REVIEW OF LITERATURE - INFLIBNETshodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/73600/11/11_chapter - 2.pdf · REVIEW OF LITERATURE ˘ ˇ ˆ ... castings which are rich in microbial activity

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REVIEW OF LITERATURE

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2.1 Vermicompost

Termites and earthworms are very important component for the maintenance

of soil fertility and nutrient cycling. Darwin (1837) reported the role of earthworms in

increasing soil fertility. Aristotle says that earthworms are the intestine of the earth

(Shipley, 1970). Earthworms are able to convert even organic part of municipal solid

into rich manure (Modena, 1978). Vermicompost has effectively enhanced the root

formation, elongation of stem, production of biomass, vegetables plants etc. reported

by (Grappelli et al 1985; kale and Bano, 1986).Positive Influence of worm cast on the

growth and mycorrhizal colonization of two ornamental plants (Kale et al 1987).

Edwards and Burrows (1988) reported that Vermicompost shows high water

holding capacity and proper supply of macro and micro-nutrients. Edwards (1998)

reported that vermicompost could promote early and vigorous growth of seedlings.

Tomati et al (1988) showed that Root initiation, enhanced root biomass formation,

enhanced plant growth and development and Sometimes, alterations in plant

morphology are among the most frequent effects of Vermicompost treatment.

Vermicompost have higher level of available nutrients like nitrate or ammonium

nitrogen, exchangeable phosphorus and soluble potassium, calcium and magnesium

derived from the wastes (Buchanan et al 1988). Earthworm stimulates microbial

activities and metabolism and also influences microbial populations. As a result more

available nutrients and microbial metabolites are released into the soil (Tomati et al

1988). Earthworms are also able to deodorize the composting process (Bhawalkar,

1992). Vermicompost has found effective fertilizer for ornamental plants (Bano et al,

1993). White and Frunkel (1994) say that though the earthworms are repulsive chain

in energy flow, in presence of them, plant grows better than in their absence.

Earthworms play a vital role in decomposing dead plants and animals and are

responsible for increasing aeration and fertility of soil. Earthworms are able to convert

even organic part of municipal solid into rich manure (Talukdar and Goswami, 1995).

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Presence of beneficial micro-organism of biologically active plant growth

influencing substances like phytohormones released by beneficial micro-organisms

present in the vermicompost rich soil (Tomati and Galli 1995). Vermicomposting is a

simple biotechnological process of composting, in which certain species of earthworm

are used to enhance the process of waste conversion and produce a better end product.

Vermicomposting differs from composting in several ways. The process is faster than

composting, because the material passes through the earthworm gut, a significant but

not yet fully understood transformation takes place, where by the resulting earthworm

castings which are rich in microbial activity and plant growth regulators and fortified

with pest repellence attributes as well. Vermicomposting converts household waste

into compost within 30 days reduces the C: N ratio and retain more N than the

traditional methods of preparing composts (Gandhi et al 1997). The uptake of N,

phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) by rice (Oryza sativa) plant was

highest when fertilizer was applied in combination with vermicompost (Jadhav et al,

1997). Mitchell and Edward (1997) say that Vermicompost reduces the proportion of

water soluble chemical species, which cause possible environmental contamination.

Venkatesh et al (1997) showed that in grape application of vermicompost @ (5t ha-1

)

increased Fe availability to 122.6 percent and application of 5t / ha-1

vermicompost

increased available cu to 194 percent. A positive response was obtained with the

application of vermicompost to other field crops such as sunflower (Helianthus

annus) (Devi and Agarwal 1998; Devi et al 1998). The nutrient levels especially

(macro or micro nutrients) were found to be always higher than the compost

derived from other method (Kale, 1998). He stated that Earthworms are

Cinderella of Organic Farming.

The yield of pea (Pisum sativum) was also greater with the application of

vermicompost (10t ha-1

) along with recommended N, P and K than with these

fertilizers alone (Reddy et al 1998). Vadiraj et al (1998) reported that application of

vermicompost produced herbage yields of coriander cultivars that were comparable to

those obtained with chemical fertilizers. Earthworms were used in breakdown and

management of organic wastes (Edwards 1998). Vermicompost could increase the

growth and yield of medicinal plant turmeric (Vadiraj et al, 1998). Addition of

vermicompost in the soil increases the availability of micronutrients to plant (Sainz et

al 1998; Vasanthi & Kumaraswamy, 1999). Enhanced Growth of tomato plants was

observed in horticulture potting media amended with Vermicompost (Atiyeh et al

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1999). The efficiency of vermicompost was evaluated in a field study by Desai et al

(1999). They showed that the application of Vermicompost along with fertilizer N

gave higher dry matter (16.2 g plant-1

) and grain yield (3.6t ha-1

) of wheat (Triticum

aestivum) and higher dry matter yield (0.66 g plant-1

) of the following coriander

(Coriandrum sativum) crop in sequential cropping system.

