Research PaperOptimization of organic and bio-organic fertilizers on soil properties and growth of pigeon pea

- Plant growth and yield attributes were significantly higher in Rh + Mw treated plots.
- Biological properties of soil were significantly improved in organic and bio-organic treated plots.
- Positive correlations were obtained between soil N and β-glu.

Present study was undertaken in order to discover the best organic management system under field conditions. Consortium of various applied organics and bio-organics exhibited notable improvement in growth and yield of pigeon pea over untreated control (Uc). Rhizobium sp. (Rh) + Municipal waste (Mw) applied field produced more crop growth and yield than Uc. Likewise, Rh + Mw applied plots also enhanced the Peroxidase Activity (PA), Nitrate Reductase Activity (NRA) and Chlorophyll (Chl) contents over Uc. Moreover, application of Rh + Mw also enhanced the plant nutrients (N, P and K) status over Uc. The physico-chemical properties of soil such as pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Porosity, Organic Carbon (OC), Bulk Density (BD) and Water Holding Capacity (WHC) were recorded in treated and untreated plots. The EC and BD were drastically reduced while porosity, OC and WHC were significantly higher in Rh + Mw treated plots. There was no considerable record of pH at significance level. Besides, Rh + Mw applied plots registered higher agronomic (N, P and K) variables in soil. Moreover, Soil Microbial Biomass Carbon (SMBC) and microbial population of fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes were significantly higher in Rh + Mw treated plots as compared to Uc. β-glucosidase (β-glu) were estimated and found significantly influenced in organically sound plots. β-glu exhibited maximum activities in Rh + Mw treated plots suggesting to be a good soil indicator. In addition, Rh + Goat manure (Gm) and Rh + Poultry manure (Pm) were also found statistically significant over Uc, however, significance quantum was lesser than Rh + Mw. The fertilization regime of the Rh + Mw was determined as optimal as it offered the higher growth, yields and ameliorated soil physico-chemical properties ensuring sustainability. This finding has suggested that Rh + Mw should be further disseminated among the growers in order to maximise crop yield. Thus, our study is expected to provide a technology in making sustainable crop production a more profitable income generating and successful industry.