Root biomass and phosphorus availability as influenced by soil salinity, phosphorus sources and biofertilizers in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)

A pot experiment was conducted at S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner using cowpea crop to determine root biomass and phosphorus availability as influenced by soil salinity, phosphorus sources and biofertilizers in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) during kharif 2015. The experiment included soil salinity (three levels of EC i.e., 1.22, 4.0 and 6.0 dS/m), phosphorus sources (SSP, DAP and PROM), and biofertilizers (control, PSB and PSB + VAM) laid out in completely randomized design replicated thrice. The results showed that soil salinity Sj (EC 1.22 dS/m) recorded highest root biomass (0.643 g/pot), phosphorus content in both roots (0.246%) and soil (0.032%) over S₄ and S₆. Results further revealed that phosphorus rich organic manure (P₃) obtained significantly higher root biomass (0.636 g/pot), phosphorus content in both roots (0.240%) and soil (0.033%) over P_t and P₂. Seed inoculation with PSB + VAM (B₂) gave significantly higher root biomass (0.684 g/pot), phosphorus content in both root (0.243%) and soil (0.032%) over B₀ and B_r Among different combinations, application of phosphorus rich organic manure and biofertilizers (PSB+VAM) under normal water (EC 1.22 dS/m) proved better root biomass and phosphorus availability in the soil.