The fresh weight of flowers such as Chrysanthemum chinensis increased with

the application of different levels of vermicompost, also the number of flowers per

plant (26), flower diameter (6cm) and yield (0.5t ha-1

) were maximum with the

application of (10 t ha-1

) of vermicompost along with 50% of recommended dose of

NPK fertilizer. However, the vase life of flowers (11 days) was high with the

combined application of vermicompost at (15 t ha-1) and 50% of recommended dose

of NPK fertilizer (Nethra et al, 1999). The application of vermicompost showed

favorable effect on soil PH, microbial population and soil enzyme activities

(Maheswarappa et al 1999). Ghosh et al (1999) says that integration of vermicompost

with inorganic fertilizers tended to increase the yield of crops viz potato, rape seed,

mulberry and marigold over other traditional composts. The C: N ratio of the

unprocessed olive cake, vermicomposted, olive cake and manure were 42, 29 and 11

respectively. The results suggest that for use of vermicomposted dry olive cake as an

organic soil amendment, the management of vermicomposting process should be so

adjusted as to ensure more favorable N mineralization immobilization (Thompson and

Nogales, 1999). Vermicompost plays a major role in improving growth and yield of

different field crops, vegetables, flowers and fruit crops. The application of

vermicompost gave higher germination (93%) of mung bean (Vigna radiata)

compared to the control (84%). Further the growth and yield of mung bean was also

significantly higher with vermicompost application (Karmegam et al 1999).

In pot experiment the fresh and dry matter yields of cowpea (Vigna

unguiculata ) were higher where soil was amended with vermicompost than with

biodigested slurry (Karmegam and Daniel, 2000). Vermicompost increases macro

pore space ranging from 50 to 500 µm resulting in improved air water relationship in

the soil which favorably affects plant growth (Marinari et al 2000). A positive

response was obtained with the application of vermicompost to other field crops such

as sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) (Patil and Sheelavantar, 2000). From earlier studies

also it is evident that vermicompost provides all nutrients in readily available form

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and also enhances uptake of nutrients by plants, (Sreenivas et al, 2000) studied the

integrated effect of application of fertilizer and vermicompost on soil available

nitrogen (N) and uptake of ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula) at Rajendranagar, Andhra

Pradesh, India. Soil available N increased significantly with increasing level of

vermicompost and highest N uptake was obtained at 50% of the recommended

fertilizer rate plus 10 t ha-1

vermicompost.

Vermicomposting Technology was used for waste management effectively by

Vermi co (2001). In India, at least 60 percent of the solid wastes are organic in nature.

These wastes are often rich plant nutrients (Sinha, et al 2002). Role of soil

microorganisms in improving P nutrition of plants was studied by Gyaneshwar et al

(2002) showed positive results. Vermitechnology is ecologically and economically

viable process and it can be approved least technically by a common man, they

also play an important role in ecological soil management and organic waste

recycling. Vermicompost shows high water holding capacity and proper supply of

macro and micro-nutrients and it has a positive effect on biomass production and

subsequently the enhanced plant height Atiyeh et al 2002).

Earthworms, through a type of biological alchemy, are capable of

transforming garbage into gold (Tara crescent 2003).

Influence of vermicomposts on strawberries and study the effect on the

growth, yields and showed positive effect on biomass production also shows

improvement through the biological activities of soil and mineral element absorption

(Arancon et al 2004). Application of vermicompost at 5t ha-1

significantly increased

yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) (5.8t ha-1

) in farmers fields in Adarsha

watershed, kothapally, Andhra Pradesh compared to control (3.5t ha-1

). Similarly,

greenhouse studies at Ohio state university in Columbus Ohio, USA have indicated

that vermicompost enhances transplant growth rate of vegetables. Amendment of

vermicompost with a transplant grown without vermicompost had the highest amount

of red marketable fruit at harvest. In addition, there were no symptoms of early blight

lesions on the fruit at harvest (Nagavallemma et al 2004). Vermicompost shows

increased yield of basil (Anwar et al, 2005).Vermicompost application increases more

biomass production of various plants such as Artemisia pallens, Hardeum vulgare

(Pandey 2005; Roy & Singh 2006). Roy & Singh (2006) reported a large number of

productive tillers of barley in response to vermicompost application. They have

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suggested that vermicompost affected the productive tillering through microbial

stimulation and gradual mineralization of soil. Arguello et al (2006) have shown that

the application of vermicompost on Allium Sativum caused greater yield.

