Influence of agrochemicals and Azotobacter sp. application on soil fertility in relation to maize growth under nursery conditions

Abstract

In the present study, the effort has been taken to analyze the effects caused by agrochemicals. The best alternative to agrochemicals is biofertilizers. It is necessary to understand the beneficial role played by biofertilizer in crop production and regaining the soil fertility. Thus, the present study compares the effect of agrochemicals [fertilizers (urea), fungicide (carbendazim) and insecticide (endosulfan)] and biofertilizers (Azotobacter sp.) on maize under nursery trials were carried out in Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD) by altering the present recommendation. The effect of above-mentioned treatments was studied based on the maize growth, phytochemical concentrations, soil fertility level and microbial population. The treatment with Azotobacter sp. and actual recommended dose of urea were performing well when compared to other agrochemical treatments. The higher the concentration of agrochemical application, lower is the plant growth. It is incurred from the study that generally the usage of agrochemicals was seriously disturbing plant biotic characters and soil ecology.

Biofertilizer: The Future of Food Security and Food Safety

“…Azotobacter has also been found to add 15-93 kg N/ha to Paspalum notatum roots [11]. Another strain, Azotobacter indicum, can produce a variety of antifungal antibiotics that are utilized to reduce seedling mortality by inhibiting the growth of many harmful fungi in the root region [63]. Azotobacter populations are often low in the rhizosphere of crop plants and in uncultivated soils, according to research.…”

Impact of Pesticides on PGPR Activity of Azotobacter sp. Isolated from Pesticide Flooded Paddy Soils

“…Among all the practices, chemical pesticides are in the race and used excessively for the control of plant diseases and pests. Some of the pesticides have direct effect on soil microbiological aspects, environmental pollution and health hazards (Martin et al, 2011). These pesticides may cause everlasting changes in the soil microflora (Aleem et al, 2003), adverse effect on soil fertility and crop productivity, inhibition of nitrogen (N2) fixing bacteria, (Sachin, 2009), interference with ammonification (Reinhardt et al, 2008).…”