Impact of inorganic and biofertilizers on soil biological modifications and rhizosphere dynamics in maize

Abstract:

The study evaluates the “Impact of inorganic and biofertilizers on soil characteristics and yield of maize in black soils” was conducted at Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla, during rabi of 2025 - 2026. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with ten treatments and three replications using the treatments involving different levels of inorganics in combination with different biofertilizers. The treatments consist of T₁- absolute control; T₂ - 50% RDF +PSB; T₃- 50% RDF+ PSB + VAM; T₄- 50% RDF + PSB + VAM + KRB; T₅ - 75% RDF +PSB; T₆- 75% RDF + PSB + VAM; T₇- 75% RDF + PSB + VAM + KRB; T₈ - 100% RDF +PSB; T₉- 100% + PSB + VAM and T₁₀- 100% + PSB + VAM + KRB. Among the treatments, the combined application of 100% RDF + PSB + VAM + KRB (T₁₀) recorded the highest pH, EC, OC, CEC, available nutrient, microbial population enzyme activity and yield and lowest was recorded in T₁ (absolute control. The findings of the present study emphasize that the combined application of biofertilizers and inorganic fertilizers is essential for improving nutrient availability, enhancing microbial activity, maintaining soil fertility and soil health, and ultimately increasing crop yield.