Influence of biofertilizers on flower yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda and fertility status of soils in mid hills of Uttarakhand

A field experiment was conducted to observe the influence of biofertilizers on flower yield and fertility status of soil used in the field. Treatments consisted of use of biofertilizers namely Azotobacter and PSB, organic manures namely FYM and vermicompost, inorganic fertilizers (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium).Chemical analysis of soil revealed that out of various treatments used, T₉ (Azotobacter + PSB + vermicompost) gave maximum available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil with their mean values 406.00 kg ha⁻¹, 38.75 kg ha⁻¹ and 260.33 kg ha⁻¹, respectively during flowering while these values were 380.66 kg ha⁻¹, 34.31 kg ha⁻¹ and 198.33 kg ha⁻¹, respectively after harvesting. Maximum organic carbon content in soil (1.83%) during flowering and 1.33% after harvesting was found in T₉ (Azotobacter + PSB + vermicompost) while it was minimum in T₁₀ (control).