Studies on efficacy of liquid and carrier based biofertilizers on residual soil and plant NPK uptake and microbial count in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Abstract

Soü status was studied through pre-sown and post-harvest soü analysis. The influence of biofertilizer inoculation viz., Azotobacter, phosphate solubilizing bacteria and potassium solubilizing bacteria in different combinations with recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (NP) and without any biofertilizers on tomato crop was tested during the rabi season (2018-19) at Horticultural Research Station, Venkataramannagudem to explore the possibility of reducing doses of chemical fertilizers for better soil health. The results revealed that the application of 100 per cent RDF along with NFB, PSB and KSB (liquid biofertilizers) recorded significant differences (386.33 N, 71.00 P, 208.14 K) in residual soil and plant NP) uptake (164.41 N, 25.59 P, 199.56) respectively. The application of 80 per cent RDF along with liquid biofertilizers recorded maximum colony forming units of NFB, PSB and KSB at 60 and 120 DAT when compared to other treatment combinations.