Populations Of Actinomycetes Research Articles

Optimizing Irrigation Scheduling to Enhance Nutrient Uptake and Soil Microbial Activity in Linseed Cultivation (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Linseed crop cultivated under residual moisture and water scarcity conditions in rabi season. To improve the productivity of linseed irrigation water is applied at different stages of crop. So, to optimize the irrigation scheduling and enhance the nutrient uptake and soil microbial activity, this experiment was conducted at Main Agriculture Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur (which comes under North Eastern Dry zone of Karnataka) (India) during rabi 2023-24. The experiment was carried out with Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments and four replications. The results revealed that, pre sowing irrigation fb three irrigations at vegetative stage (30-35 DAS), flowering stage (40-45 DAS) and capsule development stage (60-65 DAS) (T4) recorded significantly higher nutrient uptake by linseed crop (46.07, 19.87 and 39.83 NPK kg ha-1). The rainfed condition treatment (T5) recorded significantly lower nutrient uptake by the crop (19.35, 8.15 and 18.40 NPK kg ha-1). Among the different treatments, pre sowing irrigation fb three irrigations at vegetative stage (30-35 DAS), flowering stage (40-45 DAS) and capsule development stage (60-65 DAS) recorded significantly higher soil microbial population of bacteria (16.1 X 106 cfu g-1 of soil), fungi (13.8 X 104 cfu g-1 of soil) and actinomycetes (6.8 X 103 cfu g-1 of soil) as compared to other treatments. The soil enzymatic activity was significantly influenced by scheduling of irrigation at different growth stages in linseed. At harvest among the different treatments, pre sowing irrigation fb three irrigations at vegetative stage (30-35 DAS), flowering stage (40-45 DAS) and capsule development stage (60-65 DAS) recorded significantly higher dehydrogenase, urease and alkaline phosphatase activity (18.63 μg TPF g-1 soil day-1, 22.5 μg NH4-N g-1 soil hr-1 and 14.4 µg PNP g-1 soil hr-1, respectively).

Biofertilizers: A sustainable strategy for enhancing physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil

A biofertilizer is a biologically derived substance that can enhance soil fertility. It is beneficial for enhancing soil fertility by introducing microorganisms that produce organic nutrients and perhaps decreasing plant illnesses. An extensive review was done to examine the efficacy of several biofertilizers in improving soil properties, including their physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. The secondary data and material for the article were gathered from a variety of sources, including government reports, published research papers, reports from various organizations, and pertinent websites that were examined and their conclusions presented. Although biofertilizers have proven to be a very sustainable method for improving soil quality and increasing crop output, there is a lack of extensive research on their effects on soil’s physical, chemical, and biological aspects. This study aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of various biofertilizers and their effects. This investigation indicated that biofertilizers such as Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate solubilizers, and potassium solubilizers help to increase NPK content in the soil leading to an increase in the productivity of soil. Moreover, biofertilizers help to enhance soil physical properties (soil bulk density, soil moisture, soil temperature, and soil color), chemical properties (soil pH, soil nitrogen content, soil phosphorus content, soil potassium content, and soil organic carbon content), and chemical properties (population of bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes). Overall, by overcoming the challenges with biofertilizers in agriculture, we can attain agricultural sustainability.

Jeevamrit: A Sustainable Alternative to Chemical Fertilizers for Marigold (Tagetes erecta cv. Siracole) Cultivation under Mid-Hills of Himachal Pradesh

Using desi-cow waste products like Jeevamrit under natural farming is widespread among farmers for improving soil biology and productivity. Jeevamrit enhances soil chemical and microbiological properties without needing a large quantity of farmyard manure (FYM) as a sustainable farming practice with a reduced carbon footprint. Despite its traditional use, Jeevamrit faces criticism due to a lack of scientific evidence. This study investigated the comparative effect of Jeevamrit and chemical fertilizers on the growth and yield of marigold cv. Siracole. The experiment employed a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The mother block of marigolds was raised for both the summer and winter seasons. From this mother block, three harvesting flushes were taken and propagated from cuttings. The rooted cuttings were planted at monthly intervals and evaluated for flowering parameters and compared to those treated with RDF (30:20:20 N, P, and K g/m2). Soil supplied with Jeevamrit showed enhanced bacteria (26.33%), fungi (18.92%), and actinomycetes (31.21%) populations compared to the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) (i.e., N–P–K @ 30:20:20 g m−2). Jeevamrit-treated plants have a more marketable flower yield per square meter (3.98%) and a longer shelf life (9.93%) compared to RDF. The study concludes that Jeevamrit @ 2 liters m−2 is a sustainable and effective alternative to traditional fertilizers for enhancing marigold production in the mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh, where natural farming is already accepted.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Health, Soil Quality, and Production of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.).

