Application Of Azotobacter Research Articles

Effect of Liquid Biofertilizer and Variable Source of Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in Western U.P., India

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2021-22 at Crop Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut (U.P.). The experiment consisted of twenty treatment combinations with variable source of nutrients and biofertilizer. The treatment consisted of four sources of nutrients and five Biofertilizer levels were tested in RCBD (Factorial) with three replications. Results revealed that the application of 75% RDF (NPKS 90:45:45:30 kg/ha) +2-ton Vermicompost ha-1 gave higher plant height (203.55 cm), LAI (2.929), branches plant-1, dry matter accumulation (66.65 g plant-1), and seed (1854), stover (7193) & biological (9047) yield (kg ha-1) of mustard crop. Similarly, application of Azotobacter + PSB + KMB + Zn SB each @20 ml kg-1 seed treatment gave higher plant height (201.46 cm), LAI (2.702), branches plant-1, dry matter accumulation (64.98 g plant-1), and seed (1735), stover (6888) & biological (8623) yield (kg ha-1) of mustard crop. Thus, it may be concluded that the application of 75% RDF (NPKS 90:45:45:30kg/ha) + 2‑ton Vermicompost/ha +Biofertilizers (Azotobacter + PSB + KMB + ZnSB each @ 20 ml/kg Seed treatment) found economical in obtaining higher growth and yield of mustard.

Effect of Azotobacter, compost and Humic acid on yield and quality of lettuce (Lactuca Sativa CV. Alfajr) grown in plastic house

A field trial was executed in a plastic house during the autumn season (2021-2022) to investigate the effect of azotobacter (with100ml and without), compost fertilizer at three levels (0, 1, and 2) ton.donum-1 and humic acid at four concentrations (0, 2, 4.and 8) ml.L-1 and their interactions on yield and quality of lettuce cv. (Alfajr). The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The data were analyzed using SAS program (2010). The obtained results revealed that the soil inoculation with azotobacter, soil addition of compost at level (2) ton.donum-1 and foliar spraying of humic acid at (8) ml.L-1 either singularly or combined significantly enhanced yield traits [fresh head weigh(1566.67) g, Marketable yield (8.05) ton. ha-1, yield (8.70) kg.m-2, yield per house(4351.85)kg, and total yield(76.59) ton. ha-1] as well increasing the quality traits [total soluble solids (%TSS), ascorbic Acid (%) as compared to control. However, the maximum ever values of yield and its quality were measured for plants received the dose: azotobacter + compost at (2) ton.donum-1 + humic acid at (8) ml.L-1 whereas the lowest ever values were recorded for plants given no dose of all studied factors (control). The application of azotobacter, compost and humic acid is recommended for organic production of lettuce crop.

Effects of Azotobacter and Carbon Dioxide Concentrations on the Growth and Yield of Rice Plants Grown in Two Paddy Soils

Rice is an important staple crop influenced by rising CO2 and related climate change, but it is not well-known how N-fixing Azotobacter affects rice growth and yield under different CO2 concentrations. This study aimed to determine the effects of Azotobacter strains on the growth and yield of rice plants grown in two paddy soils under varying CO2 conditions. Rice plants inoculated with three Azotobacter strains were grown in a conventional rice soil (Dali) and an organic rice soil (Houlong) under 500 or 1000 ppm CO2. These three Azotobacter strains significantly increased the harvest index of rice plants grown in Dali soil under 1000 ppm CO2, but they did not significantly increase the harvest index for rice plants grown in Houlong soil under elevated CO2. Interestingly, only A. beijerinckii CHB 461 significantly promoted the thousand-grain weight of rice plants grown in both Dali and Houlong soils under elevated CO2. Dali soil had a high level of soil organic matter, exchangeable Ca and Mg, and available Cu and Zn, probably resulting in a better response of the rice plants to Azotobacter inoculation under elevated CO2. In conclusion, in the application of Azotobacter to promote rice growth and yield under future rising CO2 conditions, the soil properties and characteristics of Azotobacter strains may need to be considered.

