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In the present study, field experiments were performed over 10 consecutive years (2006–15) to assess the effects of biofertiliser and enriched biocompost on soil quality, total organic carbon (TOC) and rice yields in an Inceptisol. Experiments were conducted in a randomised block design with four replicates and five treatments: unfertilised control (T1); recommended doses of inorganic fertiliser (T2); biofertiliser with reduced (50%) inorganic N and P fertilisers (T3); reduced (50%) inorganic N and P fertilisers with 1 t ha–1 enriched biocompost (T4); and reduced (75%) inorganic N and P fertilisers with 2 t ha–1 enriched biocompost (T5). T3 improved soil chemical and biological properties with enhanced soil quality index (40%), total P (23%), total K (42%) and fungal (38%) and bacterial (44%) colony counts. T5 significantly improved the carbon pool index (29%) and available nutrients (N, P and K at rates of 37%, 22% and 10% respectively) and increased soil pH (11%), resulting in a higher sustainable yield index (39%) of rice. Fraction 2 (labile carbon) of TOC, total P, available K, microbial biomass carbon and phosphate-solubilising bacteria were key indicators to assess the suitability of these fertilisers in rice cultivation in north-east India.

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This study was designed to understand the effects of different soil organic amendments on germination and seedling vigour of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). Five treatments with organic amendments (farmyard manure, vermicompost and biochar) and mineral fertilizers were designed in randomized block design with three replications. Results showed that organic amendments significantly enhanced per cent seed germination and emergence speed index compared to inorganic fertilizer. Highest homogeneity of seed germination (CV gt = 20.74) was observed in vermicompost. Plant height, root length and leaf area were higher in vermicompost and biochar than farmyard manure. Both allocation of biomass to above ground parts and Dickson quality index were highest in seedlings from the plots amended with vermicompost. The study revealed that compared to biochar, vermicompost and farmyard manure significantly enhanced the germination and growth of Okra seedling, but the stimulation was best in vermicompost-amended plots.