Leaf nutrient status and soil properties in Khasi mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) cultivation as influenced by bio-fertiliser enriched organic amendments

Abstract

ABSTRACT Intensive use of synthetic fertilisers in fruit crops has resulted in negative impacts on the environment and biodiversity. The use of organic nutrient regimes is regarded as an alternative solution for agricultural sustainability and human health. This case study investigated effects of organic nutrient regimes on soil properties and nutrient status of leaves of Khasi mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) at Mizoram University, Aizawl, India. The experiment included 13 treatments: T1: farm yard manure (FYM); T2: vermicompost (VC); T3: pig manure (PM); T4: mustard oil cake (MOC); T5: FYM +Azospirillum + phosphate solubilising bacteria (PSB) + potash solubilising bacteria (KSB); T6: VC + Azospirillum + PSB + KSB; T7: PM + Azospirillum + PSB + KSB; T8: MOC + Azospirillum + PSB + KSB; T9: FYM + Azotobacter + arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) + KSB; T10: VC + Azotobacter + AMF + KSB; T11: PM + Azotobacter + AMF + KSB; T12: MOC + Azotobacter + AMF + KSB and T13: Control (RDF). The results demonstrated that the application of organic amendments and bio-fertilisers enhanced leaf nutrient status as well soil health parameters. The highest concentrations of total N, K, Fe and Zn in the leaves and concentrations of organic, inorganic and total carbon, total N, available N, K, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn and abundance of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes in the soil were recorded with T10. Thus, T10 was considered the most effective in terms of increasing leaf nutrient status and soil physico-chemical properties in the Khasi mandarin production system.