PSB Inoculation Research Articles

Integration of poultry manure and phosphate solubilizing bacteria improved availability of Ca bound P in calcareous soils.

A laboratory incubation experiment was executed to examine the role of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (with PSB and without PSB) and poultry manure (4, 8 and 12 t PM ha-1) in improving P mobilization/mineralization under four different lime regimes (4.78, 10, 15 and 20% CaCO3 M/M) for 56days using three factorial complete randomized design (CRD) with triplicates. Phosphorus availability progressively increased over time irrespective of PSB inoculation, PM and lime levels. The PSB and PM (4-12 t ha-1) addition into soil significantly increased Olsen P at all incubation intervals. Post incubation PSB survival increased by 12 and 9% with inoculation and 12 t PM ha-1 over control and 4 t PM ha-1, respectively. Liming ominously reduced P mobilization/mineralization by 1.3, 2.6 and 10.5% and PSB population by 6.6, 7.3 and 16.3% at 10, 15 and 20% (lime), respectively, over control at day 56. However, PSB and PM addition (with increasing rate) into soil significantly counterbalanced these ill effects of lime. Thus, the application of PSB and PM is a promising measure to enhance P availability in calcareous soils and shall be practiced.

Improving growth, phytochemical, and antioxidant characteristics of peppermint by phosphate-solubilizing bacteria along with reducing phosphorus fertilizer use

Phosphorus is a vital nutrient for plant growth and development. Its deficiency in farmlands is obviated by the phosphate fertilizer application. Excessive consumption of phosphate fertilizers harms to human health and the environment. Some soil bacteria are capable to increase phosphate fertilizers efficiency. Two-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria inoculation with phosphorus fertilizer on growth, antioxidant status, and phytochemical features of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.). The treatments were three amounts triple superphosphate (0, 50, and 100 kg ha−1) and PSB strains (Pseudomonas putida and Pantoea agglomerans) which were arranged as factorial based on randomized complete block design. The results showed that phosphorus supplying by chemical fertilizer or PSB improved peppermint growth features included stem number, leaf length, leaf number, and dry weights of leaf, stem, and plant. The contents of photosynthetic pigments increased by chemical or biological phosphorus fertilizer application. The application of PSB with triple superphosphate reduced soluble carbohydrates and increased protein. The antioxidant enzymes activities including catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase were increased by the PSB inoculation. In contrast, activities of these enzymes were reduced by the triple superphosphate application. The highest EO yield was obtained by Pseudomonas putida and Pantoea agglomerans inoculation as phosphate-solubilizing bacteria with 50 kg ha −1 triple superphosphate. The menthol content was increased in response to the triple superphosphate and the PSB inoculation. Therefore, PSB inoculation increased phosphate fertilizer efficiency which leads to reducing phosphate fertilizer consuming and increasing the plant biomass as well as EO yield.1

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of rabi onion and its residual effect on succeeding okra crop

The field experiment was conducted to access the effect of inorganic fertilizers, organic manures and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of rabi onion (Allium cepa L.) and its residual effect on succeeding crop okra. The experiment comprised of 36 treatment combinations and replicated three times, was laid out in split-plot design with three fertility levels (0, 75 and 100% of recommended dose of NPKS) and three treatments of organic manures (control, FYM @ 20 t ha−1 and poultry manure @ 5 t ha−1) were applied in main plots. Four bio-fertilizers (No inoculation, PSB inoculation, Azospirillum inoculation and PSB + Azospirillum inoculation) were applied in sub plots. The two year results of the study have clearly showed that application of inorganic fertilizers up to 75% RDF significantly increased all the growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves and chlorophyll content in leaves), yield and yield attributes (bulb diameter, yield of onion and okra). Similarly, application of poultry manure @ 5 t ha−1 significantly increased all the growth parameters, yield and yield attributes of onion. The maximum values for growth parameters, yield and yield attributes achieved on combined inoculation with PSB + Azospirillum. Application of 75 recommended doses of NPKS along with poultry manure @ 5 t ha−1 is better for realizing better bulb diameter and yield of onion. Further it may be concluded that application of 75% RDF of NPKS + 5 t ha−1 poultry manure is worth recommendable for farmers to get significantly better yield, net returns and maximum B: C ratio from onion and its succeeding crop okra by utilizing residual effect of treatment.