Growth and Quality Profiency of Onion (Allium cepa L.) by Application of Biofertilizer, GA3 and Humic Acid

During the Rabi season in 2022-2023, a comprehensive trial was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya. Employing a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD), the research assessed twelve different interventions, consisting of biofertilizers, GA3, humic acid and a reference group. Notably, the combined application of Azotobacter, Azospirillum, GA3 and humic acid (T10) showcased substantial improvements in several growth parameters. These encompassed plant height (62.23 cm), number of leaves (10.18), length of leaves (54.08 cm), leaf area (624.65 cm²), leaf area index (4.16) and leaf diameter (8.14 mm). Additionally, this treatment recorded the highest Total Soluble Solids (TSS) at 12.37 °Brix. Moreover, the inclusion of sulphur and humic acid significantly affected the pyruvic acid content, with T10 recorded the highest pyruvate values (5.28 µmol/g). Conversely, the reference group (T12) only recorded slight improvements, emphasizing the noteworthy impact of the interventions on both the growth and qualitative characteristics of the onions.

Assessment of the potentials of <i>Azotobacter</i> spp. as bioinoculants on the growth of potted maize plants

The use of chemical fertilizers in crop production has detrimental effects such as soil acidity and eutrophication. There is need for environmentally friendly approach in improving soil nutrients and agricultural productivity. This study aimed at the isolation of Azotobacter spp from the rhizosphere of crops and the use of these isolates as biofertilizer for the growth of potted maize plants under 5 treatments. These treatments were maize plant only (control), plant with once application of NPK fertilizer, plants with once, weekly and fortnights application of Azotobacter spp. as bio-inoculants. The counts of Azotobacter obtained from the rhizosphere of the crops ranged from 4.0 × 104 – 1.0 × 106 CFU/g. The three high ranking in-vitro biological nitrogen fixing and phosphate solubilization isolates were identified A. chroococcum, A. vinelandii and A. beijerinckii. At the 7th weeks of growth, 83.3 and 100% of the plants that received different levels of bio-inoculants had the perimeter of their girths greater than and significantly different from the controls when cultivated in 8.1 and 12.0 litre pots respectively. At least 91.7% of the plants that received bio-inoculants had higher heights than the controls. It is concluded that the application of Azotobacter bio-inoculants enhanced the growth of maize plants compared to the contro

Response of Different Irrigation Scheduling and Nutrients on Growth, Flowering and Corm Traits of Gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus Hort.) under Delhi Condition

The present experiments were undertaken for standardization of irrigation interval and nutrients on the performance of gladiolus variety under Delhi condition. The field experiments were conducted at the research farm of the Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, during the winter season of the year 2021 and 2022. The experiment was laid out in factorial completely randomized block design with three replications and consisting of four irrigation regimes and five nutrients’ levels including bio-fertilizers. The results of two year experiments showed that maximum plant height (120.56 cm), spike length (97.26 cm), rachis length (63.13 cm) and single corm’s weight (50.73 g) and P content % in plant before flower emergence was found maximum with the application of seven irrigations at 15 days intervals along with treatment N4 i.e. application of Azotobacter + Bio-phosphorous +Bio-potash + Bio-iron +Bio-Zn each 3 litre per hectare foliar spray at 30 and 60 days after planting. Number of florets per spike (21.20), estimated benefit cost ratio (1:2.86), P and K content in plant before flower emergence was found maximum with the application of five irrigations at the interval of 25 days after planting with 50 % RDF + organic manure @ 5 tonnes/ha + Azotobacter + VAM +PSB + KSB @ 2 g per plant.

Unraveling the potential of native Azotobacter and Azospirillum spp. formulations for sustainable crop production of rice (Oryza sativa L. var. Khandagiri)

Biological nitrogen fixation is significantly effective and sustainable field procedure for the promotion of plant growth & development and reducing the burden of chemical fertilizers. In the present investigation, plant growth promoting activities of indigenous bio-fertilizer formulations of Azotobacter and Azospirillum spp. isolated from rice pots filled with local soil of Odisha was examined. The efficacy of Azotobacter and Azospirillum spp. were assessed by selecting five isolates from each genus that were analyzed by biochemical assay like utilization and fermentation of carbohydrate, citrate, nitrate reduction activity, oxidase activity, catalase activity and phosphatase activity. The isolates (Az2 and As5) showed maximum PGP activities among all the isolates of Azotobacter and Azospirillum spp. The analyzed isolates showed variation in production of ethylene between 63.11 ± 4.23 to 121.09 ± 4.56 nmole C2H4/mg bact./h. The isolates Az2 and As5 among Azotobacter and Azospirillum spp. respectively fixed more nitrogen in culture which is 101.66 ± 9.79 (Az2) nmole and 121.09 ± 4.56 (As5) nmole C2H4/mg bact./h. The treatments T1 (Az2) and T2 (As5) were used as individual application of Azotobacter and Azospirillum spp. and T3 as combined application of both the strains which had the best response in all of the developmental metrics studied. Among all treatments, T3 performed around 23-27% better than the T1 and T2 individually.

