Effect of biofertilizers and inorganic fertilizers on soil fertility and oil yield of patchouli (Pogostemon cablin benth) in alfisols

A study was conducted on the effect of biofertilizers and inorganic fertilizers on soil fertility and oil yield of patchouli in Alfisols during 2021-2022. Maximum foliage yield was obtained in treatment of 100 per cent GRDF + PSB 10 g/plant + VAM 20 g/plant + Azotobacter 10 g/plant (2.98 tonnes/ha) and 100 per cent GRDF + Azotobacter 10 g/plant (2.96 tonnes/ha). Maximum oil yield was obtained in the former treatment (76.66 kg/ha). The soil pH increased to 5.36 to 5.73 from the initial value of 5.16; EC increased to 0.21 to 0.51 dS/m from the initial 0.17 dS/m and OC was enhanced to 2.21 to 2.73 per cent in the treatments from the initial content of 1.51 per cent. The available soil N got enhanced only in the treatment 100 per cent GRDF + PSB 10 g/plant + VAM 20 g/plant + Azotobacter 10 g/plant (318.62 kg/ha) from the initial content of 288.51 kg/ha. Available K₂O was significantly highest in the same treatment (274.67 kg/ha) from the initial content of 202.94 kg/ha. Integrated balanced use of fertilizers can improve soil fertility and yield of patchouli crop in Alfisols.