The integrated application of inorganic fertilizers, organic fertilizers, and biofertilizers helps sustainthe nutrient pool and benefits the soil quality, thereby boosting plant health. The effect of different combinations of biofertilizers (consortium biofertilizer [CBF]-non-rhizobial PGPR), inorganicfertilizers, and organic fertilizers on soil health, growth, and yield of cowpea was evaluated by conducting a field experiment. The application of N100FYM + CBF resulted in significantly higher populations of bacteria, fungi, PSB, and diazotroph, as well as soil dehydrogenaseand alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities. However, the application of N100 FYM recorded a significantly higher actinomycetes population. The application of N100 FYM + CBF resulted in significantly higher soil OC, available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The soil pH was recorded to be highest in control, and soil EC was recorded to be lowest in control. The plant uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium was significantly higher with N50 FYM + NP50 + CBF. The root-shoot biomass, number of leaves, nodules/plant, number of pods/plants, pod biomass, pod length, and pod width were significantly higher in treatment having N50 FYM + NP50 + CBF. However, the height of the plant, number of branches, and biomass of leaves werehighest in treatment with N25 FYM + NP75 + CBF. The pod and stover yield were significantly higher in treatment with N50 FYM + NP50 + CBF. The results showed that the integrated application of non-rhizobial PGPR along with organic and inorganic fertilizer helps to improve overall soil health, quality, and plant growth of forage cowpea contributing to an increase in crop yield.

Insights on soil biological properties and crop yields under natural farming in western Himalaya

Sustainability of agricultural production systems is a major concern in context to present environmental conditions. Natural farming (NF) is being promoted as low-cost environment friendly option. A study was carried out to investigate the effects of NF vis-a-vis organic farming (OF) and conventional farming (CF) systems on soil microbial population, enzymatic activity, and microarthropod population under tomato crop in the mid-hill zone of Himachal Pradesh, India. The results showed that bacterial population under NF increased by 42.8% and 24% in comparison to CF and OF, respectively. Similarly, the population of soil fungi and actinomycetes under NF increased by 80.5 and 67.7% over CF, and by 47.9 and 39.6% over OF, respectively. The soil dehydrogenase activity under NF (22.5µg TPF/g soil/h) was 150.6% higher than CF and 85.2% higher than OF. Similar trend was found for phosphatase and urease activity. Soil micro arthropod population after two years of experiment was also highest under NF followed by OF and CF. The system yield was statistically at par to each other, among different farming systems. All the soil biological parameters were significantly correlated with each other (P<0.001, N=42). However, the correlation of these parameters was not significant for crop yield.

Microbial population and yield of rice–wheat system under variable irrigation and nutrient management

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2018–19 and winter (rabi) season of 2019–20 at the Water Management Research Farm of CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh to study the effect of moisture and nutrient management practices on different soil microbial entities and crop yields in rice (Oryza sativa L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) system. Experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with 3 replications. Treatments comprised of 3 irrigation levels, viz. Recommended critical stages regimes; Irrigation at 0.8 CPE (cumulative pan evaporation) (rice) and 0.6 CPE (wheat); Irrigation at 1.0 CPE (rice) and 1.0 CPE (wheat) assigned to main-plots and 4 nutrient management practices, viz. Inorganic; Organic; Natural farming; and Integrated management allotted to sub-plots. Irrigation at critical stages resulted in significantly higher rice yield, bacterial, azotobacter, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), actinomycetes population. However, fungi population increased under higher moisture regimes. In case of wheat crop, irrigation at 1.0 CPE resulted in a significantly higher yield (7.5% higher over irrigation at critical stages) in both the years of study. Organic and integrated nutrient management practices being statistically at par with each other recorded significantly higher microbial population. A significantly higher fungi population was, however, recorded with natural farming. The highest crop yields were obtained with integrated nutrient management (3.4 t/ha rice and 3.6 t/ha wheat in second year). The best combination for rice was irrigation at critical stages along with integrated nutrient management. Whereas, for wheat irrigation at 1.0 CPE with same nutrient management proved to be the best. Hence it is recommended to follow integrated nutrient management and irrigation at critical stages in rice and at 1.0 CPE in wheat for higher productivity as well as for improved biological properties of soil.

