IJEP 39(3): 239-247 : Vol. 39 Issue. 3 (March 2019)
1. Magadh University, Department of Environment Water Management, A.N. College, Patna-800 013
2. Magadh University, P.G. Department of Environmental Sciences, A.N. College, Patna-800 013
3. Mahavir Cancer Institute and Research Center, Patna
Abstract
With the environment already bearing the brunt of pollution through assimilation of innumerable toxins and inorganic waste, tilling practices should control the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers. Plant nutrients coupled with the optimal use of green fertilizers resides at the heart of sustainable agricultural practices. It also implies that the soil type(s) and its influencing micro-climatic conditions should also consider before implementing fertilizers. As microorganisms play a vital role in biogeochemical cycles impacting on soils, this study aims to assess the effects of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as an environmentally efficient biofertilizer, to investigate its efficacy in maintaining the salinity and in enhancing the microbial turnover of the soil. The methodology involved pot experiments on Momordica charantia Lin. (Jaunpuri variety) of the Cucurbitaceae family having nutritional value and therapeutic benefits. Two strains of Aneurinibacillus migulanus bacteria, S1(V)23 and S2(V)12 isolated from Gangetic plains of North Bihar and used as PGPR. The results of soil nutrients were compared with defined standards of macro and micro-nutrients of ICAR at the Central Soil Testing Laboratory, Patna. The study revealed that soil inoculated with the broth medium of S1(V)23, S2(V)12 and combined S1(V)23 x S2(V)12 showed increment in the organic carbon (1.241%, 1.093% and 1.210%) as compare to the soil dosed with chemical fertilizers (0.539%) though the N, K was found higher in the soil dosed with chemical fertilizer (554 kg/ha and 579 kg/ha) but P content was low (52 kg/ha) as compared to soil inoculated with PGPR(s) S1(v)23, that is, 78 kg/ha. The micronutrients in the soil were observed more in PGPR inoculated soil as compared to the soil chemically dosed. The CSTL has recommended these identified PGPR biofertilizers, a better option as compared to chemical fertilizer for various crops and cropping sequences of the state.
Keywords
Biofertilizer, North Bihar Gangetic plains, Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Momordica charantia Linn.
