Effect Of Rhizobium Inoculation Research Articles

Effect of rhizobium inoculation on yield and some quality properties of fresh cowpea

Effect of rhizobium inoculation on yield and some quality properties of fresh cowpea

Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation and Phosphate Fertilizer on The Growth of Soybean (Glycine max L) Grobogan Variety

Various strategic efforts to increase food production continue to be made in an effort to achieve self-sufficiency and food security. Soybean is a national strategic commodity to support government programs in an effort to increase production with the aim of achieving self-sufficiency. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the combination of phosphate fertilizer and rhizobium biofertilizer on the growth of soybean (Glycine max L) Grobogan variety. The research was conducted from June to September 2022 at the Ma'had Al Zaytun Agricultural Complex, Indramayu Regency. The method used is the method of randomized block design with a combination pattern. There were 9 treatment combinations of SP-36 phosphate fertilizer and rhizobium inoculation. SP-36 Fertilizer consists of 3 levels, namely 100, 150 and 200 kg/ha and Rhizobium with 3 levels, namely 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 g/planting hole. Each combination was repeated three times so that there were 27 trial plots. Each experimental plot is 6 m2. The observed data were processed using analysis of variance and the Scott-Knott test. The results showed.that the combination-of SP-36 Phosphate fertilizer-and Rhizobium inoculation had-a significant effect on all observations both plant height, number of trifoliate leaves, number of branches, root volume.

Response of rare and abundant rhizosphere microbial communities to inoculated rhizobium in cadmium-contaminated soil phytoremediation

Soil microorganisms play an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance and exerting ecological functions. The taxonomic and functional changes in rare and abundant communities during in bioremediation of cadmium-contaminated soils and their contributions to the remediation of ecosystem functions remain elusive despite the significance of rare and abundant microbial taxa in maintaining soil ecological function. Mesorhizobiumloti HZ76-inoculated seedlings of the Robinia pseudoacacia were used to create a symbiotic system. The effects of rhizobium inoculation on rare and abundant rhizosphere microbial populations were investigated in pot experiments. Despite having minimal effects on the α-diversity of rare and abundant microbial communities, inoculation altered microbial community composition and functional gene abundance. For example, abundant phyla such as Proteobacteria were enriched following inoculation, whereas rare phyla such as Ascomycota were depleted. After inoculation, the abundance of nifH gene increased, while the abundance of amoA, amoB, nirS, nirK and nosZ gene decreased. Rare bacterial populations were more susceptible to the inoculated rhizobium's environmental alterations. In rare communities compared to abundance communities, the α-diversity was higher. Stochastic processes predominated in the communities of uncommon and abundant microorganisms. Furthermore, keystone taxa, particularly rare bacterial taxa (Gemmatimonadaceae and Saprospiraceae) and rare fungal taxa (Ascomycota), more mediates nitrogen cycle processes and is directly associated to the abundance of nitrogen functional genes. Together, our findings demonstrate the different ways that rare and abundant microbial species react to rhizobia inoculation and their connections to the nitrogen cycle.

Effect of rhizobia inoculation and seaweed extract (Ecklonia maxima) application on the growth, symbiotic performance and nutritional content of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)

