ABSTRACT
The present study was carried out at JNKVV, Jabalpur (23010’ N latitude, 79057’ E longitudes and at elevation 393.0 meters above mean sea level). This study was carried out in 2019 that laid out in split plot design with nine main treatments of land use practices (forest land, perennial forage land, uncultivated land, aonla orchard, rice-wheat system, soybean-wheat system, guava orchard, mango orchard and citrus orchard) and three sub-plot treatments of soil depths (0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm) which were replicated three times. A total of 81 soil samples were subjected to determination of different size (> 5.0, 2.0-5.0, 1.0-2.0, 0.50-1.0, 0.25-0.50, 0.10-0.25 and <0.10 mm) water stable soil aggregates and mean weight diameter of soil aggregates. Results revealed that land use practices and soil depths significantly affect the mean weight diameter of soil aggregates, distribution of different size soil aggregates. It was noted that irrespective of soil depths, proportions of macro-aggregates (>0.50 mm size) and mean weight diameter were highest under forest land and lowest in soybean-wheat system. However, number of micro-aggregates (< 0.50 mm) increased with soil depths and macro-aggregates and mean weight diameter of soil aggregates were highest at 0-20 cm depth. It can be concluded that extent of soil disturbance significantly alters the proportion of macro-aggregates (>0.50 mm size) and mean weight diameter of water stable soil aggregates with higher in undisturbed (forest, uncultivated and perennial forage) land uses and lower in crop lands which decreased with increase in soil depths.
ABSTRACT
The study explores the impact of potassium inoculants and black mica on soil microbial populations and enzymatic activity in maize cultivated soils. Microbial communities fueled by root exudates play essential roles in nutrient cycling, plant health, and soil structure. This study investigates the effects of potassium-solubilizing bacteria (KSB) and mineral potassium on microbial populations and enzymatic activity across different growth stages of maize. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with 14 treatments, including combinations of KSB isolates, mineral potassium, and inorganic potassium. Microbial populations (bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and KSB) were quantified using serial dilution and plating techniques. Enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, phosphatase, and urease) were assessed to understand nutrient interactions and microbial influences. The findings indicate that all treatments exhibited increased microbial populations compared to the control. Notably, treatment 75% recommended potassium dose + 25% potassium from Biotite + OVPS 05 consistently demonstrated the highest microbial growth. The presence of KSB appeared crucial in enhancing bacterial and fungal populations. Additionally, enzymatic activities were significantly influenced by treatments, with 75% recommended potassium dose + 25% potassium from Biotite + OVPS 05 showing the highest dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and urease activities. These results suggest that the combination of KSB isolates and mineral potassium contributes to enhanced microbial populations and soil enzymatic activities, offering insights into sustainable agriculture practices that balance productivity and soil health. The study sheds light on the intricate relationships between microorganisms, nutrients, and soil biochemical processes, providing valuable guidance for future agricultural strategies.
ABSTRACT
A field experiment entitled “Effect of foliar application of borax and zinc sulphate on growth, yield and quality of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Gwalior-27” was carried out at Agrotechnology Park, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, College of Agriculture, Gwalior (M.P.) during 2016-2017. The experiment was consisting of 9 treatments having two levels of each Borax (0.2 per cent and 0.4 per cent) and Zinc sulphate (0.4 and 0.6 per cent). The experiment was laid out in Factorial randomized block design with three replications. Among different doses of foliar spray of nutrients, Zinc sulphate @ 0.6 (T5) were found significantly superior over control with respect physiological loss in weight (g) and shelf life of guava. While the minimum spoilage % was recorded with treatment B2Z2 (Borax@ 0.4% + ZnSo4@ 0.6%) at 5th, 10th and 15th day of storage respectively.