RUDRA PRATAP SINGH GURJAR, DASHRATH BHATI AND SHAILESH KUMAR SINGH*
Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior-474 001 (Madhya Pradesh), India
*(e-mail: drshaileshhrt@gmail.com Mobile: 98559 49955)
(Received: October 10, 2023; Accepted: November 26, 2023)
ABSTRACT
The beneficial microbes are a boon for agriculture as they are a source of plant growth regulators, acting as buffering agents in soil, playing the role of soil enhancers, and are essential components of the bio-geochemical cycle. This enables the ecofriendly approach to plant nutrient management. Among various natural formulations, Jeevamrut is a traditional nutrient management approach which is rich in beneficial microbes. The present study was aimed at understanding the effect of various combinations of Jeevamrut formulations and biofertilizers (Azotobacter, VAM and PSB) on growth and yield of potato. Applications of Jeevamrut formulations containing vermitea or neem cake improved germination, plant height, number of stems per plant, and yield of potato tubers. The co-inoculation of PSB with Azotobacter or VAM improved the growth and yield of potato. The significant germination of tubers, plant height, stem counts, and tuber yield were improved due to the interaction between these two factors (Jeevamrut formulations and biofertilizers) and the highest value was noticed after combined application of Jeevamrut + vermitea and PSB along with Azotobacter (J2B3) which produced the highest tuber yield (350.00 and 354.20 q/ha) followed by Jeevamrut + vermitea and PSB along with VAM (J2B4) (343.00 and 342.00 q/ha) during 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively.
Key words: Azotobacter, biofertilizers, Jeevamrut, microbial inoculation, neem cake, vermitea