International Journal of Farm Sciences

In the context of increasing international concern for nutrition, food and environmental quality the use of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for reducing chemical inputs in agriculture is a potentially important issue. The present investigation was undertaken to study the effects of integrated nutrient management systems on soil health and growth and yield of capsicum mid-hills of northwestern Himalayas under open conditions. Two PGPR namely (Bacillus subtilis) and PM₉ (Bacillus sp) were tried singly or consortia at varying (60 and 80%) doses of N and P chemical fertilizers and compared with 100 per cent recommended doses (RD) of NPK (control) under randomized block design replicated thrice. The application of consortia of PGPR with 80 per cent RD of N and P fertilizers not only produced maximum yield (22.68 tons/ha) but also saved 20 kg N/ha and 15 kg P/ha fertilizers over control. Maximum N (144.71 kg/ha) and P (16.68 kg/ha) uptake was noted under control which was significantly at par with treatment comprising 80 per cent RD of chemical fertilizers and consortia of PGPR. The results therefore suggest that application of PGPR isolates along with 80 per cent chemical fertilizer doses may be used for enhanced yield without destructing of soil health in mid-hills of northwestern Himalayas.