Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nitrogen on Yield, Microbial Load and Soil Nutrient Status of Pearl Millet

Abstract

Soil microbial population and soil nutrient status are important criteria for improving the yields. So this study is conducted with an objective to know the impact of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen on yield, soil microbial load and nutrient status of the soil in pearl millet. A field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2019 at Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla on sandy soils with eight treatments consisting combined organic and inorganic nitrogen sources. The highest grain yield (2955 kg ha-1), straw (5867 kg ha-1) yield and soil nitrogen status (164.10 kg ha -1) were recorded with 75% Soil Test Based Nitrogen (STBN) + 25% vermicompost + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1 and was followed by statistically similar treatment 100% STBN + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1. Significantly higher microbial load (Bacteria, Fungi and Actinomycetes), P and K status in soil recorded with the treatments where 50% of STBN applied through FYM (50% STBN + 50% FYM + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1), whereas lowest was recorded with chemical fertilizer alone. The combined sources of nitrogen both organic and inorganic fertilizers would be able to improve soil fertility and soil microbial load and finally improve the yields.