Vermicompost and cow dung admixture increases rhizosphere bacterial population and promotes rapid physiological maturity in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Incessant application of chemical fertilizers to the agricultural fields may alter the composition and activities of soil microbiota. Thus, the shift of cultivation practices from chemical to organic is considered to be the need of the hour in order to maintain soil health. A study was conducted in the agricultural fields of the University of Burdwan, India to observe the impact of organic manure on rhizosphere bacterial community. The experiments were conducted on maize plants, supplemented with the recommended dose of chemical fertilizer and organic manure (vermicompost and cow dung mixture). Corresponding changes in the plant phenological events and soil health in terms of soil physico-chemical factors and rhizosphere bacterial groups up to the level of CFU g -1 × 10 5 dry soil were noted. The results showed a significant increase in population of nitrifying bacteria, asymbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria and protein hydrolysing bacteria in the organically treated plots. Moreover, the organic manure increases the bacterial population of rhizosphere, which in turn has a positive impact on maize growth and yield. The growth of the three groups of bacteria was attributed to the type of organic manure supplied to the agricultural fields. In addition, strong correlation was observed between Zn and protein hydrolysing bacteria. The soil organic carbon and available nitrogen were strongly correlated with nitrifying, fat solubilizing and phosphate solubilizing groups of bacteria.