Unveiling the Ecological Ramifications of Aerial Pesticide Application by Drones on Soil Microbiota in Rice

The ecological consequences of aerial pesticide application by drones on soil microbiota in rice fields were investigated in this study. The quantitative and qualitative effects of different pesticide treatments, both applied via drones and power sprayer, were examined on soil bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi. The average population of total bacteria and pseudomonas in the rhizosphere soil tended to be slightly higher in the drone-sprayed treatments compared to the power sprayer treatments. It is evident that the drone spraying treatments resulted in higher average populations of actinomycetes and fungi (124.75 CFU × 105 g-1 soil and 21.12 CFU × 104 g-1 soil, respectively) compared to the power sprayer treatments with average populations of 127.75 CFU × 105 g-1 soil for actinomycetes and 22.5 CFU ×104 g-1 soil for fungi. Qualitative assessment of microbial groups revealed that, the abundance of G -ve bacterial groups are higher when compared to G +ve bacterial groups in rhizospheric soil before harvest of the crop. The distribution of fungal genera varied due to pesticide applications. The mean per cent occurrence of Curvularia spp., Penicillium spp., and Trichoderma spp. was slightly higher in the drone-sprayed treatments (9.85%, 8.51%, and 8.33%) compared to the power-sprayed treatments (2.48%, 2.24%, and 2.00%). However, the mean per cent occurrence of Aspergillus species (A. ochraceous, A. niger, and A. flavus) was relatively higher in the power sprayer treatments (9.14%, 12.81%, and 4.09%) when compared to the drone-sprayed treatments (3.75%, 2.31%, and 0.83%). Overall, this study underscores the need for further research to comprehensively understand the implications of different pesticide application methods on soil microbial communities and their potential impact on soil fertility and ecosystem functioning over time.

Importance of Soil Health for Coffea spp. Cultivation from a Cooperative Society in Puebla, Mexico

The cultivation systems of Coffea spp. in a cooperative society in Puebla, Mexico, include Rustic, Traditional Polyculture, Commercial Polyculture, Unshaded Monoculture and Shaded Monoculture. In this work, the properties of the soil were analyzed through physical, chemical and biological analyses to determine its nutritional status. Composite sample analyses were conducted to determine physical, chemical and microbiological parameters (fungi, actinomycetes, mesophilic bacteria, nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria). Leaf nutrients were determined. Rustic was the cropping system with the highest amount of K in the soil and nutrient assimilation in the leaf (N, P, K and Fe) (p = 0.001); in addition, it had high populations of mesophilic bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes and very low nitrification and denitrification rates. The principal component analyses (PCA) (>3.25%) indicated that actinomycetes and K in soil favor the assimilation of Fe, K and P. This Coffea spp. cultivation system generated a lower impact on soil health than the rest of the systems and favored forest ecosystem conservation.

RHIZOSPHERE MICROBIOME, SOIL ENZYMES AND GROUNDNUT YIELD AS INFLUENCED BY ADDITION OF BIOCHAR AND FERTILIZERS IN IRRIGATED ALFISOL OF NORTH COASTAL ANDHRA PRADESH

