Productivity and soil fertility status as influenced by integrated use of n-fixing biofertilizers, organic manures and inorganic fertilizers in onion

Abstract

One of the major constraints associated with onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivation is improper nutrient management. This necessitates to ascertain an efficient and economical integrated approach with renewable source such as organic manure and biofertilizers. In this context a field experiment was carried out at Acharya N.G.Ranga Agricultural university, Hyderabad, India to study the productivity and soil fertility status as influenced by integrated nutrient management in onion using cv. N-53. The twelve treatments arranged in randomized complete block design which consisted of two kinds of organic manure i.e. farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost (VC) alone and in combination with two kinds of bio fertilizers (Azotobacter chroococum and Azospirillum brasilianse ) and chemical fertilizers which were tested in comparison with recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) as control. The amount of FYM and vermicompost applied was calculated on the basis of their results of chemical analysis for NPK. Roots were dipped into the slurry of biofertilizer (1 kg in 10 liters) for 20 minutes before planting and thirty days after transplanting the soil between the seedling rows was also treated with biofertilizers at the rate of 2 kg per ha. Productivity indicated by yield and harvest index and soil fertility indicated by available NPK in soil after harvest were significantly increased with the application of biofertilizer in combination with 50% N through organic manure (FYM or VC) and rest of 50% N and 100% PK through chemical fertilizer. Those were significantly superior to the application of 50% recommended N through organic manure with 50% N and 100% PK through chemical fertilizer, application of chemical fertilizer (control) alone and application of organic manure alone, respectively. Judicious application of bio fertilizers, organic manure and chemical fertilizer increased 22% more yield over control (RDF) and economic analysis revealed that highest net return and benefit cost ratio obtained when FYM used as an organic source which replaced the 50% of recommended dose of inorganic nitrogen. Bacterial population of Azotobacter and Azospirillum in soil after harvest was markedly increased with integrated use of bio fertilizer, organic manure and chemical fertilizer system and was reduced with the exclusive application of chemical fertilizers.The results indicated that integrated nutrient management with biofertilizer (Azotobacter and Azospirillum) in combination with 50% inorganic N through organic manure (VC or FYM) and rest of the N and PK through chemical fertilizer is considered most useful for obtaining maximum yield with higher fertility status in soil for onion cultivation.

Influence of foliar nutrients application on growth and yield of onion grown in nutrient deficient soil

“…Due to continuous inorganic fertilizers consumption results in micronutrients deficiency, disproportion in physiochemical properties of soil and low production of crops. For that reason these minerals are applied as affliction foliar form (Jeyathilake et al 2006). Foliar application of nutrients at proper growth phases is essential for their consumption and improved crop performance (Anadhakrishnaveni et al 2004).…”

Influence of Poultry Manure Rates and Spacing on Growth, Yield, Nutrient Concentration , Uptake and Proximate Composition of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

“…The superiority expressed by the wider spacing over the closely spaced was in accordance with the findings of Colla et al (2002) on onion. In addition Jeyathilake et al (2006) confirmed that closer spacing results in the growth of less vigorous plant when compared with wider spacing. The results of onion spacing experiment reported by Khan et al (2002) showed that not only were the leaves of onion more from wider spacing but they had thicker and larger leaves.…”

Response of Potato to Different Strategies of Fertilization

“…This distinct response of potato yield and its components to graded rates of enriched compost emphasized its essential role in establishment of fertile media for growing potato plants leading to healthy vegetative growth and consequently sustain these plants to give high quality and quantity of potato yield. The prominent role of organic materials in enhancement of plant productivity was proved by many investigators (Jayathilake et al, 2006;Abdel-Wahab, 2008 andEl-Saiid, 2011).…”