Interaction of bio-inoculants and chemical fertilizers on biomass production, rhizosphere activity and nutrient uptake of ber (Zizyphus mauritiana var. rotundifolia Lam.)

Abstract

Interactive effect of bioinoculants (Azospirillum brasilense, Azotobacter chroococcum and Glomus mosseae) with chemical fertilizers was studied on growth, rhizosphere activity and nutrient uptake of Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana var. rotundifolia Lam.). Plant growth measured as plant height and shoot dry weight of Ber seedlings was significantly improved upon inoculation with nitrogen fixing bacteria or AM-fungi with maximum growth when coupled with 50% of recommended N and P fertilizers. Application of P fertilizers significantly reduced per cent root infection and density of AMF spores. Similarly nitrogenase activity of the rhizosphere soil was also decreased in the presence of N fertilizer. Maximum N uptake was observed with nitrogen fixing bacteria while P with AM-fungi. About 50% of recommended N and P can be saved by employing nitrogen fixing bacteria (A. brasilense or A. chroococcum) and AM-fungi (G. mosseae) respectively in raising sturdy and healthy Ber seedlings.