The field experiment was conducted in irrigated Alfisols of North coastal Andhra Pradesh tostudy the effect of biochar and chemical fertilizers on rhizosphere microbiome, soil enzymes andyield performance of groundnut crop (variety K-6) during rabi, 2018-19. Biochar application tosoil significantly increased soil bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes population. At pod developmentstage, the highest number of bacterial count (39.0 x106 CFU g-1 soil) was observed in T5 (100%RDF + biochar @ 6 t ha-1) which was on par with all the biochar applied treatments (T3, T4, T6, T7,T8). The Biochar applied @ 6 t ha-1 (T5 & T8) significantly increased the bacterial population ascompared to non-biochar applied treatments (T1 & T2). Fungal and actinomycetes populationfollowed the similar trend of bacterial count. Soil urease activity was significantly superior inbiochar applied treatments (T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8) compared to non biochar applied treatments (T1and T2). With increased rates of biochar application the urease activity markedly increased insoil. Similar trend was noticed with respect to dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase and alkalinephosphatase enzymes in soil in response to addition of biochar. At pod development stage, thehighest leaf area index (3.16) was recorded with 100% RDF + biochar @ 6 t ha-1(T5) which wassignificantly higher than T1 (control), T2 (100% RDF) and T6 (75% RDF + biochar @ 2 t ha-1). Thehighest drymatter accumulation of 2951 kg ha-1 at peg penetration and 6428 kg ha-1 at poddevelopment was observed in T5 (100% RDF + biochar @ 6 t ha-1) which was on par with T3(100% RDF + biochar @ 2 t ha-1), T4 (100% RDF + biochar @ 4 t ha-1), T8 (75% RDF + biochar @6 t ha-1) treatments. Groundnut pod yield was highest (4019.58 kg ha-1) in treatment received100% RDF + biochar @ 6 t ha-1, which was on par with T4 (100% RDF + biochar @ 6 t ha-1) and T8(75% RDF + biochar @ 6 t ha-1).

Comparative analysis of soil quality and enzymatic activities under different tillage based nutrient management practices in soybean–wheat cropping sequence in Vertisols

In the modern era, intensive agricultural practices such as agrochemicals are applied in excessive amounts to enhance agricultural production. However, imbalanced adoption of these chemicals has arisen in the dwindling of agriculture factor productivity and soil quality. To maintain soil fertility and production, these chemical fertilizers must be supplemented with organic inputs. Keeping this in the backdrop, a research trail was established during 2018–19 and 2019–20 years at Research Farm of Agriculture University, Kota, India. The treatment setup was comprised of 5 treatment modules viz., conservation tillage + organic management (CAOM), conservation tillage + chemical management (CACM), conventional tillage + chemical management (CTCM), conventional tillage + organic management (CTOM) and the package of practices (PoPs) with four replications. Results indicated that the highest organic carbon (0.68%), bacterial (29.11 × 107 cfu g−1), fungal (4.77 × 104 cfu g−1), actinomycetes populations (5.67 × 104 cfu g−1), acid phosphatase (44.1 µg g−1 h−1), urease (45.3 µg g−1 h−1) and dehydrogenase (23.3 µg triphenylformazan [TPF] g−1 h−1) activity in soil were found in the treatment of conservation organic system during both the years of study at each soil depth. In contrast to other parameters, the highest system productivity was observed with conservation chemical crop management approaches, with a soybean equivalent yield of 4615 kg ha−1 in a soybean–wheat system of production. Furthermore, the soil quality index (SQI) significantly varied from the lowest score (0.30) at 45–60 cm layer of soil in the package of practices to the highest score (0.92) at 0–15 cm layer of soil with regards to the conservation organic which shows, 206.67 percent enhancement through the soil profile of various crop management practices. The SQI variation from 0–15 to 45–60 cm soil depth was 130.0, 81.08, 60.0, 175.0 and 83.33 percent, respectively, for CAOM, CACM, CTCM, CTOM and PoPs. Amongst, different systems, the highest mean performance was noticed under the conservation organic systems for physical and biological properties. Hence, in line with the salient outcome, we may propose that the conservation chemical system needs to be followed to improve crop productivity, whereas, conservation organic seems a good option for soil health with long-term viability.

Effect of Chemical Weed Management Practices on Weed Dynamics, Soil Microorganism and Nutrient Uptake in Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.)

An investigation was carried out at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Kalaburagi, India, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka, India during kharif 2021-22 to study the effect of pre and post emergent application of weedicides on seed yield, weed dynamics, microbial population and nutrient uptake by weeds in blackgram. The results revealed that, significantly lower weed density (grassy weeds, sedges and broad leaf weeds (0.71) and weed dry weight (0.71) was observed with hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS (control) followed by sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS [grassy weeds (1.08, 1.26 and 1.83) sedges (1.03, 1.57 and 1.47) and broad leaf weeds (1.72, 2.06 and 2.11 at 25, 50 DAS and at harvest respectively]. Weed control efficiency was significantly higher with sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS (89.52, 90.31 and 91.17 at 25, 50 DAS and at harvest respectively) that was on par with hand weeding. Hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS recorded significantly higher population of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes (13.82, 12.49 and 5.25 cfu x 106 g-1 soil respectively). All chemical weedicides applied either pre-emergent or post-emergent significantly reduced population of total bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes. Significantly higher nutrient uptake by weeds was recorded with weedy check (71.03, 32.00 and 56.67 kg ha-1 nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively). Where as, higher nutrient uptake by blackgram was with hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS (126.25, 28.20 and 109.30 kg ha-1 nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively). After the harvest, soil available nutrients status was higher with hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS (141.38, 42.10 and 298.53 kg ha-1 nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively) and significantly lower nutrients were observed with weedy check (122.93, 30.17 and 220.10 kg ha-1 nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively).