Research efforts to develop alternatives to chemical-based fertilizers for sustainable crop production has led to renewed interest in beneficial soil microbes such as rhizobia and plant growth promoting biostimulants such as the seaweed (Ecklonia maxima). This study assessed the interactive effect of the co-application of seaweed extract with two Bradyrhizobium strains (Inoculant 1 and Inoculant 2) on the growth, symbiotic performance and nutritional composition of three cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) genotypes (IT97K-390-2, Songotra and TVU13998) grown under glasshouse conditions. The response of cowpea to the treatments was genotype dependent, such that the combined application of inoculant 2 plus seaweed extract increased nodule dry matter in genotype Songotra, and together with sole inoculant 2 increased the parameter in genotype IT97K-390-2, just as the inoculation plus seaweed extract treatments increased the parameter in genotype TVU13998 when compared to their respective counterparts receiving other treatments. Sole inoculation or inoculation plus seaweed extract treatments increased shoot dry matter in all varieties (2.0 to 7.2 g.plant-1) relative to the control plants receiving sole nitrate (0.5 to 1.2 g.plant-1), sole seaweed extract (0.3 g.plant-1), nitrate plus seaweed extract (1.2 to 1.6 g.plant-1) or the absolute control (0.2 g.plant-1). Due to N2 fixation in the inoculated plants, their leaf δ15N (-2.66‰ to -1.20‰) were markedly lower (p≤0.001) than values recorded by the control plants (+3.30‰ to +510‰) which had no nodules; consequently, leaf N accumulation was greater in the inoculation-based treatments (41.2 to 258.2 mg.plant-1) relative to the uninoculated controls (1.7 to 24.7 mg.plant-1). In most instances, the sole inoculation and inoculation plus seaweed extract treatments increased leaf photosynthetic rates (except for genotype TVU13998 treated with inoculant 1 + seaweed extract), water use efficiency (δ13C) (except in genotype TVU13998) and the concentrations of macro and micronutrients in leaves (except for K in Songotra treated with inoculant 1 or inoculant 1 + seaweed extract as well as Mn in TVU13998 treated with inoculant 1 among others) of the cowpeas relative to the controls. We highlight the potential benefits of the synergistic interactions between rhizobia and seaweed extract for enhancing plant growth and nutrient accumulation in cowpea leaves.

Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation and Organic Manures on Growth and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Malakal, Sudan*

Field experiments were conducted for two rainfed seasons(2006 and 2007) and one irrigated season (2008) at the Agricultural Farmof the Upper Nile University in Malakal (Sudan). The objective of theexperiments was to study the effect of each of farmyard manure, waterhyacinth compost, Rhizobium seed inoculation and in dual combinationson groundnut symbiotic performance and growth and yield under bothrainfed and irrigation systems. The organic fertilizers were applied at therate of 15 t ha-1 each. The results showed that each organic manure alonesignificantly increased shoot dry weight, number of nodules plant -1 andpod and hay yields than the control in both rainfed and irrigation systems.Rhizobium seed inoculation with either manure significantly increasedplant shoot and plant root dry weights, plant nodulation, early podformation, absorption of plant N and plant P compared to the control.Moreover, these treatments significantly increased groundnut pod andhay yields over that of the control.

Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation with Different Levels of Inorganic Fertilizers on Yield, Nutrient Content & Uptake of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2021-22, to study the effect of combination of biofertilizer and different level of inorganic fertilizers on yield, quality, nutrient content & uptake of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) at pot culture farm of Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur (U.P.). The experiment comprises of eight treatments T1 (Control), T2 (RDF 75%), T3 (RDF 100%), T4 (RDF 125%), T5 (Rhizobium), T6 (RDF 75% + Rhizobium), T7 (RDF 100% + Rhizobium), T8 (RDF 125% + Rhizobium) in randomized block design with four replications. The chickpea variety RVG-202 is grown by adopting various agronomic practices. The result revealed that among all the treatments, RDF 125% + Rhizobium (T8) treatment recorded maximum yield, highest nutrient content in terms of % N(3.58 %), % P (1.34 %) and % K (0.69 %) in grain % N(2.38 %), % P (1.35 %) and % K (0.86 %) in stover. Highest nutrient uptake viz. N (65.69 kg ha-1), P (24.58 kg ha-1) and (12.66 kg ha-1) in grain and N (61.14 kg ha-1), P (8.99 kg ha-1) and (47.78 kg ha-1) stover is also associated with the treatment T8 [RDF 125% + Rhizobium]. It is clearly identified that seed inoculated with rhizobium can increase yield, nutrient content and uptake values of chickpea crop.

Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation and Phosphate Rock Fertilizer Application on Biomass Production, Nutrient use Efficiency and Yield Parameters of Green Gram (Vigna radiata)

