Effect of chemical and bio-fertilizers on growth and flowering of golden rod (Solidago canadensis L.) CV. “Local”

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of chemical and bio-fertilizers on growth and flowering of golden rod (Solidago canadensis L.) CV. “Local”. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with factorial concept having eight treatment combinations, comprising of two levels of recommended dose of fertilizers (75 % and 100 % RDF) and four levels of bio-fertilizers (No bio-fertilizers, Azotobacter, Azotobacter + PSB and Azotobacter + PSB + KMB). The treatments were replicated thrice. Among two levels of RDF, application of 100 % RDF (150:100:100 NPK kg/ha) significantly increased all growth and flowering parameters and microbial population (53.48 2 10-6 CFU/ml) in soil also. In case of bio-fertilizers, application of Azotobacter + PSB + KMB to golden rod significantly increasded growth with better quality flowers as well as maximum microbial population in soil with highest nitrogen and phosphorus content. In case of interaction, the application of RDF @ 100 % along with Azotobacter + PSB + KMB was found superior with respect to vegetative growth, flowering and yield parameter of golden rod.