Effects of organic amendments, biofertilisers and biodynamic preparations on soil properties and leaf nutrient concentrations in grapevine

Abstract

ABSTRACT Excessive and unbalanced use of chemical fertilisers can lead to depletion of physical and chemical properties of the soil and have negative impacts on the environment. This investigation was conducted at Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, India and aimed to evaluate effects of organic amendments, biofertilisers and biodynamic preparations on soil properties and leaf nutrient status of grapevine. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with 14 treatments consisting of different combinations of organic amendments, biofertilisers and biodynamic preparations viz. farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), pig manure (PIM), neem cake (NC), Azospirillum, phosphate solubilising bacteria (PSB), potash solubilising bacteria (KSB), Trichoderma harzianum, cow pat pit (CPP) and biodynamic preparations BD500 and BD501. The results demonstrated that the use of organic amendments in combination with biofertilisers and biodynamic preparations enhanced leaf nutrient status as well soil properties in the vineyard. Among all the tested combinations, the highest concentrations of Mn, Zn, chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll in the leaves and concentrations of soil organic carbon, inorganic carbon, total carbon, total N, available N, P, K, Mn and Zn, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and abundance of bacteria and Actinomycetes in the soil were recorded with application of PIM + Azospirillum + PSB + KSB + T. harzianum + CPP + BD 500 + BD 501. This treatment was therefore recommended as a suitable option to meet the demand for long-term maintenance of soil fertility as well agroecosystem conservation and sustainability.