Vermicompost could increase the growth and yield of geranium (Chand et al. 2007).

Increased growth, development, height and essential oil of German Chamomile

(Matricana recutita) have been reported in the presence of maximum amounts of

vermicompost (Azizi et al 2008).

Number of studies showed that vermicompost could increase the growth and

yield of some medicinal plants and other crops such as fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

(Darzi et al., 2007, 2008), plantain (Sanchez et al., 2008). The application of

vermicompost rendered better performance in respect of all round growth of mulberry

plants in the lateritic soil of South West Bengal (Chakraborty et al 2008). The study

was conducted during 2004-05 at the walnut orchard of the Department of pomology

at Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni- Solan (H.P.) India

in ten year old walnut trees. The highest leaf N content was recorded in treatment

recommended dose of NPK + 50 kg vermicompost (B.P. Bhattarai and C.S. Tomar

2009). Recent trends in agriculture are centered on reducing the use of inorganic

fertilizers by organic manure and the application of biofertilizers such as

Vermicompost and phosphatic biofertilizers (Darzi et al., 2011). Vermicomposts are

the products of the degradation of organic matter through interactions between

earthworms and microorganisms.

The experiment was carried out at the Hamand Research Station in Damavand

in 2009. Vermicompost (0, 5 and 10 ton/ha) and phosphate solubilizing bacterium,

Bacillus circulans (non-inoculated, inoculated seeds and inoculated seeds + spray on

the plant base at stem elongation stage) were used as the effecting parameters. The

results of present study demonstrated that the highest plant height, umbel number per

plant, biological and seed yield were obtained after applying 10 ton/ha vermicompost

(Darzi et al 2012).

2.2 Biofertilizer

Chemical fertilizers are widely used in ago ecosystem for keeping the crops

healthy and thereby increasing the yield. Their utilization rate on various crops is in

increasing order which leads to many serious problems such as air and water

pollution, pest resurgence etc. hence, there is need to adopt a strategy of integrated

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nutrient supply. The judicious combination of chemical fertilizers, organic manures

and biofertilizers would worth avoiding the risk of non-renewable forms of energy

and demerits of chemical fertilizers. Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Azolla etc. are

important micro-organisms and are actively engaged in nitrogen fixing and supply of

nitrogen nutrients to the plants. Next to nitrogen and phosphorus, micro-organisms are

important nutrients for plants. The soil contains high organic matter including rich

organic forms of phosphorus which comes mainly by way of decaying vegetation.

Rock phosphate is one of the basic materials for phosphatic fertilization production.

In India, 100 million tons of rock phosphate deposits are available. Super phosphate is

a common form of phosphoric fertilizer used in India. The bacterial species belonging

to the genera Bacillus and Pseudomonas possess the ability to bring insoluble

phosphates in soil into soluble from by secreting organic acids like formic, acetic,

propionic, lactic, glycolic, fumaric and succinic acid. Bacterial cell size ranges from

1.1 to 2.2 mm. Rod shaped Bacillus is gram +ve while pseudomonas is gram -ve

bacteria. Transparent zones of clearing around microbial colonies indicate extent of P

stabilization, spreading type growth and spore formation of Bacillus. Glucose is main

carbon source for bacteria but can utilize other carbon source and respire aerobically

(Sathe T.V., 2004).

In soils, Azotobacter sp. populations are affected by soil physico-chemical

(e.g. organic matter, pH, temperature, soil depth, soil moisture) and microbiological

(e.g. microbial interactions) properties. As far as physico-chemical soil properties are

concerned, numerous studies have focused on the nutrients (i.e. P, K, and Ca) and

organic matter content and their positive impact on Azotobacter sp. populations in

soils (Pramanix and Misra, 1955; Bescking, 1961; Jensen, 1965; Burris, 1969).