Effect of soil nutrient management and land configuration on rhizospheric microbial diversity under cotton (Gossypium spp.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system in semi-arid region

Microbial diversities in the vicinity of root rhizosphere play a crucial role in promoting plant and soil ecosystem health and productivity. They have great potential as key indicators of soil health in agro-ecosystems enhancing the availability of nutrients. Therefore, a study was carried out during 2019–20 and 2020–21 at research farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana to investigate the rhizospheric microbial diversities under cotton (Gossypium spp.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system as affected by land configuration and nutrient management. Experiment consisted of 5 nutrient treatments replicated thrice and two land configurations, viz. raised bed (RB) and flatbed (FB) planned in factorial randomized block design (RBD). The results of experiment under RB revealed that farmyard manure (FYM) and FYM with biofertilizer and cow urine formulation (FYM + Org) showed the highest bacterial, fungal, phosphate solubilizing bacteria, azotobacter and actinomycetes population (6.92 to 7.51, 24.63 to 26.80, 7.61 to 7.68, 8.74 to 9.15,7.27 to 7.66 cfu/g soil, respectively). The decrease in microbial diversity was observed under inorganic fertilizer application through soil test crop response approach with targeted yield of 5.5 and 2.8 mg/ha (STCR5.5/2.8) and 6.0 and 3.2 mg/ha (STCR6.0/3.2) and control for cotton and wheat, respectively. Higher microbial population and soil organic carbon was found in RB compared to FB. The STCR5.5/2.8 and STCR6.0/3.2 recorded highest cotton and wheat yield followed by FYM and FYM+Org and least in control under cotton-wheat system. Thus, the study suggests that RB planting with an addition of manures along with biofertilizer and cow urine formulation could be a sustainable and feasible practice through enhanced microbial population raising soil fertility leading to increase the crop yields under semi-arid regions.

OPTIMALISASI DAN UJI EFEKTIVITAS ACTINOMYCETES PADA Brassica chinensis DI BAWAH CEKAMAN KEKERINGAN DAN pH MASAM ULTISOL

Drought stress and acid soil pH are a form of abiotic stress on acid-dry land. Actinomycetes are a group of transitional microbes that have benefits as bioprotectants, biostimulators, and biofertilizers. This study aimed to determine the optimum growth environment for Actinomycetes at various incubation temperatures (25, 30, 35, and 40 ℃) and media pH (5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) and prove its effectiveness on mustard plants when given drought stress, and increase in acid soil pH. The research was conducted in the LOB greenhouse of PT Great Giant Pineapple using two factors, namely Actinomycetes (F22, F26, F34, F39, and F47) and irrigation (watered and not watered). Observations included Actinomycetes population (CFU mL-1), plant response (percentage of stress, death, survival, recovery), plant growth (plant length, number of leaves, root length), plant production (fresh weight), soil pH, and soil organic matter. Results of this study showed that Actinomycetes F22 gave the highest total population (107 CFU mL-1), and the P4K1, P4K2, and P2K2 treatment combination gave the best results on the observed parameters.

Effect of Hydrogel on Physico- Chemical and Microbiota Properties of Potting Media for Roof Top Cultivation of Ridge Gourd

