Impact of Jeevamrutha and Beejamrutha Application along with Inorganic Fertilisers on Biological Properties in the Soil and Maximisation of Yield in Pearl Millet

Abstract

The present study observation on the synergistic effects of inorganic fertilizers combined with Jeevamrutha and Beejamrutha on soil microbial and enzymatic properties in pearl millet cultivation during 2023 and 2024. The experiment assessed key soil parameters, including dehydrogenase, urease, and phosphatase activities, as well as microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and populations of nitrogen fixers, phosphorus solubilizers, and actinomycetes at 0-20 cm soil depth. Results demonstrated that the integrated application of Jeevamrutha and Beejamrutha with inorganic fertilizers significantly enhanced soil microbial activity across all parameters studied. The highest dehydrogenase and urease activities were observed in treatments with 100% RDF + Jeevamrutha + Beejamrutha (T11), reaching 62 µg TPF g-1 soil-1 day-1 and 61 µg NH₄⁺-N g-1 soil hr-1 in 2023, respectively. Similarly, microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen also increased significantly in T11, with values of 381 µg C g-1 soil and 46 µg N g-1 soil in 2023. The integration of organic amendments improved nutrient cycling, microbial biomass, and overall soil fertility. These findings indicate that combining organic bioenhancers with conventional inorganic fertilizers offers a promising approach to enhancing soil health and sustainability in agricultural practices.