Open AccessEffect of Beneficial Microorganisms on Cowpea Productivity and Soil Health
Author(s) -
Abhishek Sharma,
Pranaba Nanda Bhattacharyya
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of advance research in pharmacy and biological science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2208-2360
DOI - 10.53555/nnpbs.v2i5.702
Subject(s) - microbial inoculant , biology , agronomy , soil health , soil fertility , microorganism , beneficial organism , rhizobia , soil biology , biofertilizer , rhizobium , nutrient , soil organic matter , population , nitrogen fixation , inoculation , soil water , bacteria , horticulture , ecology , genetics , demography , sociology
Soil microorganisms are the most abundant biota in soil, responsible for a number of abilities such as nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition, maintenance of soil fertility and restoration and plant health and sustainability in ecosystem functioning. Beneficial microbial inoculants such as actinomycetes, diazotrophic bacteria, mycorrhizal helper bacteria (MHB), mycorrhizal fungi, rhizobia etc. are known to promote plant growth. Microorganisms are also antagonistic to plant pests, parasites or diseases. Many of the beneficial microbials are naturally present in soil, although in certain cases, it may be advised to increase their populations and activity either through direct inoculation or by applying agricultural management techniques. In cognizance with the above, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of microbial inoculants on overall productivity of cowpea and soil health. Results revealed that the application of Rhizobium sp. as seed treatment increased the productivity of cowpea (up to 15%) at various stages of plant growth parameters like plant dry weight, no. of fresh leaves and branches, pods, overall leaf moisture and root length as compared to control. Total microbial population numbers, available K and phosphorus (P) in soil were also increased significantly after the soil was treated with this microbial inoculant indicating the role of beneficial microbial in improving the plant nutrient status and soil health.