Effect of seed inoculation of zinc and iron solubilizing bacteria on nutrient availability and biological properties of maize grown soils

Abstract

This study was accomplished at Wheat and Maize Research Unit, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani during Kharif season 2021. It was intended to be deliberate the effect of zinc and iron solubilizing bacteria on nutrient availability, microbial population and enzymatic activities in maize crop. The nutrient availability, microbial population and enzymatic activities increase due to inoculation of zinc and iron solubilizing bacteria along with ZnSO4 and FeSO4. At tasseling and harvest stages of maize in the treatment receiving RDF + 30 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 + 30 kg ha-1 FeSO4 + seed inoculation with Zn and Fe solubilizers, the significantly greatest concentrations of available N, P2O5, and K2O were detected. The highest bacterial, actinomycetes, fungal population and enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase) was seen in the soil at tasseling and harvest stage of maize in the treatment with RDF + 30 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 + 30 kg ha-1 FeSO4 + seed inoculation with Zn and Fe solubilizers compared to control. Seed inoculation of zinc and iron solubilizing bacteria was found to be most efficient in promoting nutrient availability, microbial population and enzymatic activities in maize crop.