Bioreclamatory Studies on Salt Affected Soil by Using Cyanobacterial Biofertilizers

Abstract

In the present investigation, three strains of cyanobacteria isolated from agricultural fields near to salt mine were used as biofertilizer individually and in consortia. Farm yard manure was also used along with cyanobacterial biofertilizers to see the ameliorative effect on soil physical, chemical and biological properties. The algalization experiment was conducted in pots in the glass house of the department for 240 days. There was an improvement in carbon, nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, copper and manganese with biofertilizers treatment whereas sodium ion, EC and pH were found to be decreased. Soil microbial activities and plant growth parameters were found to be improved. Thus, the cyanobacterial species show promise in effective exploitation for phytoremediation and improved productivity of saline soils.