The research was focused on an ecologically sound and highly production of legumes particularly green gram through the application of Rhizobium and rock phosphate fertilizer. Therefore, biomass production, nutrient use efficiency and yield parameters were determined for two growing seasons (November 2019 - January 2020 and February - April 2020), at Chuka university horticultural research farm. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in green grams can improve sustainable soil fertility management and increased production. In Kenya, green gram is a major source of food security particularly in Tharaka Nithi County. However, green gram yields are usually low due to low phosphorous and nitrogen levels of the soil. A factorial experiment of 2 x 2 x 2 was laid out in a randomized complete block design. There were three factors, varieties (N26-nylon and KS20-uncle), phosphate rock (0 and 30 kg P ha-1) and Rhizobium MEA 716 (0 and 100 g ha-1) making a total of eight treatments which were replicated three times. Soil sampling and analyses were done before planting and after harvesting of green grams. Data on grain yield, total dry biomass, shoot and root dry weights. Phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) were done. Data was analysed using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). Significant means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at probability level of 5 %. Results for both wet and dry seasons indicated that variety KS20 under Rhizobium inoculation and phosphate rock fertilizer (R1P1V2) showed significantly (P<0.05) higher increase in shoot dry biomass (52.01 g plant-1), root dry biomass (7.60 g plant-1), total dry biomass (146.4 g plant-1), number of pods (84 plant-1) and yield (2158 kg ha-1). Also, there was significant (P<0.05) higher phosphorous use efficiency of 279.32 Kg/ha and nitrogen use efficiency of 1732 kg/ha in treatment R1P1V2 over other treatments. From these results it was concluded that variety KS20 (V2) performed better compared to N26 (V1) under combined application of Rhizobium and phosphate rock fertilizer. Hence, based on the findings, for sustainable and improved green gram production farmers in Tharaka Nithi County.

Effects of Rhizobium Inoculation and P Fertilizer Levels on Selected Soil Properties, Yield, and Yield Components of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.): The Case of Abuna Gindeberat, West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

Poor soil fertility status and inappropriate agronomic practices are the major factors for low crop productivity like legumes. Thus, the experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the P fertilizer rate and rhizobium inoculation on selected soil properties and yield of faba bean. In order to achieve this objective, a field experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement with replication. The treatments consisted of five P levels (0, 23, 46, 69, and 92 kg P2O5 ha−1) and two rhizobium inoculants (Fb17 and Fb18). Faba bean (Moti variety) was used as the test crop. Soil samples were collected before and after planting for laboratory analysis. All soil and agronomic data were subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) using statistical analysis software version 9.2. The main effect of strain positively improved soil porosity, but soil bulk density was negatively influenced. Soil chemical parameters such as organic carbon, total N, available P, available sulfur, Ca, Mg, and K were positively influenced. The interaction effects of the P fertilizer rate and rhizobium inoculation significantly influenced organic carbon, total N, available P, and yield parameters (pod per plant, numbers of nodules per plant, biomass yield, straw yield, and grain yields). The combined application of 69 kg P2O5 ha−1 and Fb18 rhizobium inoculants gave the highest grain yield (4.4 t ha−1) of faba bean. Thus, the integrated application of strain and P2O5 fertilizer improved soil fertility and faba bean crop yield. Therefore, reducing soil fertility constrains of the soils through the integrated application of strain and P2O5 fertilizer could be a possible option to reduce the yield gap seen between smallholder farmers and experimental fields. So as to maintain soil fertility and sustain faba bean crop production, farmers of the study area are advised to make integrated use of strain type Fb18 and P2O5 fertilizer at 69 kg/ha−1 with appropriate agronomic practices.

Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation and Root Stimulator on Growth and Yield of Lentils (Lens Culinais) in Lime Soil

A field experiment was conducted in the Faculty of Agriculture / University of Tikrit in the agricultural season 2019, to study the effect of Rhizobium (without and inoculated) and enzyme root Stimulator at three levels (0, 12, 16) L.ha-1 in some traits of growth and yield of lentils and their effect on the root nodes and the number Bacterial cells. The results showed that the Rhizobium pollination led to a significant increase in plant height, dry weight of plants, number of pods, dry weight of pods, 1000 seeds weight (grain yield, number of root nodes, number of bacteria, and nitrogen percentage in the root, and also, the addition of Inicium led to an increase in these studied traits. The interaction between the pollination with Rhizobium and the level of addition of Inicium (16) L.ha-1 gave the highest average of the above traits and the seed yield (593.72) kg.ha-1 and the number of root nodes (8.33) nodes / root / plant and ratio Nitrogen by root is 5.48%.

Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation on Growth of Common Bean in Low-Fertility Tropical Soil Amended with Phosphorus and Lime

The cultivation of grain legumes (e.g., common bean) in sub-Saharan Africa contributes to the provision of food for a growing population and delivers environmental benefits such as inputs of nitrogen (N) to crops and soil via symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF). However, the success of SNF is constrained by several factors such as the poor efficiency of native rhizobial strains to fix N, the low availability of phosphorus (P) and the acidity of soils. Two trials have been conducted in low-fertility tropical soils at the smallholder farm scale in Madagascar to assess the effects of Rhizobium inoculation together with inputs of P and lime on the growth of the common bean. We showed that inoculation with native strains of Rhizobium had significant effects on bean root nodulation, which was increased by up to 15-fold on plant growth, which increased by 78% and on bean yield, which increased by 126%. Moreover, we observed positive and significant relationships between inoculation with Rhizobium and P fertilization on nodulation, plant growth and yield. However, the addition of dolomite lime did not show any effect in our study. The addition of P decreased the mycorrhization rate of roots. Additional research is still needed to improve our understanding of soil fertility conditions (mainly on nutrient availability, including micronutrients) allowing better efficiency of legume symbionts (rhizobium and mycorrhiza) in such low-fertility soils.

Effect of rhizobium inoculation and nitrogen levels on performance of green gram [Vigna radiate L. Wilczek

Effect of rhizobium inoculation and nitrogen levels on performance of green gram [Vigna radiate L. Wilczek

Effects of Rhizobium Inoculation on the Growth and Photosynthetic Characteristics of Pea Plants

Effects of Rhizobium Inoculation on the Growth and Photosynthetic Characteristics of Pea Plants

Effects of Rhizobium Inoculation on N2 Fixation, Phytochemical Profiles and Rhizosphere Soil Microbes of Cancer Bush Lessertia frutescens (L.)

Plant-beneficial microorganisms are determinants of plant health and productivity. However, the effects associated with secondary plant metabolism and interactions in the rhizosphere for Cancer bush Lessertia frutescens (L.) is unclear. The study was conducted to understand the mechanism of rhizobium inoculation for L. frutescens, variations in phytochemicals, soluble sugars, and soil–plant interactions in the rhizosphere. Four rhizobium inoculation levels (0, 100, 200, and 400 g) were evaluated under the field conditions to establish the antioxidant properties, soluble sugars, and rhizosphere soil microbial diversity at 150, 240, and 330 days after planting (d.a.p). Although inoculation did not significantly affect plant biomass and N2 fixation of L. frutescens, total phenolics and flavonoids were enhanced with the application of 200 g at 240 days after planting. The antioxidant values analyzed through FRAP (Ferric reducing power assay) were highest with 100 g inoculation at 240 days after planting. Water-soluble sugars such as fructose, sucrose, and glucose increased with the application of 400, 200, and 100 g rhizobium inoculation. The rhizosphere′s carbon source utilization profiles (CSUP) did not vary significantly, depicting the weaker ability in converting C, P, and N profiles. The lowest ß glucosidase activity was observed in the bulk soil with the lowest alkaline and acid phosphatase activities. Soil microbial populations present in the bulk sample demonstrated the smallest overall enzyme activities. The variation of different variables studied indicate the potential of rhizobium inoculation. However, further studies are required to ascertain the inoculation′s effectiveness for plant growth and rhizosphere microbial populations of L. frutescens.

Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation and Tillage Practices on Fodder Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