Nitrogen fixation by free living organisms is a process that needs considerable

amounts of organic matter to be effective. According to Dobereiner (1969) free living

organisms would be able to fix between 12 and 30 mg N g-1

of carbon source. In the

absence of nitrogen in the soil ten kilograms of N fixed ha-1

, the bacteria would have

used between 330 and 830 kg of carbon, taking into account that all other conditions

are optimized. Booth (1969) had contributed in biofertilizers by their basic and

fundamental research in different economically important plants showed significant

results. The increase in the seedling vigour index may be strongly correlated with

early and high germination due to Azospirillum, phosphate solubilizing bacteria

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(PSB) and N2 fixer through inoculation (Sanders et al 1975). Phosphate solubilizing

bacteria survived longer around plant longer around mycorrhizal roots of maize plants

and acted synergistically with mycorrhiza (Azcon et al 1976). Nitrogen fixation is

mediated exclusively by prokaryotes (Alexander, 1977). One of the most important

effective factors in increasing of corn yield is seed priming with plant growth

promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a

group of bacteria that actively colonize plant roots and promote growth when added to

seeds, roots or tubers have been termed plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria

(Kloepper et al., 1980a, b) he also reported that plant yields 10 to 30% increased in

non-legume crops such as potato, radish, corn and sugar beet by the application of

PGPR (Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria).

Effect of biofertilizers treatment studied by Jha and Sen (1981) in different

crops, they had also noted different negative impact of biofertilizer at higher

concentration. The brown sea weed, Dictyota dichotoma abundantly occurring along

the coastal area of Tamilnadu, has been tested for its fertilizer effect on growth and

yield of Abelmoschus esculentus. Dudeja (1981) reported the increase in grain yield

and nutrient uptake in gram by Rhizobium and PSM co-inoculations. Azotobacter

chroococcum is the most prevalent species found but other species described include

A.agilis, A.vinelandii, A. beijerinckii, A.insignis, A.macrocytogenes and A.paspali

(FAO, 1982).The positive effects of biofertilizers treatment at low concentration on

seed germination had been reported by Purvis et al (1985). Murty and Ladha (1987)

showed that inoculation of A. lipoferum to rice roots significantly increased shoot

fresh and dry weights. The improvement of root length was shown due to combined

bio-fertilizer inoculation in tree legumes (Delacruz, 1988). The saving of 33 %

fertilizer nitrogen due to Azospirillum inoculation has been proved in ginger (Patil

and Konde, 1988).

When leguminous plants are cultivated with N free medium and depend only

on N2 fixation, all of assimilated N is derived from N2 fixation. Therefore, total N

content in a plant is equal to the amount of fixed N. The N balance method is very

convenient method for estimating the total amount of fixed N in field experiments

using targeted leguminous crops and the non-fixing reference (control) plant such as

non-nodulating isolines or other species (Peoples and Herridge, 1990). Azotobacter is

free-living aerobic bacteria dominantly found in soil. They are non-symbiotic

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heterotrophic bacteria capable of fixing an average 20 kg N/ha/per year. Besides, it

also produces growth promoting substances and is shown to be antagonistic to

pathogens. Azotobacter spp. are found in the soil and rhizosphere of many plants and

their population ranges from negligible to 104 g-1 of soil depending upon the

physico-chemical and microbiological (microbial interactions) properties. Bio-

fertilizers can obviate the need of importation and all the same prove to be cost

effective and compatible with ecology (Chakrabarthy and Pran., 1990).

The scope and importance of biofertilizers is increasing day by day as it offers

great promises to reduced the ill effects of modern agricultural practices on

environmental pollution, soil and water pollution, human and animal health hazard,

residues in food chain on agro ecosystem, these problems may overcome by using

biofertilizers such as Bioplin which improving the yield and quality of agricultural

produce in sustainable manner which is global need today. Use of Azotobacter as a

biofertilizer for cereals millets, cotton, Sugarcane and other crops has been well

documented. Application of this biofertilizer has been found to increase yield of

wheat, rice and maize by 0-30% over the control. Table gives the effect of

Azotobacter inoculation on crop yields.

Table: Effect of Azotobacter inoculation on crop yield Crops Fertilizer

supplementation kg/ha

%increase

over control

References

N P K

Wheat 120 - - 11 Shende and Apte, 1982

- - - 10 to 30 Sundara Rao et al, 1963

Rice 120 60 60 23 Mehrotra and Lehri, 1971

Maize - - - 34 Mishustin and Shilnikova, 1969

Sorghum - - - 15 to 20 Reddy et al 1977

Pearl millet - - - 0-27 Wani, 1988

Onion - - - 22 Joi and Shende, 1976

Tomato - - - 2 to 24 Mehrotra and Lehri,1971

Irrigated

cotton

63 30 - 10 to 20 Chahal et al 1979

Non irrigated - - - 11 to 16 Pothiraj, 1979

Sugarcane - - - 24 Hapse et al, 1984

Source:-Venkataraman G. S. and Tilak K.V.B.R. Biofertilizers in sustainable

Agriculture. In soil fertility and fertilizer use vol. IV nutrient Management and Supply

system for sustaining Agriculture in 1990s. IFFCO, New Delhi (43).

