Author(s): Prakash Chand Gurjar, Akash Tanwar, Ramkishan Meena, Suresh Kumar, Rajaram Bunker, Kuldeep Hariyana

Abstract: The study entitled "Evaluation of Micronutrient Neem Cake and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) on Soil Properties and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)". The research was conducted during the Kharif season of 2016-2017 at the Field Experimentation Centre of the Department of Soil Science, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (formerly Allahabad Agricultural University), Allahabad (U.P), India. During the study, data were collected on 15 different characteristics, and a total of 9 treatments were evaluated, including the control group. Based on the mean performance across all evaluated characteristics, Treatment-8 (consisting of 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF), 100% Neem cake, and Rhizobium at a rate of 200 gm/kg) was identified as the best treatment for promoting plant growth and seed yield. Treatment-8 showed superior results in various aspects, including plant height (cm), pod length (cm), number of pods per plant, number of seed pods per plant, weight of pods at 50 and 75 days after crop maturity, as well as several physical and chemical properties of the soil. These soil properties included particle and bulk density, water holding capacity, porosity percentage, soil colour, and chemical attributes like available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, pH of the soil, and electrical conductivity of the soil. The study also found that there was a significant interaction effect of Integrated Nutrient Management for all evaluated characteristics, suggesting that the combination of different nutrients and amendments in the form of Integrated Nutrient Management could have a positive impact on the physical and chemical properties of the soil, ultimately leading to improved economic and yield attributes of maize. In conclusion, the research supports the effectiveness of using micronutrient Neem cake and plant growth promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) in combination with the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) for enhancing plant growth and seed yield in maize cultivation. Additionally, the findings highlight the potential of Integrated Nutrient Management as a beneficial approach for soil improvement and achieving better economic and yield outcomes for maize crops.

Pages: 591-594 | Views: 146 | Downloads: 5

Download Full Article: Click Here