​Effect of Carrier and Liquid based Biofertilisers on Summer Green Gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] Grown in Red Laterite Soil

Abstract

Background: Biofertiliser formulations are available as carrier based and liquid based. Liquid formulations are known to have better shelf life, viability and higher cell count. Little is known about the comparison between the two formulations in field condition. The present experiment was conducted to study the effect of seed treatment of carrier or liquid-based formulations of biofertilisers (Rhizobium and PSB) when integrated with different doses of inorganic fertilisers. Methods: A field experiment was conducted in randomised block design during the summer seasons of 2018 and 2019 on green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] in the red laterite soil of West Bengal. Ten treatment combinations were replicated thrice. Growth attributes, yield components, yield, soil characteristics, nutrient uptake and economics were studied. Result: The results revealed that application of recommended doses of fertilisers (RDF) + liquid based Rhizobium + PSB registered significantly highest growth, yield, nutrient uptake in plants, economic return as well as improved soil characteristics. Economic return in plants treated with 75% RDF + Liquid based Rhizobium + PSB was found at par with plants applied with RDF + Carrier based Rhizobium + PSB, RDF + Liquid based PSB and RDF + Liquid based Rhizobium.