Soil biochemical properties and growth of Ber and Aonla as influenced by bio-inoculants

Monitoring soil biological productivity as influenced by inoculation with beneficial microorganisms may provide useful information about the potential of soil for providing available forms of various elements and is mainly responsible for improving the soil fertility status and higher plant productivity. Soil microbiological properties often change when different cropping, tillage or management system other than the conventional cultivation practices are imposed. The effect of inoculation of nitrogen fixing bacteria and arubuscular mycorrhizal (AM)-fungi alone or in combination on activities of various enzymes in the rhizosphere of ber and aonla were assessed. Activities of soil dehydrogenase and phosphatases were significantly improved upon inoculation with Azospirillum/Azotobacter and G. fasctculatum. Soil nitrogen fixing potential, as measured by nitrogenase activity, was maximum with dual inoculation of both these organisms. Inoculation enhanced the root infection and density of AMF spores. The result of the study demonstrated the potential value of inoculation with beneficial microorgansims in enhancing the soil biological processes. Additionally the inoculation had improved the soil fertility status resulting in a significant increase in the leaf area and biomass production of ber and aonla.