Background: Agriculture and its allied sectors is an important sector in employment, income and food security. The increasing demands for food grains and cash crops, the area under fodder crops has been static since last 3-4 decades (8.4 mha) resulted into a net deficit in dry and green fodder is around 10 and 35%, respectively making livestock rearing more challenging. Conventional agriculture has largelybeen characterized by conventional tillage which caused soil degradation and negative impacts on soil physical and biological activity. To mitigate these negative effects, resource conservation technologies (RCTs) was tested and adopted to save substantial quantity of irrigation water, reducing the cost of cultivation, timely sowing, improve input use efficiency and left indirect effect on mitigating the adverse effect of climate changes. Biological N2 fixation (BNF) can make plants self-sustaining for N nutrition and avoiding the need for mineral N fertilization. The current study aimed enhancing fodder production by adoption of modern tillage practices and efficient N management. Methods: In this field-laboratory investigation during 2017-18, experiment was laid out in the split plot design consisting of three tillage practices zero tillage (ZT), conventional tillage (CT) and raised bed (RB) and six N management viz., N0, N75, N75+Rhizo, N100, N100+Rhizo and N125%. The soil of the experimental field was clay loam in texture having pH 7.30, EC; 0.35 dS/m, medium in organic carbon (0.63%), low in nitrogen (188.48 kg/ha), medium in phosphorus (23.56 kg/ha) and potassium (271.12 kg/ha). The recommended dose of fertilizer and other cultural practices was applied as per treatments with standard process. The crop was harvested at 60 days after sowing and weighed for green fodder yield. The observations growth, yields and quality parameters was recorded as per the standard method. Statistical analysis was done using analysis of variance in split plot design. Result: ZT practices significantly improved growth attributes, fodder yield and available nitrogen. Higher fodder yield of cowpea was recorded with ZT as compared to CT and it was statistically similar in RB. The nitrogen management practices had significant effect on root length and root nodules, plant growth attributes, fodder yield and available N, P and K. The significant fodder yield was increase with successive increase of N application up to 75% N + rhizobium, over 0 and 75% N alone. The present work shows that adoption of ZT and inoculation of rhizobia had significantly improved soil health and stabilized fodder yield of cowpea besides decrease fertilizer nitrogen requirement in the irrigated agro-ecosystem of T-IGP.

Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation, Phosphorus and Molybdenum in Yield, Yield Attributes and Nodulation of Cowpea under Mulched and Un-Mulched Field Condition

Cowpea is an important source of nutrition being popular in Nepal. In order to study its effect on nodulation, yield and yield attributes, a research was conducted in the sandy loam soil of the horticulture farm of Agriculture and Forestry University in 2018. The experiment was laid out in factorial 2×5 RCBD which consists of mulched and un-mulched condition as 1st factor and rhizobium inoculation (R) at 1gm/ 16.66 gm seed, phosphorus (P) at recommended dose of 120kg/ha, use of R plus P (RP), RP plus Molybdenum (RPMo) at 2 gm per kg seed and control with no such application as 2nd factor. So altogether there are ten treatments with three replications. Regarding 1st factor, mulched treatment was found significantly superior than un-mulched treatment in case of all yield attributes like canopy, stem diameter and plant height. Yield and no of nodules per plant was found 312.61 gm and 121.63 respectively in mulched treatment which was highly significant (P < 0.001) than un-mulched. In case of 2nd factor, plant height at 60 days after sowing was found significantly superior in all applications than control. Yield and no of nodules per plant was found 312.53gm (P < 0.01) and 129.33 (P < 0.05) respectively in RPMo treatment which was statistically significant and at par with P, RP and R treatment respectively and lowest in control. The rise in number of nodules due to the different treatment applications had the high positive correlation (P < 0.01) with yield and yield attributes. There was no any significant interaction between the two factors. Use of mulching and RPMo treatment was found to be the most suitable combination for cowpea in sandy loam soil.

Effect of rhizobium inoculation on morphological and yield contributing traits in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract i To evaluate the effect of rhizobium inoculation on morphological and yield contributing traits in chickpea (Cicer arietinumL.) cultivars under inoculated and non-inoculated production systems during 2011-12 at The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. Randomized complete block design were used with three replications. The Genotype × Environment interaction values for seed yield plant-1ranged from 5.73 g to 15.86 g attained by genotypes NKC-5-S-17 and NDC-5-S-11, respectively. Genotype NDC-5-S-11 displayed highest values for seeds plant-1 (63.67), and harvest index (39.59%) in inoculated conditions. The same genotype (NDC-5-S-11) outshined for yield (14.67 g) and yield associated traits under non-inoculated production system as well as it exhibited maximum seed yield plant-1 (15.27 g) and largest harvest index across both environments. However, genotype NKC-5-S-24 exhibited minimum days to 50% flowering (124.83 days) and maximum nodules plant-1 across both environments. Highest plant height (66.83 cm) across both systems was showed by NKC-5-S-15 and NKC-5-S-21. Genotype NKC-5-S-14 took minimum days (168.5 days) to mature. Yield plant-1 showed highly significant and positive correlation with pods plant-1(ri = 0.729) (rn = 0.824), seeds plant-1 (ri = 0.862) (rn = 0.865) and harvest index (ri = 0.885) (rn = 0.828) under inoculated (ri) and non-inoculated (rn) environments. Therefore, pods plant-1, seed plant-1 and harvest index can be exploited as indirect selection criteria for selecting high yielding chickpea genotypes. NDC-5-S-11 performed better for yield and yield associated traits across the two environments, moreover its performance under inoculated environment was more prominent, therefore, this genotype can be used in future breeding programs and is recommended for crop rotation program to get maximum yield. Keywords: Biozote Thal-08; Chickpea; Correlation; Rhizobium inoculation http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2018.700168