Effect of phosphorus and PSB on nutrient content and uptake by fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2015–16 at Agronomy Instructional Farm, C. P. College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar to study the effect of phosphorus and PSB on growth and yield of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.). Twelve treatment combinations comprising three levels of phosphorus (0 kg/ha, 20 kg/ha and 40 kg/ha) and four levels of PSB (No PSB, seed inoculation of PSB, soil application of liquid PSB and seed inoculation of PSB+soil application of liquid PSB). The results revealed that phosphorus application @ 40 kg/ha, surpassed rest of the treatments bearing maximum values of P content in seed and straw as well as uptake of N and P by seed and straw of fenugreek. Nitrogen content in seed and straw did not affect significantly due to phosphorus levels. Among the levels, phosphorus application @ 40 kg/ha significantly built up P2O5 status of soil after harvest of crop. In case of PSB, seed inoculation of PSB+soil application of liquid PSB treatment significantly improved the N and P uptake by seed and straw of fenugreek. Similarly, P2O5 status of soil was built up due to seed inoculation of PSB+soil application of liquid PSB over rest of the treatments.

Effect of pasture type, phosphorus levels and phosphate solubilizing bacteria on forage productivity under agroforestry system in semi-arid regions

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of pasture type, phosphorus levels and phosphate solubilizing bacteria on forage biomass and quality under agroforestry system in semi-arid conditions during kharif seasons. The result revealed that dry matter accumulation of lablab bean at 60 DAS, crop growth rate (CGR) from 30 to 45 DAS, dry fodder yield (DFY) of lablab bean and total biomass production were recorded significantly higher when lablab bean was sown with cenchrus grass in alternate paired rows, however, protein yield was estimated to be at par among types of pasture. Growth parameters of lablab bean viz. fresh and dry weight per plant at 60 DAS, CGR (30-45 DAS), number and dry weight of nodules per plant at 45 DAS and quality parameters viz. leaf and stem N-content, dry fodder yield of lablab bean, total biomass, average CP content and protein yield increased significantly with increasing levels of phosphorus from 20 to 60 Kg P2O5/ha. Positive and significant correlation between total protein yield and CP content (r= 0.53*), and biomass production (r=0.64**) was observed. Total biomass production was significantly increased to extent of 9.09 per cent due to PSB inoculation and estimated protein yield was observed to be higher by 10.42 per cent with PSB inoculation as compared to without inoculation.

Coinoculation of bioinoculants improve Acacia auriculiformis seedling growth and quality in a tropical Alfisol soil

We conducted a study to find out if arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (Acaulospora scrobiculata, Scutellospora calospora) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB, Paenibacillus polymyxa) inoculation either individually or in combinations can improve Acacia auriculiformis seedling growth, uptake of nutrients and quality in a phosphorus deficient tropical Alfisol. The seedlings were assessed for various growth and nutrient uptake parameters after 60 days of treatment. Inoculation with P. polymyxa stimulated mycorrhizal formation. Seedling height, stem girth, taproot length, number of leaves and leaf area, plant dry matter production, nodulation, and nodular dry weight were significantly higher for seedlings that were either dual inoculated or triple inoculated compared to individual inoculation of AM fungi or PSB, and uninoculated seedlings. Dual and triple application of AM fungi and PSB also significantly improved the nutrient contents of shoots and roots and nutrient uptake efficiencies. The calculated seedling quality indexes of the AM fungi and PSB inoculated seedling were 25–208% higher than uninoculated seedlings. These findings show that A. auriculiformis seedlings when dual inoculated or triple inoculated performed better than seedlings inoculated with the microbes individually and compared with uninoculated control seedlings. We conclude that bioinoculation is important for the production of high-quality A. auriculiformis seedlings in tree nurseries for planting in nutrient deficient soils.

Influence of phosphorus and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] in acidic soil of NEH region of India

A field experiment was carried out on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) variety Kashi Kanchan during summer season at the experimental farm, department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in factorial complete randomized block design with 12 treatments i.e. three levels of phosphorus [control 0 kg(P0), 20 kg (P1) and 40 kg (P2) /ha] and four levels of bio-fertilizer [control (B0), Rhizobium10 ml/kg seed(B1), PSB 10 ml/kg seed (B2) and Rhizobium + PSB both 10 ml/kg seed (B3)] with three replications. The uniform dose of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) @ 20 kg/ha along with 10 t/ha FYM (Farm Yard Manure) were applied to all the treatments. Result indicated that the application of P2 (40 kg P/ha) significantly increased the plant height, leaf area index, stem girth, number of nodules per plant, number of branches per plant , total dry matter, pod yield, available soil nutrient status viz., pH, N, P, K, organic carbon and NPK content in plant after harvesting. Similarly, seed inoculation with B3 (Rhizobium + PSB) significantly enhanced the growth, yield, soil nutrient status and nutrient content in plant over single inoculation of Rhizobium and PSB. Combined inoculation of seed with Rhizobium + PSB (B3) along with 40 kg P/ha (P2) significantly increased the stem girth (1.84 cm), total dry matter (13.91g/plant), green pod yield (196.37g/plant and 120.90q/ha), soil nutrient status viz., pH(6.20), available N (370.89 kg/ha), available P (38.57 kg/ha), available K (168.77 kg/ha), organic carbon (2.80%) and N, P and K (0.17%, 0.16% and 0.39%) content over rest of treatment combination.

