Comparative Study of Biofertilizers on Growth and Yield of Broccoli in Acid Soil

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness of two different biofertilizer consortia in terms of growth and yield of Broccoli crop (var. NSC Apollo IUS) and their impact on soil properties in a strongly acid Inceptisol. A field experiment on broccoli crop during the Rabi season, 2023-24, was conducted at the farmer’s field, Madan Mawkhar village, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya. The experimental layout was a randomized block design incorporating six treatments with four replications. The treatments were comprised of native biofertilizer consortium (NBC), non-native biofertilizers consortium (NNBC), either alone or in combinations with 50% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizers) and 100%RDF as control. Biofertilizer was applied by the seedling root-dip method for one hour just before transplanting. Application of NBC and NNBC consortia improved growth and yield attributes of broccoli crop, but the effect of NBC on yield attributes of broccoli curd was significantly higher compared to that under NNBC. Leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf area and number of leaves per plant at 30, 45, 60 days after transplanting (DAT) and harvest were higher in 50% RDF+NBC as compared to other treated plots. The fresh curd weight, dry curd weight, and plant biomass were significantly higher in 50% RDF+NBC treated plots, with values of 184.9 g, 19.97 g, and 1036 g plant-1, respectively. Values of soil available N, available P and available K were the highest in 50% RDF+NBC treated plots as compared to other treated plots at harvest. In conclusion, NBC performed better than NNBC in strongly acid Inceptisol and the dual inoculation of NBC and NNBC exhibited an antagonistic effect on the growth and yield of broccoli. Further, integrated use of NBC and 50% RDF reduced physiological stress in broccoli plants, and supported higher yield and better quality of curds.