Effect of Halophilic Bio-formulations on Soil Fertility and Productivity of Salt Tolerant Variety of Paddy in Sitapur District

Soil salinity and sodicity significantly hinder agricultural productivity, particularly in regions with salt-affected soils. Halophilic bio-formulations, which employ salt-tolerant microorganisms, offer a sustainable approach to improving soil fertility and crop yield. This study evaluates the effects of such bio-formulations-Halo-Azo, Halo-PSB, Halo-Zn and Halo-Mix-on the growth of the salt-tolerant rice variety CSR-43 in sodic and normal soils of the Parsendi block, Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh.

The experiment employed a randomized block design with five treatments and four replications. Rice seeds and seedlings were treated with halophilic bio-formulations before sowing and transplantation. Growth parameters (plant height, tillers, panicle length, grains per panicle, test weight and grain yield) and soil chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon and macronutrients) were analyzed pre-and post-harvest using standard methods.

Bio-formulations significantly enhanced growth parameters and yield in both sodic and normal soils. The highest improvements in plant height (7.50%), panicle length (33.48%), tillers per hill (12.38%), test weight (16.59%) and grain yield (7.57%) were observed with Halo-Mix treatment in sodic soil. Soil fertility metrics, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels also improved, with Halo-Mix showing the highest efficacy. Sodic soil pH was slightly neutralized and organic carbon content increased.