Microbial inoculation of Rhizobium and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria along with inorganic fertilizers for sustainable yield of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill

ABSTRACTA field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of microbial inoculants and inorganic fertilizers for sustaining the yield of soybean. Application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) gave significantly highest yield (2433 kg ha−1) over 75% RDF (2317 kg ha−1) and without RDF (2205 kg ha−1). Seeds inoculated with Rhizobium (Bradyrhizobium japonicum) and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (2480 kg ha−1) gave significantly highest soybean yield over without inoculation (2191 kg ha−1). Rhizobium and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria with 100% RDF (2674 kg ha−1) gave significantly highest seed yield than rest of the treatment combinations. Root nodules and their dry weight were remained un-influenced due to fertilizer levels, whereas in bio-fertilizers, it was significantly higher with Rhizobium inoculation (24.3 and 408 mg, respectively) followed by dual inoculation of Rhizobium and PSB. 100% RDF and dual inoculation with Rhizobium and PSB earned Rs. 47916/- and Rs. 51182/- net returns per ha, respectively.

Effect of fertilizers at various levels of recommended dosages with organic manures and seed inoculation on phosphorus fractions in postharvest soils

A field experiment was conducted at KVK, Srinagar during two consecutive Kharif of 2009-10 and 2010-11 to study the effect of fertilizers at various levels of recommended dosages with organic manures and microbial inoculation of seeds on the contents of different P fractions (Fe-P, Al-P and Ca-P) in postharvest soils under temperate conditions. The field experiment with soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merill] as the crop was laid out with 18 treatments viz. three levels of recommended dosages (RD) of inorganic fertilizers (50, 75 and 100% RD) along with organic manures (control, and FYM and Dalwood, both at 10 t ha-1) and biofertilizers by means of seed inoculation (control and dual inoculation with Rhizobium + PSB), in complete randomised block design. Each treatment was replicated thrice. The results revealed that the application of inorganic fertilizers, organic manures and bio-inoculation (INM) significantly increased the Fe-P, Al-P and Ca-P fractions in postharvest soils. With the application of fertilizers at 100 per cent level of RD along with the manures and seed inoculation, postharvest soil Fe-P, Al-P and Ca-P contents were higher than when the fertilizers were applied at 50 and 75 per cent level of RD. FYM proved to be superior to Dalweed towards increasing the levels of soil P fractions (Fe-P, Al-P and Ca-P). The levels various inorganic P-fractions increased also with dual inoculation of Rhizobium and PSB of the seeds.

Integrated nutrient management in Oat (Avena sativa L.)under reclaimed sodic soil

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is used as a green fodder, straw, hay or silage. A field experiment was carried out during 2008-2009 with the concept of integrated nutrient management at Aurawan Research Centre of CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow. The treatments of the experiments were T1- Control, T2- NPK (80:40:40 kg ha-1), T3- ½ NPK (40:20:20 kg ha-1) + FYM (10 t ha-1), T4- ½ NPK + FYM (10 t ha-1) + Trichoderma, T5- ½ NPK + FYM (10 t ha-1) + PSB and T6- ½ NPK + FYM (10 t ha-1) + Trichoderma + PSB with 4 replications in randomized block design (RBD). Results indicated that all the treatment showed significant response over control. Maximum plant height at 120 days (157.7 cm), tillersplant-1 at 90 days (6.4), length of spike (38.7 cm), test weight (28.6 g), grain yield (34.9 q ha-1), straw yield (82.8 q ha-1) were recorded with T2- NPK (80:40:40 kg ha-1) which was significantly higher than all the treatments except T3- ½ NPK (40:20:20 kg ha-1) + FYM (10 t ha-1) and T4- ½ NPK + FYM (10 t ha-1) + Trichoderma, followed by treatment T6- ½ NPK + FYM (10 t ha-1) + Trichoderma + PSB showing the value of plant height at 120 days (154.8 cm), tillers/plant at 90 days (6.3), length of spike (37.6 cm), test weight (28.3 g), grain yield (33.1 q ha-1) and straw yield (81.1 q ha-1). Seed treatment with PSB (T5) also responded significantly over control in all the parameters and remained at par with T2 and T6. However, combined seed treatment with PSB + Trichoderma (T6) was much effective in comparison to single inoculation of Trichoderma or PSB.

