SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF INORGANIC AND BIO FERTILIZERS ON GROWTH AND PERFORMANCE OF SUMMER GROUNDNUT (ARACHIS HYPOGEA L.) UNDER BROWN FOREST SOILS OF ODISHA

Abstract

 Fertilizers are essential for agricultural success, significantly enhancing plant growth and productivity. However, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers can harm soil health and compromise long-term sustainability. Balancing the use of inorganic fertilizers with bio-fertilizers offers a promising alternative. This study, conducted over two years (2022 and 2023) at the Post Graduate Research Farm, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, focused on groundnut cultivation. The experiment used a robust factorial randomized block design with three replications and twelve treatments. The treatments included four levels of inorganic fertilizers: F1 (0% RDF), F2 (50% RDF), F3 (100% RDF), and F4 (150% RDF), combined with three bio-fertilizer levels: B1 (Control), B2 (Rhizobium seed inoculation @ 2.4 kg/ha), and B3 (Rhizobium soil application @ 2 kg/ha). The findings revealed that optimal growth and yield were achieved with the application of 150% RDF combined with Rhizobium seed inoculation @ 2.4 kg/ha. This performance was comparable to the application of 100% RDF with the same Rhizobium inoculation. Consequently, this combined application stands as a viable recommendation for farmers in southern Odisha who aim to cultivate groundnut during the summer season, ensuring enhanced growth and productivity.