Chemical properties and microbial population of soil as influenced by different organic nutrient sources in turmeric

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at Department of Horticulture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola during 2015-16 and 2016-17 in Randomized Block Design replicated thrice with twelve treatments consisting of different organic manures, recommended dose of fertilizers and different biofertilizers. The highest organic carbon content was recorded with application of Neem cake @ 4 t ha-1 + Azatobacter (10 kg ha-1) + PSB (10 kg ha-1) + VAM (65 kg ha-1). However, different organic nutrient management treatments imparted changes in pH and EC of soil but differences were non-significant. All treatments of organic nutrient management practice i.e. organic manures alone and in combination with biofertilizers increased the microbial population of soil. The maximum fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes population was observed with application of Fermented cow dung slurry @ 12500 l ha-1 in three equal split doses at 30, 60 and 90 DAP + Azatobacter (10 kg ha-1) + PSB (10 kg ha-1) + VAM (65 kg ha-1).