reduction of chemical fertilizer to 12.5–25% without compromising yields.