Effect of rhizobia inoculation on the development of soil-borne pathogens infecting common bean plants

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) plants are one of the most important legumes for human consumption due to its nutritional value and the fact it is rich in protein, iron, carbohydrates, and bioactive compounds. Diseases in common bean plants caused by soil-borne pathogens cause important economic losses in the world. Rhizobia is a well-known bacterial group that directly and indirectly promotes plant growth. The steps for biological nitrogen fixation performed in leguminous plants are well-known, as it is also known that the symbiosis between rhizobia and leguminous presents inhibitory effects against fungal diseases in plants. Thus, this work gathers information about the indirect effect in plant growth caused by rhizobia inoculation in common bean plants against the fungal pathogens Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani and Macrophomina phaseolina. Literature shows that the inoculation of common bean plants with different rhizobia isolates reduces or blocks the symptoms of disease caused by these phytopathogenic fungi. It is already known that rhizobia produce extracellular enzymes that hamper fungal development and induce physiological and molecular changes in plants. However, the specific mechanisms that govern these interactions and inhibitions still need to be clarified.

Effects of Rhizobium inoculation and magnesium application on growth and nodulation of soybean (Glycine max L.)

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is one of the major nutritional problems in tropic and subtropic areas, where the most soils are acidic. In this study, the effects of Mg application and Bradyrhizobium inoculation on growth, nodulation, symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation as well as N nutrition status in soybean (Glycine max L.) were investigated in hydroponics under greenhouse conditions. With the increase of Mg up to 0.75 mM at low N and up to 0.5 mM at high N solutions, the dry weights of shoots, roots, and pod grain yield in soybean were increased, while further increase in Mg supply inhibited soybean growth. The availability of Mg was found to entail an improved uptake of N by plants and nodulation process in the root by Bradyrhizobium. Inoculation with rhizobial inoculants not only formed many nodules, but also increased soybean shoot, root biomass and yield, as well as plant N nutrient status.

Effect of Rhizobium inoculation and foliar spray with salicylic and ascorbic acids on growth, yield and seed quality of pea plant (Pisum sativum L.) grown on a salt affected soil, New Valley-Egypt

Effect of Rhizobium inoculation and foliar spray with salicylic and ascorbic acids on growth, yield and seed quality of pea plant (Pisum sativum L.) grown on a salt affected soil, New Valley-Egypt

EFFECT OF RHIZOBIUM INOCULATION WITH PHOSPHORUS AND NITROGEN FERTILIZER ON PHYSICO - CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE GROUNDNUT SOIL

Low soil fertility status, nutritional imbalance and inappropriate agronomic practices are the major problems limiting the current production and yield of groundnut, therefore a study was conducted during 2015/2016 at the green house of the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi, Malaysia, to evaluate the effect of Rhizobium inoculation, in combination with P and N fertilization on the growth and yield of groundnut. The experiment included plots with and without Rhizobium-inoculated treatments, two rates of P fertilizer (0, 82 kg ha-1) and two rates of N fertilizer (0, 27 kg ha-1). The treatments were laid out in a split-split plot design with two main plots (plots with and without rhizobium), two sub plots (for two Nitrogen levels) and two sub sub-plots (for two phosphorus levels), and the experiment replicated thrice. The results showed that the treatment of R+N1P1 increased significantly effect on soil pH by 5.89 units, the R+N1P1 significantly effect on Organic Matter, Soil organic C, soil total N, soil CEC, and available P by (4.87%, 2.13%, 0.34%, 7.0 meq/100g, and 94.36 μg/g, respectively). Based on the results of the present study, it was concluded that the soil properties can be increased with the use of P and N fertilizers along with rhizobium inoculants.