Naryanabhat (1991) studied on mycorrhiza fungi for biomass increase in forest

tree seedling showed positive effect. Kloepper and Beauchamp (1992) have shown

that wheat yield increased up to 30% with Azotobacter inoculation and up to 43%

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with Bacillus inoculation. Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) convert

insoluble phosphates into soluble forms through the process of acidification,

chelation, exchange reaction and production of gluconic acid. This process not only

compensates for higher cost of manufacturing fertilizers in industry but also mobilizes

the fertilizers added to soil (Rajan et al, 1996). Application of Azospirillum and

chemical fertilizers as N, P and K in addition to FYM resulted in the highest dry berry

yield in pepper (Kanthaswamy, et al 1996). (Bashan. 1997) found that inoculation of

A. lipoferum to rice roots significantly increased of shoot fresh and dry weights. Omar

(1998) reported a significant increase in the dry matter yield of wheat due to seed

priming by PGPR (Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria). Phosphate solubilizing

bacteria such as Bacillus sp and Pseudomonas sp could lead to increase the growth

and yield of a few medicinal plants and other crops (Singh and Kapoor, 1998). An

increase in P availability to plants through the inoculation of phosphate solubilizing

bacteria (PSB) has been reported in pot experiments and under field conditions (Pal,

1998).

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria and their significant role in plant growth

promotion was studied by Rodriguez and Fraga (1999). Results of three year study in

clove and nutmeg also gave highest dry yield (AICRPS 2000). Significant increases in

growth and yield of agronomical important crops in response to inoculation with

PGPR have been reported by Biswas et al. (2000). P solubilizers in acid soils (pH5 -

6.5) help in solubilizing the insoluble phosphates and make it available to the plant

(AICRPS 2000). Previous information about the biofertilizers which are used in the

treatments for sustainable agriculture Bhat and Chauhan (2000). At present

researchers in agriculture, biological sciences, biochemistry, physiology and

biotechnology and even engineering and taking interest in this widely emerging area

of research. Rhizobacteria, AMF and Azospirillum inoculation could lead to

increase the bioactivity of tricalcium phosphate to lemon grass (Cymbopogon martini)

(Ratti et al., 2001). Anantharaj and Venkatesalve (2002) showed seaweed extracts

enhance seed germination, growth, disease resistance capacity to pathogenic microbes

and insects yields and uptake of nutrient by plants. Asghar et al. (2002) studied

Relationship between in vitro production of auxins by rhizobacteria and their growth

promoting activities in Brassica juncea and showed significant increase in growth.

Sule et al. (2002) studied the impact of biofertilizers (Azospirillum,

Azotobacter, Rhizobium and phosphate solubilizing bacteria) on the productivity of

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onion. The results showed for onion, the average areas under biofertilizers users and

non-users were 0.47 kg (470 gm) per ha and 0.50 kg (500 gm) per hector respectively.

An average productivity of biofertilizer users and non users was 20.05 and 18.13 t

ha-1

. Effect of rhizospheric microorganisms on growth and yield of green gram

(Phaseolus radiatus L.) studies have shown a substantial increase in dry matter

accumulation and seed yield following inoculation with PGPR ( Perveen et al., 2002).

Plants utilize fewer amounts of phosphatic fertilizers this leads to the need of frequent

application of phosphate fertilizer but its use on a regular basis has become a costly

affair and also environmentally undesirable (Reddy et al 2002). The experiment was

conducted on eight year old pepper vines; all treatments contain biofertilizers

exhibited higher quality (Filitt Steppen- 2003). Field experiment was conducted to

know the effect of integrated nutrient management using biofertilizers in onion

(Allium cepa cv. N-53). Application of biofertilizers, organic manures and chemical

fertilizers increased bulb yield by 22 per cent over their control Jayathilake et al.

(2003).

Balemi (2003) reported that inoculation of efficient Azotobacter strain (CDB-

15) could save up to 50 per cent N fertilizers without significantly affecting plant

growth and yield. Yadav et al. (2003) reported that application of Azotobacter either

in singly or in combination with 0, 50, 75 or 100 kg N per ha on the yield and yield

components of onion cv.Hisar-2. Inoculation of Azotobacter singly or in combination

with N significantly increased seed yield over the uninoculated control (by 20-31 and

32-56%, respectively). The maximum increase in plant height (10% over the control

and number of umbels per plant (53% over the control) was obtained with

Azotobacter MSX-9 in combination with 75 and 100 kg N per ha, respectively.

