Effect of Halophilic Bioformulations on Soil Fertility and Productivity of Salt Tolerant Varieties of Paddy in Sodic Soil

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2016-17, at the farmer’s fields in village Munshikhera, district Unnao to study the efficacy of halophilic bio fertilizers, Halo Azotobacter (Halo-Azo) and Halo Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria (Halo-PSB) on the growth and productivity of salt tolerant variety of paddy (CSR-36) and residual fertility of post-harvest soil. It is observed that potential salt tolerant variety of paddy in association with halophilic beneficial microbes together can play a greater role to improve the productivity of paddy as well as soil fertility. These bioformulation showed significantly increased plant growth in terms of germination per cent, plant establishment per cent, plant height, no. of effective tillers/hill, no. of grains /Panicle, length of panicle, test weight grain and straw yield. Alone as well co-inoculation of Halo-Azo and Halo-PSB increased the productivity of CSR-36 significantly. Organic carbon, available nitrogen and available phosphorus content increased up to 20, 9.9 and 16.8% respectively with the inoculation of halophilic bioformulations. Exploitation of azotobacter and phosphate solubilising bacteria as bio fertilization has enormous potential in improving the crop productivity and soil fertility in sodic soil condition.