Effect of phosphate solubilizing bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi with and without rock phosphate on four forest tree seedlings

The effect of phosphorus solubilizing bacteria Bacillus polymyxa and AM-mycorrhizal fungi Rhizophagus fasciculatus with and without rock phosphate treatments on growth of Terminalia paniculata and T. tomentosa were studied in nursery. The results showed that the combined inoculation of both PSB, AM fungi and rock phosphate produced vigorous plant growth of tree seedlings for quick planting. The experiments clearly demonstrated that the combined inoculation of PSB and AM fungi brought marked increase in plant growth, dry matter, and P uptake when, compared to individual inoculants or non-inoculated plants. The increase in growth was attributed to the increase in P uptake in shoots of the seedlings. The results indicated that both organisms have synergistic effect with additional 250 mg RP/kg rock phosphate treatment for T.paniculata Roth. and 150 mgRP/kg for T.tomentosa W.& A. in green house conditions.

Synergistic effect between phosphate solubilizing bacteria and vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on growth and p uptake in Cajanus cajana L. (Pigeon pea)

The influence of phosphate solubilizing bacterium (Bacillus polymyxa) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Rhizophagus fasciculatus) on growth and phosphorus uptake in Cajanus cajana were studied, in green house conditions. Experiments were carried out by using both sterilized and unsterilized garden soil (sandy loam). Mycorrhiza with P-solubilizing bacteria inoculated with sterilized soil produced significantly higher growth, dry matter and increase in nodule number and P uptake in shoot. Moderate or lower growth response was observed among the plants grown in unsterilized soil either PSB or AMF inoculation. On the contrary non-inoculated plants in sterilized garden soil did not showed meager growth and higher total P uptake. A synergistic effect was recorded with increased plant dry matter, nodule number and P uptake in the plants treated with both the inoculum and in sterilized soil.

Isolation of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria from Maize Rhizosphere and Their Potential for Rock Phosphate Solubilization–Mineralization and Plant Growth Promotion

ABSTRACTPhosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) play a significant role in plant P nutrition by their effect on soil P dynamics and their subsequent ability to make P available to plants via solubilization and mineralization processes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of separate and combined use of indigenous PSB, poultry manure (PM) and compost on solubilization and mineralization of rock phosphate (RP) and their subsequent effect on growth and P accumulation of maize (Zea mays L.). A group of fifty seven bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere/rhizoplane of maize that had been grown in soils collected from varying altitudes (655–2,576 m) of the mountain region of Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. After screening, the capacity of eleven isolates to solubilize mineral phosphate was quantitatively evaluated using insoluble Ca3(PO4)2 in culture medium as a time course study through spectrometer. The growth hormone producing (IAA) capacity of the isolates was also determined. Furthermore, five potential isolates were tested for their ability to increase P release capacity (mineralization) of insoluble RP in an incubation study. The effect of PSB inoculation on maize was determined in a completely randomized greenhouse experiment where root and shoot biomass and P accumulation in plants were assessed. The P solubilization index of selected isolates varied from 1.94 to 3.69, while the P solubilization efficiency ranged between 94.1% and 269.0%. The isolates MRS18 and MRS27 displayed the highest values. The P solubilization in the liquid medium was maximum at 6 and 9 days of incubation ranging between 9.91 and 44.04 µgmL−1 and the isolates MRS27 and MRS34 exhibited the highest solubilization. Six isolates showed additional capability of producing IAA ranging between 2.66 and 28.41 µgmL−1. Results of the incubation study indicated that P release capacity (P mineralization) of RP-amended soil varied between 6.0 and 11.8 µgPg−1 that had been significantly increased to 30.6–36.3 µgPg−1 (maximum value) when PSB were combined with RP. The combined application of PSB and organic amendments (PM, compost) with RP further increased P mineralization by releasing a maximum of 37.7 µgPg−1 compared with separate application of RP (11.8 µgPg−1) and organic amendments (21.5 and 16.5 µgPg−1). The overall effect of PSB (as a group) with RP over RP alone on maize growth showing a relative increase in shoot length 21%, shoot fresh weight 42%, shoot dry weight 24%, root length 11%, root fresh weight 59%, root dry weight 35% and chlorophyll content 32%. This study clearly indicates that use of PSB, and organic amendments with insoluble RP could be a promising management strategy to enhance P availability in soil pool and improve plant growth in intensive cropping systems.