Effect of Bio-fertilizers and Zinc Levels on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

The field experiment was carried out during rabi season 2022 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments replicated thrice. The treatment combinations are T1:Azotobacter 25g + Zinc 0.1% (30 DAS and 50 DAS) T2:Azotobacter 25g + Zinc 0.3% (30 DAS and 50 DAS) T3: Azotobacter 25g + Zinc 0.5% (30 DAS and 50 DAS) T4:Azospirillum 25g + Zinc 0.1% (30 DAS and 50 DAS) T5:Azospirillum 25g + Zinc 0.3% (30 DAS and 50 DAS) T6:Azospirillum 25g + Zinc 0.5% (30 DAS and 50 DAS) T7:Azotobacter + Azospirillum 25g +Zinc 0.1% (30 DAS and 50DAS). T8:Azotobacter + Azospirillum 25g +Zinc 0.3% (30 DAS and 50 DAS) T9:Azotobacter+ Azospirillum 25g +Zinc 0.5% (30 DAS and 50 DAS), T10: Control (RDF-80-40-40 NPK kg/ha) are used. Results obtained that the higher plant height (205.06 cm), higher plant dry weight (78.17 g/plant), higher crop growth rate (37.6 g/m2 /day), higher ear head length (24.74 cm), higher grains/ear head (2212.69), higher test weight (10.29 gm), higher grain yield (34.16 q/ha) and higher stover yield (69.00 q/ha) were significantly influenced with application of Azotobacter+ Azospirillum 25g +Zinc 0.5% (30 DAS and 50 DAS). Higher gross returns (INR 96553.67/ha), higher net returns (INR 67523.67/ha) and higher B:C ratio (2.03) were also recorded in treatment-9 (Azotobacter+ Azospirillum 25g +Zinc 0.5% (30 DAS and 50 DAS).

Inoculation with mycorrhiza and Azotobacter chroococcum affects the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Eryngium caeruleum at different planting densities

Eryngium caeruleum is a perennial native plant that grows under diverse climatic conditions of Iran. This study aimed to investigate the effect of mycorrhizal and Azotobacter inoculation on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of E. caeruleum at various planting densities. Factors included three levels of plant density (10×30 cm, 20×30 cm, and 30×30 cm), two levels of seed inoculation with Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM) fungi (inoculation with Glomus mosseae and without inoculation), and two levels of seed inoculation with Azotobacter chroococcum (with and without inoculation). The application of VAM fungi and A. chrooroccum significantly affected the measured traits. The interaction effect of plant density×mycorrhizal application and plant density×Azotobacter application on dry leaf weight was significant at a 1% level. The total leaf dry weight for the VAM treatments at a 30×30 cm plant density was 2.93 g. Also, the application of mycorrhizal fungus increased the essential oil percentage, the essential oil yield, and phosphorus concentration in the aerial organs by 132.68%, 100%, and 137.5%, respectively, compared to the control treatment. The simultaneous application of A. chroococcum and VAM improved the quantity and quality of the yield components of E. caeruleum by increasing the availability of mineral nutrients

Influence of Bio-fertilizers and Phosphorus on Yield and Economics of Toria (Brassica campestris L.)

