Impact of Front-Line Demonstrations of Azotobacter in Wheat in Karji Village, District of Kaimur, Bihar, India

Abstract

Wheat is the world's most widely cultivated food crop after rice, and it is utilised in various forms by more than a billion people in the world, being a staple food for a large population, contributing about 20% of humans' daily dietary calories and protein intake. Front Line Demonstration is one of the most powerful tools for the transfer of technology. The study aims to impact of front-line demonstrations of azotobacter in wheat. The effect of foliar application by Azotobacter regarding biofertilizer on the growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum) was studied in Karji village, Chainpur Block, District Kaimur, during the rabi season of 2023-24. The field trial consisted foliar spray of Azotobacter at the booting stage under Front Line Demonstration. Results showed that plant height, number of tillers/plant, number of spikes/ plant, spike length, no. of grains/spike, grain yield (kg/ha) and straw yield (kg/ha) were significantly higher in plants with RDF along with foliar application of Azotobacter at the booting stage. The interaction effect of foliar application of Azotobacter with the recommended dose of fertilisers was a good combination to enhance nitrogen content in the plant. However, the maximum grain yield was recorded with the application of Azotobacter followed byfarmers' practice. The soil fertility status of organic carbon was recorded in the initial soil, 0.39% after the post-harvest wheat demo plot was 0.42% and the local check plot 0.40.% maximum organic carbon recorded in post harvestpost-harvest demo plot, which was 7% and 5% increased over initial soil and local check after post harvestpost-harvest wheat. The highest gross return (Rs. 84,964/ha) and net return (Rs.. 43,764/ha) were obtained from RDF with foliar application of Azotobacter. It can be concluded that millions of farmers in developing countries require adequate resources to boost crop productivity and soil fertility. To keep soil fertility and productivity at a sustainable level for a long period of time, the concept of reducing chemical fertilisers and seed treatment, inoculation and foliar application of biofertilizers (Azotobacter, Azospirillum, PSB, etc.) must be implemented.