Plants utilize fewer amounts of phosphatic fertilizers that are applied and the

rest is rapidly converted in to insoluble complexes in the soil (Vassilev and Vassileva,

2003). Microorganisms that dissolve poorly soluble CaPs (Calcium and phosphates)

are termed as mineral phosphate solubilizers (MPS) (Dobbelaere et al 2003; Goldstein

et al 2003). An increase in P availability to plants through the inoculation of

phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) has been reported in pot experiments and under

field conditions (Zaida et al., 2003). Vijaya kumari and Janardhanan (2003) studied

effect of biofertilizer on seed germination, seedling growth and biochemical changes

in silk cotton (Ceiba Pentandra), significant differences were noticed in germination

due to biofertilizers. Bashan et al. (2004) reported that inoculation of plants with

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Azospirillum could result in significant changes in various growth parameters, such as

increase in total plant biomass, nutrient uptake, plant height, leaf size, leaf area index

and root length of cereals. Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) convert

insoluble phosphates into soluble forms through the process of acidification,

chelation, exchange reaction and production of gluconic acid (Rodriguez et al 2004;

Chung et al, 2005). Nitrogen-fixing microbes can exist as independent, free-living

organisms or in associations of differing degrees of complexity with other microbes

and plants (Sylvia et al., 2005). Effect of 4 levels of N (25, 50, 75 and 100 kg ha-1

)

and 2 sources of biofertilizers i.e., Azotobacter and Azospirillum as seedling dipping,

seed and soil treatment, the treatment combination (100 kg N + Azotobacter as

seedling dipping) gave the highest bulb yield and fresh weight of bulb, followed at par

by (75 kg N +Azotobacter as seedling dipping) (Gunjan Aswani et al, 2005).

The maximum bulb yield was found with the treatment combination of 75 per

cent of the recommended P2O5 + Azospirillum biofertilizer application (Dhashrath

Yadav et al., 2005). Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a group of

bacteria that actively colonize plant roots and promote growth and increase plant

growth and yield (Wu et al., 2005). Zaidi and Khan (2005) have suggested that seed

priming with PGPR increased dry matter accumulation and grain yield of wheat,

Azospirillum inoculation increased dry matter by 40% in Zea mays and in Triticum

aestivum. Effect of Biofertilizers and compost, Biofertilizer and chicken manure could

lead to increase the growth and yield of a black cumin, borage (Shaalan, 2005a, b).

Inoculation of plants with Azospirillum could result in significant changes in various

growth parameters, such as increase in total plant biomass, nutrient uptake, plant

height, leaf size, leaf area index and root length of cereals (Cakmake et al 2006).

Significant differences were noticed in germination due to biofertilizers in Tulsi.

( Koppad and Umarbhadsha, 2006 a).

The Tokachi federation of Agricultural Co-operative (TFAC) in Hokkaido,

Japan produces and distributes rhizobium biofertilizers namely mamezo for soybean,

azuki bean and Phaseolus beans eighty percent of farmers in Hokkaido use these bio-

fertilizers (Current status and future direction, Annual report 2007). In the same way

both central and local government agencies in Taiwan are supporting extensive

production and application of biofertilizers such as rhizobial and P-solubilizing

microbial inoculants for vegetable soyabean and other crops and AM inoculants for

melons and other horticultural crops. This resulted in savings on chemical fertilizer

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and reduction of groundwater pollution caused by N leaching (Current status of

Biofertilizer; Biotech –fertilizer development, Annual report 2007). In Vietnam

farmers in the Mekong River Delta have been using BioGro in rice and this resulted in

fewer diseases, stronger stem, brighter and cleaner grains, and better grain yields

(Current status of Biofertilizer, Annual report 2007).

According to Das and Saha (2007) inoculation of Azotobacter and

Azospirillum in presence of partial application of fertilizer - N and Farm yard Manure

yielded less grain by 12.7 and 8.3% and less straw yield by 10.6 and 17.1

respectively, while the combined inoculation of the diazotrophs increase grain and

straw yields by 4.5 and 5.85 respectively than the optimum yield recorded in the soil

treated with 100 kg N ha-1

only. Nitrogen fixation is mediated exclusively by

prokaryotes, including many genera of bacteria, cyanobacteria, and the actinomycete

Frankia (Ravikumar et al., 2007). Synergistic effect of the inoculation with nitrogen

fixing and phosphate –solubilizing rhizobacteria on the performance of field grown

chickpea have shown a substantial increase in dry matter accumulation and seed yield

(Wani et al., 2007). Dilfuza (2007) suggested that inoculation of corn seeds with

Azospirillum brazilance increased dry matter accumulation. Effect of Biofertilizer

could lead to increase the growth and yield of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.)