The Experiment aims to find out the Influence of bio-fertilizers and phosphorus on growth and yield of Toria. The experiment was carried out during Rabi season of 2022-23 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. The treatments consist of Bio-fertilizers like Azotobacter – (20g/kg seeds), PSB – (20g/kg seeds), Azotobacter – (10g/kg seeds) + PSB – (10g/kg seeds) and Phosphorus 30, 40, 50 kg/ha. There were 10 treatments each replicated thrice. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.35%) available N (163.42 kg/ha), available P (21.96 kg/ha) and available K (256.48 kg/ha). Results revealed that the higher number of siliqua (232.53 cm), higher number of seeds/siliqua (20.60), higher test weight (3.92 gm), higher grain yield (20.6 q/ha) and higher stover yield (3.70 t/ha) were significantly influenced with application of Azotobacter - (10g/kg seeds) + PSB - (10g/kg seeds) + Phosphorus - 50kg/ha. Higher gross returns (INR 1,03,828.00/ha), higher net returns (INR 74,178.00/ha) and higher B:C ratio (2.50) were also recorded in treatment-9 (Azotobacter - (10g/kg seeds) + PSB - (10g/kg seeds) + Phosphorus - 50kg/ha). The observations were recorded for plant height, dry weight, Crop growth rate, number of siliqua/plant, number of seeds/siliqua, test weight, see yield and stover yield. The data was statistically analyzed using the analysis of variance method.

Effect of Bio-fertilizers and Phosphorus on Growth and Yield of Toria (Brassica campestris L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2022-23 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. To study the Response of bio-fertilizers and phosphorus on growth and yield of Toria. The treatments consist of Bio-fertilizers like Azotobacter – (20g/kg seeds), PSB – (20g/kg seeds), Azotobacter – (10g/kg seeds) + PSB – (10g/kg seeds) and Phosphorus 30, 40, 50 kg/ha. There were 10 treatments each replicated thrice. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.35%) available N (163.42 kg/ha), available P (21.96 kg/ha) and available K (256.48 kg/ha). Results revealed that the higher plant height (124.54 cm), higher plant dry weight (25.01 g/plant), higher number of branches 11.71), higher number of siliqua (232.53 cm), higher seeds/siliqua (20.60), higher test weight (3.92 gm), higher grain yield (20.6 q/ha) and higher stover yield (3.70 t/ha) were significantly influenced with application of Azotobacter - (10g/kg seeds) + PSB - (10g/kg seeds) + Phosphorus - 50kg/ha.

Influence of Biofertilizers and Nitrogen on Yield and Economics of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

The field experiment entitled “Influence of Biofertilizers and Nitrogen on Yield and Economics of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)" was conducted during Rabi season, 2022 at Crop Research Farm in the Department of agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh. The treatment consisted of three level of Biofertilizers [Azotobacter, Azospirillum and Azotobacter + Azospirillum], Nitrogen (60, 80 and 100 kg/ha) and control. The experiment was layout in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 10 treatments and replicated thrice. The soil in the experimental area was sandy loam with pH (8.0), EC (0.56 dS/m), Organic Carbon (0.62%), Available N (225 kg/ha), Available P (38.2 kg/ha), and Available K (240.7 kg/ha). Application of Azotobacter + Azospirillum and N 100 kg/ha produces higher Grain yield (4.34 t/ha), Straw yield (5.34 t/ha), Gross return (101977.56 INR/ha), Net return (74074.56 INR/ha) and B:C (2.65).

Influence of Biofertilizers and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Barley

The field experiment entitled “Influence of Biofertilizers and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Barley" was conducted during Rabi season, 2022 at Crop Research Farm in the Department of Agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh. The treatment consisted of Biofertilizers [Azotobacter, PSB and Azotobacter + PSB], Zn (20, 25 and 30 kg/ha) and a control. The experiment was layout in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 10 treatments and replicated thrice. The soil in the experimental area was sandy loam with pH (8.0), Organic Carbon (0.62%), Available N (225 kg/ha), Available P (38.2 kg/ha) and Available K (240.7 kg/ha). Application of Azotobacter + PSB and Zn 30 kg/ha recorded growth parameters and yield attributes like, highest plant height (107.63 cm), maximum number of tillers/running row meter (66.32), higher Plant dry weight (22.31 g), maximum number of effective tillers/m2 (278.85), maximum number of grains/spike (52.27), higher grain yield (4.29 t/ha) and straw yield (6.72 t/ha).

Influence of Biofertilizers and Nitrogen on the Growth and Yield of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

The field experiment entitled “Influence of Biofertilizers and Nitrogen on the Growth and Yield of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)" was conducted during Rabi season, 2022 at Crop Research Farm in the Department of agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh. The study included biofertilizers and three levels of Nitrogen (60, 80 and 100 kg/ha) and control. The experiment was layout in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 10 treatments and replicated thrice. The soil in the experimental area was sandy loam with pH (8.0), EC (0.56 dS/m), Organic Carbon (0.62%), Available N (225 kg/ha), Available P (38.2 kg/ha), and Available K (240.7 kg/ha). Application of Azotobacter + Azospirillum and N 100 kg/ha produces higher plant height (95.10 cm), maximum number of tillers/running row meter (72.00) and higher dry weight (25.53g), maximum number of effective tillers/m2 (201.33), maximum number of grains/spike (51.20), higher grain yield (4.34 t/ha), straw yield (5.34 t/ha).

