Abstract

PLANT GROWTH PROMOTIONAL EFFECT OF DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS OF VERMICOMPOST, PSB AND RHIZOBIUM ON SORGHUM

Pudur Girija and Dr. T. Vijaya*

ABSTRACT

Biofertilizers are the most advanced biotechnological products necessary to support developing organic agriculture, green agriculture and sustainable agriculture. Composting is considered to be one of the most suitable ways of converting organic wastes into products that are beneficial for plant growth. The most commonly used bio-inoculants to supply the nutritional need of the plants are phosphorous soluble microorganisms (PSM), nitrogen fixers (Azotobacter) and vermicompost. Vermicompost, Azotobacter and PSB inoculum were prepared and its effect on plant growth was determined in terms of plant growth parameters and physiological parameters. The results revealed that inoculation of vermicompost, Azotobacter and PSB enhanced the shoot length, fresh and dry biomass of root and shoot, number of leaves compared to control plants. The contents of chlorophyll, carbohydrates, were also found increased in treatment plants. The inoculation of vermicompost, Azotobacter and PSB was found superior than single inoculum not only in promoting plant growth, but also in maintaining soil fertility.

Keywords: Vermicompost, PSB (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria), Rhizobium, Sorghum, Azotobacter.