To study the effect of different fertilizer and biofertizer levels on growth and yield of summer greengram

The field experiment was conducted in Factorial Randomized Block Design during summer 2010 at Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Latur (Maharashtra). The treatments were comprised of nine combinations with three fertilizer levels viz., 50 per cent RDF (F 1 ), 75 per cent RDF (F 2 ), 100 per cent RDF (F 3 ), along with seed inoculation of Rhizobium (B 1 ), seed inoculation of PSB (B 2 ) and dual seed inoculation of Rhizobium + PSB (B 3 ). Each experimental unit was replicated thrice with the plot size of 5.4 m × 4.2 m and 4.2 m × 3.6 m as the gross and net plot, respectively. The variety GOLD-9 SHANESHWAR was sown by dibbling method on 28 th January 2010 at spacing of 30 cm × 10 cm. The recommended cultural practices and plant protection measures were undertaken. The recommended dose of fertilizer (25:50:00 kg NPK ha -1 ) was applied at the time of sowing through ammonium sulphate and SSP. The results revealed that application of 100 per cent RDF (F 3 ) and dual seed inoculation of Rhizobium + PSB (B 3 ) recorded significantly higher growth, yield and quality contributing characters followed by application of 75 per cent RDF (F 2 ), 50 per cent RDF (F 1 ) in combination with seed inoculation of PSB (B 2 ) and seed inoculation of Rhizobium (B 1 ). But dual seed inoculation of Rhizobium + PSB (B 3 ) recorded significantly higher growth contributing characters followed by seed inoculation of Rhizobium (B 1 ) and seed inoculation of PSB (B 2 ) except number of pods per plant.

Response of mungbean [<italic>Vigna radiata</italic> (L.) Wilczek] to phosphorus, sulphur and PSB during summer season

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive years of 2008 and 2009 at Instructional Farm of NDUA&T , Kumarganj , Faizabad (U.P.) to study the effect of phosphorus, sulphur and PSB on growth attributes, yield and nutrient uptake by mungbean. The experiment consisted of four levels of phosphorus (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>ha<sup>−1</sup>), three levels of sulphur (0, 20 and 40 kg S ha<sup>−1</sup>) and two levels of seeds inoculation with PSB (un-inoculation and inoculation ). Results revealed that the increasing levels of phosphorus up to 60 kg P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> ha<sup>−1</sup>, sulphur up to 40 kg S ha<sup>−1</sup> and inoculation of seed with PSB increased the plant height, number of pods plant<sup>−1</sup>, number of seeds pod<sup>−1</sup>, seed and stover yield and uptake of N, P and S. The net return also increased with increasing levels of phosphorus and inoculation of seeds with PSB. Application of 20 kg S/ha fetched highest net return of mungbean.

Quantification of contribution of PSB in reducing the requirement of P fertilizer in potato production in mid hill of Himachal Predesh

Application of 100 kg P2O5/ha (100% dose of recommended P) along with PSB inoculation gave highest tuber yield (216 q/ha) which was statistically at par with 100% P (206 q/ha). Application 100% P was statistically was at par with 75% P + PSB (203 q/ha). Higher mean of yield, phosphorus uptake, phosphorus use efficiency and apparent nutrient recovery were observed with seed inoculation with PSB as compare to without PSB. The results of this study indicated the beneficial effects of PSB inoculation on tuber yield and 11 to 18% of recommended dose of P can be saved with the seed inoculation by PSB.

Effect of bio-fertilizers with different doses of chemical fertilizers on growth and yield of pea (Pisum sativum L.)

The present investigation was conducted during Rabi season of 2007 at the instructional Farm, I.G.K.V., Raipur (C.G). The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design, with three replications. The growth and yield attributes like, shelling per cent, length of the pod, width of the pod, available nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur) in soil were recorded and found superior with 40 kg P ha ?1 , 30 kg S ha ?1 and with PSB inoculation, as compared to other treatments. It not only increased the green pod yield of pea but also improved the quality of the green pea but also improved the soil health and sustained the productivity of the crop.

