Effect of farm yard manure, fertility levels and bio-fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of sorghum

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during two consequent years (kharif) of 2010 and 2011 to assess the effect of farm yard manure (FYM), fertility levels and bio-fertilizers and their combined effect on the productivity and quality of sorghum. Two levels of farm yard manure (0 and 10 t FYM/ha), four fertility levels based on STR (0, 50, 75 and 100% NPK) and four bio-fertilizers (no inoculation, Azotobacter, PSB and dual inoculation Azotobacter+PSB) were compared. Application of 10 t FYM/ha significantly increased chlorophyll content at 60 DAS, grain yield, and protein content in grain over the control. Application of fertilizer 50, 75 and 100% NPK enhanced flowering as well as improved various growth parameters viz., plant height, chlorophyll content and HCN content at 20 and 40 days over the control. Grain yield and protein content were significantly improved up to 100% NPK, showing an increase of 44.95 and 7.66% over the control. Inoculation of Azotobacter alone and in combination with PSB increased grain yield. Grain yield was significantly increased with 100% NPK in conjunction with 10 t FYM/ha. Bio-fertilizers i. e. Azotobacter+PSB with 10 t FYM/ha significantly increased grain yield of sorghum over their individual effect.