Abstract

Field experiments were conducted in three consecutive summer seasons of 2005 to 2007 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on soil health and productivity of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under rainfed condition. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with eight nutrient management practices (combinations of organic manures viz, farm yard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM), vermicompost (VC) and inorganic fertilizers in main plots and seed tuber treatment with three biofertilizers (Azotobactor, phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and Azotobactor + PSB) in sub plots. The results showed that 50 % of the recommended dose of NPK through inorganic + 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through organic manures (FYM, PM or VC) or 100% recommended dose of NPK through inorganic fertilizers alone favorably influenced the tuber yield, nutrient uptake, soil fertility and paid higher returns compared to other treatments. Seed treatment with Azotobactor + PSB proved better in tuber yield, nutrient uptake and recorded higher returns as compared to sole treatment of either Azotobactor or PSB. Three years pooled result revealed that integrated application of 50 % of recommended NPK through inorganic and 50 % RDN through PM recorded significantly highest tuber yield (22.73 t/ha) closely followed by 100 % recommended NPK through inorganic (22.20 t/ha) which were 228 % and 223 % respectively, higher than control. Integrated application of inorganic and organic fertilizers and seed treatment with Azotobactor + PSB biofertilizers improved tuber yield, nutrient uptake, and gave higher return as compared to other treatment combinations. Total organic carbon (TOC), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), available N, P, and K status of the soil after 3 years were maximum when 50 % recommended dose of NPK were applied through inorganic and remaining 50 % RDN through PM.

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