Bio-formulation in combination with inorganic fertilizer improves crop growth, productivity and economics of kharif groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Red and Laterite soils

ABSTRACT Indiscriminate application of inorganic chemicals has resulted in soil health deterioration and decline in crop produce in nutrient poor Alfisols of India. We conducted an experiment to find out the influence of different level of inorganic fertilizer and bio-formulations on nutrient uptake, crop growth and productivity of kharif groundnut in the Red and Laterite soils during 2018, 2019 and 2020. It was hypothesized that judicious application of inorganic fertilizer and bio-formulation would result in better nutrient uptake, improving nut yield and net income. We found that higher dose of inorganic fertilizer along with liquid bio-formulations yielded better results in terms of nutrient uptake, crop growth, yield and quality in groundnut. An increase of 43.2% and 57.5% in haulm and kernel N uptake; 67.6 and 98.1% in haulm and kernel P uptake; 47.4% and 57.6% in haulm and kernel K uptake was recorded, respectively, when 100% recommended dose of NPK (F4) was coupled with liquid NPK bio-formulation + Zn-solubilizing bacteria (B2) over control and was most economical (higher B:C ratio, 2.73). Groundnut being an exhaustive crop, responded well to higher levels of inorganic fertilizer and bio-formulations.