EFFECT OF INORGANIC AND BIOFERTILIZERS (VAM AND PSB) ON YIELD OF MAIZE AND WHEAT CROPPING SEQUENCE AND SOIL FERTILITY.

Filed experiments were conducted during 2004-2006 in maize (Zea mays L.) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping sequence to study the effect of application of P fertilizer along with P solubilizing microorganisms on yield, P response and nutrient availability in an alkaline soil Typic Haplustept. The results revealed that the grain yield significantly increased with the application of fertilizer. Highest grain yield was recorded with the inoculation of VAM in combination with SPP @ 30 kg P2O5 ha-1 in maize and PSB along with RP @30 kg P2O5 ha-1in wheat crop. Higher yield response was found to be (141.3%) in maize and (127.5% ) wheat with the application of 30 kg P2O5 ha-1 + VAM, whereas P use efficiency was highest with the inoculation of VAM along with 30 kg P2O5ha-1 in maize (32.7 kg grain kg-1P2O5) and wheat (34.3 kg grain kg-1P2O5). A significant improvement in organic carbon and available N and P was also observed with the combined use of SSP and VAM or rock phosphate and P solubilizing microorganisms. The results indicated that inoculation of biofertilizers in combination with limited doses of rock phosphate or SSP produced higher and sustainable crop yields, maintained the soil health and reduced the P fertilizer cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]