Unveiling the Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Health and Microbial Dynamics in Mustard Cultivation

Abstract

During the Rabi season of 2020-21, an investigation was carried out at College Farm, Agricultural College, Polasa, Jagtial, under the supervision of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University. The primary aim of the research was to assess the influence of integrated nutrient management on the organic carbon content, enzyme activity and microbial population in the mustard (Brassica juncea L.) crop. The experiment was conducted in soil with a sandy clay loam texture and followed a randomized block design, consisting of nine distinct treatments, each of which was replicated three times. These treatments includes: T1: 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF), T2: 100% RDF + FYM, T3: 100% RDF + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium, T4: 75% RDF, T5: 75% RDF + FYM, T6: 75% RDF + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium, T7: Soil Test Based NPK, T8: 75% STB NPK + FYM and T9: 75% STB NPK + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium. The results revealed that the organic carbon, dehydrogenase activity and microbial population of soil were significantly enhanced by the application of combined use of organic, inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers. All the parameters were recorded higher with the integrated application of 75% STB NPK+ FYM + Biofertilizer consortium which was on par with 100 % RDF + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium, 75 % RDF + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium, 75 % STB NPK + FYM, 100 % RDF + FYM, 75 % RDF + FYM.  The population of bacteria and fungi, organic carbon content and dehydrogenase were recorded lower in the treatments receiving sole application of inorganic fertilizers.