(Darzi et al., 2007). Influence of biofertilizers on growth, biomass and biochemical

constituents of Ocimum gratissimum.L showed improved growth and biomass yield

(Rashmi et al., 2008).

The experiment was carried out during winter season at the college of

Forestry, Sirsi, UAS Dharwad about 100 g seeds of kalmegh (M1), Ashwagandha

(M2)) and Tulsi (M3) were treated with biofertilizers as per recommendation. The

treatments included Azospirillum (B1), phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (B2),

Azotobacter (B3), N2 fixer (B4), Combination (B1+B2+B3+B4) (B5) and control

B6. The biofertilizer solution was prepared by mixing the biofertilizers in water at 1:5

ratio, seeds were soaked in biofertilizer solution for overnight. The germinated

seedlings were counted daily and germination percentage, speed of germination

worked out at the end of the 21 days root and shoot length and vigour index recorded

at end of test period. Significant differences were noticed in germination due to

biofertilizers (Krishna et al, 2008).

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The study was conducted during 2004-05 at the walnut orchard of the

Department of pomology at Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry,

Nauni- Solan (H.P.) India. Ten year old walnut trees having uniform size and vigour

were selected. An experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three

replications there were 13 treatments. T1 = Recommended dose of NPK + FYM

(750g : 375 g: 700g + 100 Kg), T2 = Three forth of NPK + 137.5 kg FYM, T3 = Half

of the recommended NPK + 175 kg FYM, T4 = Recommended dose of NPK + 10 kg

neem cake, T5 = Three fourth of the recommended NPK + 13.75 kg neem cake, T6 =

Half of the recommended NPK + 17.5 kg neem cake, T7 = Recommended dose of

NPK + 50 kg vermicompost, T8= Three fourth of the recommended NPK + 68.75 kg

vermicompost, T9 = Half of recommended NPK + 87.50 kg vermicompost, T10 = 15

kg neem cake, T11 = 75 kg Vermicompost, T12 = 150 kg FYM, T13 =

Recommended dose of NPK. The highest leaf N content was recorded in treatment

recommended dose of NPK + 50 kg vermicompost (B.P. Bhattarai and C.S. Tomar

2009)

In order to evaluate the effects of seed priming with Plant Growth Promoting

Rhizobacteria (PGPR) on dry matter accumulation and yield of maize (Zea mays L.)

hybrids, A factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with

three replications was conducted in 2009 at the Research Farm of the Faculty of

Agriculture University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Iran. Factors were: seed priming with

Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) in three levels containing, without

priming (as control), priming with Azotobacter, Azosprilium and

Azotobacter+Azosprilium plus maize hybrids (SC-404, SC-410 and SC-434). The

results showed that seed priming with Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria affected

grain yield, plant height, number of kernel per ear, number of grains per ear

significantly. Maximum of these characteristics were obtained by the plots where

seeds were inoculated with Azotobacter bacteria. Mean comparison of treatment

compound corn hybrids ×various levels of priming with PGPR showed that maximum

grain yield and number of kernel per year were obtained by the plots which were

applied SC-434 hybrid with Azotobacter bacteria and minimum of it was obtained in

SC-404 hybrid without of seed priming. In addition, in all of maize hybrids, dry

matter accumulation in unit of area increased with seed priming with Azotobacter.

The highest grain yield (7.01 ton/ha) and dry matter accumulation (2019 gr /m2) was

obtained in treatment compound SC-434 maize hybrid at seed priming with

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Azotobacter. Thus, it can be suggested that SC-434 hybrid should be inoculated with

Azotobacter bacteria in conditions of Ardabil Plain. (Raouf Seyed Sharifi et al 2011).

Effect of vermicompost and phosphate biofertilizer application on yield and

yield components in Anise (Pimpinella anisum L) showed improved growth and yield

(Darzi et al., 2011). Phosphate solubilizing bacterium also showed significant effects

on umbel number per plant, biological yield and seed yield. The maximum umbel

number per plant, biological yield and seed yield were obtained using the phosphate

solubilizing bacterium twice (Darzi et al 2012).

The present investigation was carried out at the experimental farm of

SKUAST-Jammu on Knol khol. The trails were laid in a random block design with

three replications. The data obtained for studying the effect of integrated nutrient

management on yield and yield contributing parameters of knol khol it has shown that

100%RDF + seedling treatment with Azotobacter resulted in highest whole plant

weight which was as high as 641.33 g. This was statistically superior to all other

treatments, Knob/leaf ratio was maximum (Jag Paul Sharma et al 2012).

