Correlation Analysis of Soil Nutrient Dynamics in Mulberry (Morus indica L.) Enhanced by Multi-Strain Liquid Biofertilizer Consortia for Sustainable Sericulture Development

Abstract

Aims: The present study evaluates the effects of integrated organic formulations involving Azospirillum, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on soil chemical properties and macronutrient availability in Morus indica var. V1, and to examine the correlation among soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and nutrient content under greenhouse conditions. Study Design: Factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with ten treatment combinations of liquid biofertilizers each with four replications. Place and Duration of Study: Conducted at the Department of Sericulture, Forest College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Mettupalayam, India, during the 2024–2025 growing season. Methodology: Ten biofertilizer treatments, including both single-strain and multi-strain liquid formulations, were applied to Morus indica var. V1 under greenhouse conditions. Soil samples were collected post-treatment to assess pH, EC, and macronutrient levels (N, P, and K). Statistical analysis including correlation analysis was conducted to determine relationships among soil parameters. Results: Significant treatment effects were observed on all soil chemical parameters. The highest pH (7.12) and EC (0.40 dS m⁻¹) were recorded in T9 (Orgafol + NAA + Azospirillum + PSB + VAM). T9 also showed the maximum nitrogen (210.63 kg ha⁻¹) and phosphorus (13.75 kg ha⁻¹) availability, while potassium was highest in T7 (224.03 kg ha⁻¹). Correlation analysis indicated a strong positive association between soil pH and EC (r = 0.717*), and highly significant correlations between nitrogen and pH (r = 0.942**), and between nitrogen and phosphorus (r = 0.699*). Conclusion: Multi-strain biofertilizer consortia significantly enhance soil nutrient dynamics and chemical properties in mulberry cultivation. Correlation analysis confirms the interdependence of soil pH, EC, and nutrient availability. Such integrated bioformulations offer a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic inputs, contributing to improved soil health and sericulture productivity.