Effect of Bio-fertilizer and Gibberellic Acid on Growth and Yield of Baby Corn (Zea mays, Poaceae)

The field experiment was conducted during Zaid season 2021-22 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P). The soil of the experiment plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.2), low in organic carbon (0.48%), available N (171.48 kg/ha), available P (13.6 kg/ha) and available K (215.4 kg/ha). The treatments consisted of three levels of Gibberellic acid 50, 100 and 150 ppm of foliar application and (20 g and 10g per kg litre of water) and two levels of Bio fertilizer {Azospirillum seed inoculation (10 and 20 g/kg of seed) and Azotobacter seed inoculation (10 and 20 g/kg of seed)} respectively and Azospirillum + Azotobacter 10 g/kg each gibberellic acid 150 ppm treatment combined. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments and were replicated thrice. Results defined those maximum values of plant height (185.29 cm), dry weight (90.42 g/plant), number of cobs per plant (2.64), cob length (19.76 cm), cob weight with husk (48.54 g/cob) and cob weight without husk (12.51 g/cob) cob yield with husk (11.04 t/ ha), cob yield without husk (4.15 t/ha) were recorded with application of Azotobacter 10g/kg + Azospirillum 10g/kg + Gibberellic acid 150 ppm (T9) treatment combination.

Effect of organic manures and biofertilizers on growth and yield of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.)

A field experiment entitled "Effect of organic manures and biofertilizers on growth and yield of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.)" was conducted at Instructional Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola during summer season of 2019 - 2020. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and nine treatments viz.T1 (Farm Yard Manure @ 40 t ha-1), T2 (Compost (NADEP) @ 18 t ha-1), T3 (Vermicompost @ 13.5 t ha-1), T4 (Poultry manure @ 6.6 t ha-1) and T5 (Farm Yard Manure @ 40 t ha-1 + Soil application of Azotobacter+ PSB @ 5 kg ha-1 each), T6 (Compost (NADEP) @18 t ha-1 + Soil application of Azotobacter+ PSB @ 5 kg ha-1 each), T7 (Vermicompost @ 13.5 t ha-1 + Soil application of Azotobacter+ PSB @ 5 kg ha-1 each), T8 (Poultry manure @ 6.6 t ha-1 + Soil application of Azotobacter+ PSB @ 5 kg ha-1 each), T9 Control (RDF- 200:100:100 NPK Kg/ha). The various observations in respect of vine growth and yield of watermelon were recorded periodically. From the present findings, it was observed that the growth parameters in respect length of main vine, number of leaves, number of primary branches, chlorophyll index, days for first female flower appearance, internodal distance and male female ratio were found better with Vermicompost @ 13.5 t ha-1+ soil application of Azotobacter +PSB @ 5kg ha-1 each. Yield parameters viz days required for edible maturity, number of fruits per vine, average fruit weight kg, fruit yield kg per vine and fruit yield per ha-1 (tons) were found to be maximum with Vermicompost @ 13.5 t ha-1+ soil application of Azotobacter +PSB @ 5kg ha-1 each.

Production of organic Saffron (Crocus sativus) using biofertilizer and vermicompost

An experiment was conducted at SKUAST-Kashmir during 2018–19 and field trials were conducted at Dryland Agriculture research Station of SKUAST-K and Saffron Research Station, Pampore, Jammu and Kashmir. Results of the present investigation revealed that application of vermicompost, biofertilizer alone or in combination were beneficial in increasing commercial production of saffron. It encouraged more blossoms, which directly influenced the yield of saffron in both locations. At the Dryland Agriculture Research Station, SKUAST-Kashmir application of Azotobacter @11.5 g + 115 g sand + recommended dose of vermicompost of FYM recorded highest number of flowers/plot (139), fresh flower weight (40.10g), and pistil weight (1.17g), followed by treatment level T6 (Azotobacter @11.5 g + 115 g sand + recommended dose of vermicompost of kitchen waste), similar T10 (Azospirillum @11.5 g + 115 g sand + suggested amount of FYM vermicompost). Similar trends in the results were seen at the Pampore Saffron Research Station. Significant changes between treatments for all the features were found in the analysis of variance for the floral and corm properties. For all features, with the exception of the number of flowers, flower weight, and corm weight, location impacts were also significant.

