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The investigation was undertaken and micro nutrients status of the area was assessed. During February-March 2020, 50 soil sampling locations from tomato growing areas were selected at random and 100 representative surface (0-15 cm) and sub-surface (15-30 cm) soil samples were collected. Various micronutrients, i.e. DTPA-extractable Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe were examined. The soils were neutral to slightly alkaline, and the EC values of all the soil samples were within normal limits. The general state of the soil organic carbon concentration was medium to high. The DTPA- Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn in soils of the studied area were found to be in medium category. Positive correlations between the DTPA-extractable iron, copper, zinc and manganese with the organic carbon content was observed.

A field experiment was conducted at the experimental site of Department of Soil Science and Water Management, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur (Himachal Pradesh). The experiment consisted of eleven treatments which were carried out in randomized block design with three replications. Observations for micronutrient uptake and soil physical properties were recorded and it was found that the lowest bulk density of the soil was achieved with treatment T6 (100 per cent RDN through vermicompost) and T11 (100 per cent RDN through vermicompost + Azotobacter). Particle density, porosity and water holding capacity were also slightly improved with the application of different treatments, however the differences were not significant. Further, application of chemical fertilizer or organic manure or both with or without biofertilizer positively influenced the micronutrient uptake (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) and the maximum uptake was recorded in treatment T11 (100 per cent RDN through vermicompost + Azotobacter), while minimum was observed under treatment T1 (control).

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