Effect on Yield and Rhizosphere Biota by use of Recommended Dose of Fertilizers in Combination with Biofertilizer Consortium on Rice Fallow Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. moench)

Aims: To evaluate the effect of manures in combination with biofertilizers consortium on yield and rhizosphere biota in rice fallow sorghum

Study Design: The experiment was laid in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments and replicated thrice.

Place and Duration of Study: At Agricultural college farm, Agricultural college, Bapatla during Rabi, 2018-19.

Methodology: After the preliminary layout, Bio-fertilizer consortium contains 500ml each of Azospirillum, PSB and KRB in liquid form had been applied per acre along with Vermicompost @ 1 t ha-1 is used as carrier. A high yielding hybrid CSH-16 with a yield potential of 5 to 8 t ha-1 and matures in 110-120 days. Sowing was done manually by using a seed rate of 12 kg ha­­-1 and adopting a spacing of 45 cm x 15 cm raised well in advance in their respective treatments.

Results: Yield attributes, Grain yield and stover yields were obtained maximum with 125% RDF+ Biofertilizers consortium which was on par with 100% RDF+ Biofertilizers consortium. In case of Bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes population were also influenced significantly at harvest compared to initial population of the observed soil and recorded the highest population with 125% RDF+ Biofertilizers consortium treatment.

Conclusion: The fertilizer requirement with application of 125% RDF+ Biofertilizer can be recommended for coastal region of A.P under rice fallow rabi sorghum in no till conditions. As it resulted in high yield attributes, yields and significant improvement in rhizosphere biota for soil health enhancement.