Effect of Different Phosphorus Sources on Soil Physico-Chemical Property Dynamics under Chickpea Crop

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2021-2022 to study the effect of rock phosphate (RP), poultry manure (PM) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on soil properties. The experiment was laid out in three replications with 9 treatments in Randomized Block design (RBD). Results revealed that the combined application of 50% P through RP + 50% P through PM + PSB (T9) significantly decrease the bulk density but, higher soil porosity was observed with application of 100% P through PM (T5) and 100% P through PM + PSB (T8) were at par. Whereas, improved in soil pH and organic carbon were reported with the application of T8. Also, the maximum available nitrogen (294.95 kg ha-1) was acquired under T8. However, the highest available phosphorus, potassium and available Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn content in soil were observed with T9. Similarly, higher PSB population and acid phosphatase activity was recorded with application of T9. Dehydrogenase activity was observed to be higher underT8 at harvest of chickpea crop. It was concluded that application of phosphate, poultry manure and phosphate solubilizing bacteria improve the soil properties.