The present study was conducted to evaluate the physico-chemical and microbiota properties of growing media containing hydrogel, sand, cocopeat, vermiculite, perlite and vemicompost for cultivation of ridge gourd on rooftop. The result of study revealed that rowing media GM5 (Sand + vermicompost + hydrogel + cocopeat + vermiculite and perlite with the ratio of 3: 2.5: 2: 2: 0.5 showed significant effect on Physical properties of the growing media EC (1.85 dS m-1), pH (5.03), total organic carbon (0.843%), physical properties of the growing media bulk density (0.425g cm-3), total porosity (51%) and maximum level of water holding capacity (66.76 mm). Similarly, bacteria population (72.76 (x 106cfu g-1), 77.44(x 106cfu g-1), fungus population (40.56cfu, 44.56cfu) and actinomycetes population (77.44(x 104cfu g-1), 77.44(x 104cfu g-1) at 75th day and 150th day was significantly highest in GM5 sand + vermicompost + hydrogel + cocopeat + vermiculite and perlite (3: 2.5: 2: 2: 0.5) respectively as compared to control. The obtained results claim that sand + vermicompost + hydrogel + cocopeat + vermiculite and perlite act as bio stimulant to nutrient.

Viabilitas Probiotik Asal Fermentasi Maggot (Hermetia illucens) terhadap Suhu dan Lama Waktu Penyimpanan

This study aimed to analyze the viability of probiotics from maggot fermentation under environmental influence i.e., temperature and storage time. The experimental design was a factorial completely randomized design (CRD) using storage time and temperature as factors with 4 replications. The storage time was 3 months with monthly observations while the storage temperatures observed were 4°C, 28°C, 38°C and 48°C. The parameters were physical quality, microbial population, total titrated acid (TTA), and antimicrobial activity. The results showed that probiotics from maggot fermentation were dominated by lactic acid bacteria. The pH of probiotics increased and physical quality changes occured during storage. The yeast and actinomycete populations were not found during month 2 and month 3, respectively, while the population of Bacillus sp. decreased. There was an interaction between storage time and temperature on the population of lactic acid bacteria and TTA. Another interaction was found in the antimicrobial activity produced by probiotics/antibiotics and storage temperature in the third month of storage. Storage time and temperature influenced the physical quality of probiotics, the population of lactic acid bacteria and TTA, while the inhibition zone was influenced by the probiotic/antibiotic solution and storage temperature. It can be concluded that the highest viability of fermented maggot probiotics (LAB) was obtained in the 1st month at a temperature of 38℃.
 Key words: maggot fermentation, probiotics, storage time, temperature, viability

Utilization of Actinomycetes to increase phosphate availability at different soil moisture conditions in Andisols Namanteran, North Sumatera

The high phosphate retention in Andisols causes the availability of P to be low, can not be absorbed by plants. Actinomycetes are capable of solubilizing bound phosphates. This research aimed to identify Actinomycetes in Andisols Namanteran, assess their ability to increase phosphate availability, and understand how they work to increase phosphate availability in this soil. The research design used a factorial randomized block design with 2 factors; factor 1 was Actinomycetes isolate, consisting of A₀ = No Inoculant, A₁ = Inoculant A₁₃₂ (vegetable crops; 32 × 10⁸ CFU mL⁻¹), A₂ = A₄₆₈ (forest plants; 41 × 10⁸ CFU mL⁻¹), A₃ = A₄₅₈ (forest plant; 58 × 10⁸ CFUmL⁻¹), A₄ = A₄₇₁ (coffee plant; 35 × 10⁸ CFU mL⁻¹), A₅ = A₄₅₉ (forest plant; 63 × 10⁸ CFU mL⁻¹), A₆ = A₃₂₁ (hibiscus plant; 37 × 10⁸ CFU mL⁻¹), and A₇ = A₃₅₆ (vegetable plant; 33 × 10⁸ CFU mL⁻¹), and factor 2 was soil water content, consisting of K₁ = 50%, K₂ = 75% and K₃ = 100% of field capacity. The results showed that the availability of P in Andisols increased due to the application of Actinomycetes from 42.46 ppm to 159.20−266.60 ppm. The population of Actinomycetes in Actinomycetes treatment ranged from 27.33−31.58 × 10⁸ CFU mL⁻¹), with a soil pH of 4.41. Water content of 100% was the best in increasing soil pH and Actinomycetes population, but not having significant effects on the available P of the soil. The results of molecular identification of Actinomycetes that have the best potential in dissolving P include A₃>A₅>A₂>A₄>A₁.

