Effect of Integrated Application of Bio-Fertilizer and Soil Amendments on Growth Parameters of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

The pot experiment entitled “Effect of integrated application of bio-fertilizer and soil amendments on Growth parameters of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)’’ was conducted at the Research Farm of School of Agriculture, ITM University, during kharif season 2022. The soil of the experimental field was sandy loam, having a pH of 8.13, EC of 0.54 ds m-1, organic carbon 0.40%, available N, P, K of 180, 11.09 and 283.40 kg ha-1 respectively and exchangeable Ca+Mg of 1.5 me 100 g-1soil. The pot experiment was laid out in CRD (Completely Randomized Design) with six treatments and six replications. The treatment combinations were: T1- Control, T2- Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (N, P2O5 and K2O @ 20, 40 and 20 kg ha-1 respectively), T3- FYM (10 t ha-1), T4- Rhizobium (Bradyrhizobium japonicum) @ 200 gm 10 kg-1 seeds, T5- RDF + Rhizobium, T6- Rhizobium + FYM. The nodulation (number of nodules and nodules dry weight) was increased with combine application of rhizobium inoculation and FYM over the time (30 and 60 DAS) followed by RDF and rhizobium inoculation. The growth attributes viz. plant biomass, shoot length, root length was significantly improved with the integration of bio-fertilizer, FYM and inorganic fertilizers. The highest result for plant biomass (22.34 gm plant-1) and shoot length (21.78 cm) were recorded in rhizobium inoculation and FYM treatment combination but root length (8.87 cm) was recorded highest in combine application of RDF with rhizobium. Application of rhizobium with FYM (25.74 gm pot-1) produce the highest pod yield followed by RDF and rhizobium (23.65 gm pot-1) combination. The combination of RHZ + FYM has much more favorable results on growth and yield of groundnut and it also enhance the nodulation.