Effect of Biofertilizers and Potassium on Yield and Economics of Yellow Mustard (Brassica campestris L.)

A field experiment was carried out at Crop Research Farm, during Rabi 2021, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) to study the effects of biofertilizers and potassium on the yield and economics of yellow mustard. Biofertilizers (Azotobacter, Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria) and Potassium levels (35, 40 and 45 kg/ha) were organized in a Randomized Block Design experiment. The treatment with Azotobacter at 10 g/kg seed + PSB at 10 g/kg seed + Potassium at 40 kg/ha resulted in a higher number of siliqua per plant (134.53), seeds per siliqua (31.67), test weight (3.40 g), seed yield (1.53 t/ha), stover yield (5.20 t/ha) and harvest index (22.74%). In respect to all other treatment combinations, the application of Azotobacter at 10 g/kg seed + PSB at 10 g/kg seed + Potassium at 40 kg/ha resulted in the highest gross returns (91,800.00 INR/ha), net returns (60,642.40 INR/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.95).

Response of Different Biofertilizers and Zinc Levels on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

The study aims to highlights the effect of different biofertilizers and zinc levels on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays. L). The study was conducted during Rabi 2021 at crop Research farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj, (U.P), India. The soil of this experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), in low organic carbon (0.36%), available N (171.48 kg/ha), available P (15.2kg/ha), available K (232.5 kg/ha). This experiment was performed in Randomised Block Design with nine treatments each replicated thrice on the basis of one-year experimentation. The treatments which are T1: Azospirillum+ZnSo4 10 kg/ha, T2: Azospirillium­+0.1% ZnSo4, T3: Azospirillum+0.2% ZnSo4, T4: Azotobacter + ZnSo4 10 kg/ha, T5: Azotobacter + 0.1% ZnSo4, T6: Azotobacter + 0.2% ZnSo4, T7: Azotobacter + Azospirillum + ZnSo4 10 kg/ha, T8: Azotobacter + Azospirillum + 0.1% ZnSo4, T9: Azotobacter + Azospirillum + 0.2% ZnSo4. The results showed that application of Azotobacter + Azospirillum + 0.2% ZnSo4 was recorded significantly higher Plant height (195.29 cm), Plant dry weight (183.65 g/plant), Whereas significantly highest crop growth rate (5.31 g/m2/day) was recorded with the treatment Azospirillum + ZnSo4 10 kg/ha. Significantly maximum Cobs/plant (2.60), Cob length (27.17 cm), Rows/cob (15.19), Grains/cob (30.16), weight of grains/cob (140.88 g), seed index (230.66), Cob yield (6.33 t/ha), Stover yield (14.30 t/ha), Harvest index (30.67%), Gross returns (Rs.107553.00/ha), Net returns (Rs.71570.00/ha) and Benefit cost ratio (1.99) were obtained with application of Azotobacter + Azospirillum + 0.2% ZnSo4 as compared to other treatments.

Influence of Biofertilizers and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2021-2022 to study the “Effect of biofertilizers and zinc on growth and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea)’’, at Central Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P). Mustard variety of Varuna T-59 was used with biofertilizers like Azotobacter and PSB along with different levels of zinc at 5, 10 and 15 kg.ha1. There were 9 treatments each replicated thrice. The result showed that growth and yield parameters viz., plant height (191.33 cm), no of branches (10.40), Plant dry weight (34.99g), Number of siliquae/plant (283.93), Number of seeds/siliqua (14.99), seed yield (2.23t.ha1) and stover yield(4.90t.ha1) were recorded highest in treatment 9 with the application of Azotobacter 10 g/kg1 seeds+ PSB 10 g/kg seeds + Zinc 15 kg.ha1. Gross return (1,33,800.00 INR/ha), Net return (93,921.00INR /ha). B:C ratio (2.35) were recorded superior with application of Azotobacter 10 g/kg1 seeds+PSB 10 g/kg seeds + zinc 15 kg.ha1.