Use of coal ash- and lignite-enriched compost to improve soil biological properties and reduce pineapple disease in Ultisols of Central Lampung

Ultisols used for pineapple cultivation are classified as suboptimal lands because of their low soil fertility. Application of compost enriched with other soil ameliorants, such as coal ash in the form of fly ash, bottom ash (FABA), and lignite, can be a good alternative to improve soil properties, including increasing the soil microbial and fauna populations, which play an important role in improving soil fertility and reducing the incidence of pineapple disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of FABA- and lignite-enriched compost on microbial and earthworm populations and the incidence of pineapple disease. FABA- and lignite-enriched compost at a dose of 50 tons/ha was applied using a spread-and-row technique in the pineapple plantation area in Central Lampung. The parameters observed included the microbial population (Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Actinomycetes, Trichoderma), functional microbial populations (nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing microbes, siderophore producers), earthworm population, and incidence of pineapple diseases (marbling, brown spot, cork spot, and pink diseases). Generally, all treatments with FABA- and lignite-enriched compost showed better results than the control for all observed parameters. The treatment of FABA-enriched compost applied with a row technique was the best compared to other treatments because it tended to increase the population of Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Actinomycetes, and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, as well as earthworm abundance and biomass. In addition, in this treatment, there was no incidence of pineapple fruit disease. The abundance of earthworms and soil microbes, especially Pseudomonas was one of the factors which can create a healthier soil ecosystem to suppress the incidence of pineapple diseases.

Influence of fertilizers on the rhizosphere microflora of maize

Influence of fertilizers on the rhizosphere microflora of maize was studied. The fertilizers used for the treatments were N, P, K and Zn in different combinations. Effect of these fertilizer treatments on the population of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, N-fixers, P-solubilizing, and Zn-solubilizing microorganisms, AM fungal root colonization and spore numbers in the rhizosphere were enumerated. The dehydrogenase activity of the rhizosphere samples was also determined. The results showed that the chemical fertilizers have an adverse effect on the population of rhizosphere microorganisms which was also supported by the reduction of dehydrogenase activity.

Quantifying microbial communities in pot cultures of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi: A comprehensive analysis

Substrate based inoculum production using traditional “Pot Culture” technique contains all AMF structures, and is highly infective and common method of AM fungal production and pure culture maintenance. Aim of the present study was to investigate the microorganisms associated (Bacteria, Fungi, Actinomycetes, Nitrogen fixers, P-solubilizers) with pot cultures of 10 AM fungal cultures like Acaulospora laevis, Gigaspora margarita, Funneliformis caledonius, Rhizophagus fasciculatus, Rhizophagus intraradices, Ambispora leptoticha, Glomus macrocarpum, Funneliformis mosseae, Glomus bagyarajii and Entrophospora etunicata (=Claroideoglomus etunicatum) through quantitative analysis. The highest bacterial population (37×107 and 35×107) were associated with pots of G. margarita and R. fasciculatus respectively. The highest fungal population was observed in pots of Glomus macrocarpum (87×105) and R. fasciculatus (82×105). The F. caledonius and R. fasciculatus pot cultures harboured the highest actinomycetes population. The highest N-fixing and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (92×104 and 54×104) were isolated from the pots of R. fasciculatus and G. margarita respectively. However, the highest dehydrogenase activity was observed in the sample collected from pots of R. fasciculatus. These findings highlight the distinct preferences and proliferation rates of different microbial groups in the pot cultures of different AM fungal species.

Effect of Liquid Biofertilizers on Productivity, Quality and Soil Biota of Fodder Sorghum

The field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2022 on sandy clay loam soils at wetland farm of the S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India, to study the effect of liquid biofertilizers on productivity, quality, and soil biota of fodder sorghum. The treatments were allocated in randomized block design and replicated thrice. The soil was neutral in reaction (6.9 pH), low in available nitrogen (115 kg ha-1), medium in available phosphorus (29 kg ha-1) and low in available potassium (156 kg ha-1) status. The initial soil contains bacteria (13.08 X 107 CFU g-1 soil), fungi (4.04 X 104 CFU g-1 soil) and actinomycetes (1.54 X 103 CFU g-1 soil). The results revealed that the maximum green (32.1 t ha-1) and dry (13.0 t ha-1) fodder yield as well as crude protein (7.3%) were obtained with the application of 75% RDF + Azospirillum + PSB + KSB (Both seed & soil application). Furthermore, this treatment produced a significantly higher soil bacterial (23.2 X 107 CFU g-1 soil), fungal (13.7 X 104 CFU g-1 soil) and actinomycetes (10.3 X 103 CFU g-1 soil) population at harvest.