Effect of biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers on productivity and quality parameters of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum) on a Vertisol of Central India

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Indore, India, from 2000 to 2002 in a Vertisol having clay loam texture. The objective was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphorus-solubilising bacteria, vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) (Glomus fasciculatum), and chemical fertilizers on yield performance and quality parameters of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum Desf.). The grain (5664 kg ha 71 ) and straw yields were higher under recommended fertilizer dose (100% NPK) than under 50% NPK (4674 kg ha 71 ). Compared to the 50% NPK, biofertilizers þ 50% NPK increased grain yield marginally (2-6%) and could not reach the level of significance. However, straw yields were higher under the latter treatments. Protein and b-carotene contents were higher and the hectoliter weight was lower with 100% NPK as compared to 50% NPK. A drastic reduction in yellow berry content and sedimentation value was noted with the increasing fertility level. These quality parameters did not differ under biofertilizers þ 50% NPK compared with the 50% NPK. Highest net returns were accrued from 100% NPK followed by biofertilizers þ 50% NPK. Yield, quality parameters and net returns were the lowest under the unfertilized control.

Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria-Fungi as Growth Promoter in Wheat Production

“…Zaki, et al [13] also concluded that bio fertilizer inoculation produced significant increment in all wheat growth characters. Several scholars are in agreement of the positive effect of bio fertilizers on improved grain yield of wheat along with mineral fertilizer [14][15][16][17].…”

Biofertilizer reduces the dependency on chemical fertilizer on wheat production

“…Net returns were statistically at par for 100% and 75% of nitrogen and P2O5 followed by 50% and 0% of nitrogen and P2O5 level. Higher gross and net returns at higher level of nitrogen and P2O5 is due to more grain and straw yield which fetched more financial returns than at lower levels of fertilizer (Abdel -Lateef, 2018;Behera and Rautaray, 2010). 100%, 75% and 50% of recommended dose of nitrogen and P2O5 had statistically similar B:C ratio than no nitrogen and P2O5 treatment.…”

A Review: Usage of Biofertilizer in Cereal Crops

“…Combined application of biofertilizer and nitrogen increased grain number per spike and tiller number by 35.57 and 35.1% compared to separate treatments, respectively [8] (Saber et al, 2012). Beheraa and Rautaray [22] reported that biofertilizers + 50% NPK increased grain yield of wheat marginally (2-6%) compared to the 50% NPK. However, straw yields were significantly higher under the former treatment.…”