Effect of fertility levels and biofertilizers on growth and yield of cowpea on sandy loam soil of Rajasthan

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2013 to know the effect of fertility levels and biofertilizers on growth and yield of cowpea on sandy loam soil of Rajasthan. The experiment consisted of four treatments of fertility levels (control, 100 % RDF, 75 % RDF+VC @ 2 t/ha and 100 % RDF+VC @ 2 t/ha) and four levels of biofertilizers (control, Rhizobium , PSB and Rhizobium + PSB) thereby making sixteen treatment combinations tested in factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. Results indicated that application of 100 per cent RDF+VC @ 2 t/ha significantly increased the plant height, number of branches per plant, chlorophyll content, total root and effective root nodules, fresh weight and dry weight of nodules, leghaemoglobin content, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, seed, straw and biological yield and remained at par with the application of 75 per cent RDF+VC @ 2 t/ha over control. However, application the test weight and harvest index unchanged under different fertility levels. Results further indicated that inoculation of Rhizobium and PSB significantly increased the chlorophyll content, total root and effective root nodules, fresh weight and dry weight of nodules, leghaemoglobin content, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, seed and biological yield. However, inoculation of Rhizobium and PSB significantly increased the plant height, number of branches per plant and straw yield over the rest of treatments. However, the test weight and harvest index remained unchanged under different levels of biofertilizers.

Impact of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria and Phosphorus Application on Forage Yield and Quality of Berseem in West Bengal

Phosphorus availability is increased through the use of phosphate solubilizing bacteria for enhancing the forage yield and improving the quality of berseem fodder. A field experiment was conducted in the fodder farm of West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Belgachia during rabi, season 2013–14. The crop was sown with inoculated (I1) and un-inoculated (I0) seeds of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) of variety warden and was given phosphorus fertilizer at the levels 40 (P1), 60 (P2), 80 (P3) and 100 (P4) kg P2O5 ha−1 in the form of SSP in RCBD with three replications in plots of net size 6 m X 2 m. PSB inoculation significantly increases green forage and dry matter yield by increasing plant height, no. of branches, leaf-stem ratio, etc. All the quality traits except ash content and dry matter percentage were significantly affected by PSB inoculation. Higher green forage yield (320.4 qt ha−1), dry matter yield (39.2 qt ha−1), crude protein yield (7.89 qt ha−1), crude protein percentage (19.28%), ethyl extract (3.32%) and nitrogen free extract (41.75%) were recorded from the plots inoculated with PSB. Application of phosphorus fertilizers significantly influenced the green forage and dry matter yield of berseem, leafstem ratio, etc. though plant height and no. of branches were not-significant. All the quality parameters i.e. CP, CF, EE, NFE, except ash percentage were significantly influenced by phosphorus application. Best results were obtained with 80 kg P2O5 ha−1 in all the cases. Regarding interaction effect, higher yields of better quality green forage of berseem were obtained in I1P3 i.e. inoculation with PSB with phosphorus application of 80 kg P2O5ha−1.

Yield attributes and yield of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) under different levels of phosphorus, molybdenum and inoculation ofPSB

season, 2010-11 on loamy sand soil to investigate the effect of phosphorus (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P 2 O 5 ha), molybdenum (0.0, 0.5 and 1.0 kg Mo ha) and PSB (without inoculation and with inoculation) on yield attributes, yield and seed quality of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.). The application of phosphorus upto 40 kg P 2 O 5 ha resulted in significantly higher number of branches per plant, chlorophyll content at flowering stage, nodules per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, seed and straw yield over their respective preceding levels (0 and 20 P 2 O 5 ha) but it was found at par with 60 kg P 2 O 5 ha in respect to branches per plant, chlorophyll content at flowering stage, nodules per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, seed and straw yield of fenugreek. Among different levels of molybdenum, 0.5 kg Mo ha gave significantly higher branches per plant, chlorophyll content at flowering stage, nodules per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, seed and straw yield over respective lower level. PSB inoculation significantly enhanced the branches per plant, chlorophyll content at flowering stage, nodules per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, seed and straw yield of fenugreek. The test weight increased with the successive levels of applied phosphorus, molybdenum and PSB inoculation but difference could not reach the level of significance. The interaction effect of phosphorus × PSB was found significantly higher branches per plant, pod per plant and seed yield (1568 kg ha) recorded with treatment combination 40 kg P 2 O 5 ha + with inoculation of PSB which was at par with other treatment combination 60 kg P 2 O 5 ha + with inoculation of PSB.