2.3 Compost

Crops efficiently utilize nutrients from decomposing biomass while crop

demand could lead to increased nutrient use efficiency through minimizing nutrient

loss (Swift 1987). Various organic sources of natural or organic fertilizers include

residues from harvests, crop straw, stalk and vegetable matter, urban or kitchen

wastes, brush woods and animal manures among others what makes these materials

advantageous is that they are always available and can be used to prepare compost.

Compost improves soil aeration due to improved soil structure. The moisture retention

capacity of soil is also enhanced by addition of compost. Likewise, the multiplication

of the population of soil microorganisms and earth-worms as a result of compost

application would also enhance the supply of plant nutrients to the palm and improve

soil structure (Tennakoon 1988). Steffen et al (1994) compared the expenses, the

gross income and the net return of a tomato plantation with compost fertilization and

mineral fertilization. The expenses for the compost fertilization were substantially

higher when compared with mineral fertilization but the additional expenses were

more than compensated by the profit as a result of higher yield and better quality after

compost application.

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Klasnik & Steffens (1995) investigated the effect of compost at different rates

of application and different amounts of nitrogen supplementation in comparison to a

recommended PK control. In the treatments with no nitrogen mineral fertilization the

yield increased from 1.5 to 2.5 t/ha with increasing rates of compost application. This

increase in yield can be attributed to the effect of nitrogen. But even at the highest rate

of compost application of 120 m3/ ha/ y the effect of compost nitrogen is much less

than the application of 100kg/ha mineral fertilizer which increased the yield from 1.5

to 3.4 t/ha. They also showed that the application of compost could influence the

quality of plants. Application of compost could increase the amount of crude protein

from 10.6% up to 13.2% at different rates of application.

The nitrate dynamics measured by soil sampling show that soil No3-N content

is not more increased by compost fertilization at rates of 9.5 - 25.5 t (f. m.) ha-1

a-1

than by a moderate mineral fertilization (25-55 kg N ha-1

a-1

). Higher No3 - N values

were only measured immediately after the application of higher compost doses (29-58

t d. m. ha-1

). These results are in good agreement with the results obtained by

Parkinson et al (1996); Rodrigues et al (1996). Petersen & Stoppler-Zimmer (1996)

compared the effect of different types of compost (fresh and finished compost) and

different amounts of applied compost on two soils with the effect of mineral

fertilization on a sandy soil, they could not found any difference in yield between

mineral fertilization and compost fertilization within a four year period. Whereas on a

loess soil application of 100 t/ha of fresh compost indicated a significant higher yield

in comparison to mineral fertilization.

Investigation of Boisch (1997) showed that especially biowaste composts have

a higher amount of nutrient as other composts. Deploring organic residue as fertilizer

in crop production is a feasible way of nutrient cycling. The big challenge to this

approach is ensuring that crops efficiently utilize nutrients from decomposing biomass

while, crop demand could lead to increased nutrient use efficiency (Becker et al 1994;

Mwale et al 1998). Hartl et al (1998) also found positive changes in plant quality with

an increasing amount of gluten in wheat after compost treatment. Stamatiadis et al

(1999) studied field assessment of soil quality as affected by compost and fertilizer

application in a broccoli field found significant results. Soluble phosphorus present in

compost is about 35% (CAL extract) and about 20% is bound organically (Cabrera et

al, 1991; Ebertseder, 1997; Traore et al, 1999). Mugendi et al (1999) Advantage of

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organic fertilizer in crop production is that it is a store house of many types of nutrient

both (macro and micro nutrient) which are biochemically released but for a long time

(residual effect). On the loess soil the effect of compost application is much better

than on the "Schotter" soil. Reider et al (2000), Buchgraber (2001). However, it has

been noted by (Vanlaure et al 2001) that a more sustained availability of nutrient

notably N to plant can be achieved through amendment of organic fertilizer with

inorganic N source.

Higher seed and Stover yield with highest level of organic matter enrichment

along with biofertilizers were reported by Chaudhury and Kabi (2003) similar

findings were reported by Nanda (2003), Sinha (2003). Increase in yield attributes i.e.

higher yield and fruit number / plant in Capsicum annum and Lawsonia inermis when

FYM and Azotobacter was used reported by Atta-alla et al (2005); Attia and Abdel -

Azeem (2005). EI-Sherbeny et al (2005) on Sideritis montana and Ali (2005) on Iris

that application of compost pronouncedly improved carbohydrates in leaf. Findings of

above experiment corroborates with the findings of Mona Khalil (2006) that

application of biofertilizer along with compost pronouncedly improved chlorophyll

content and yield attributes viz. number of seeds / siliquae, seed yield and straw yield.

According to a field experiment conducted by Chand et al (2006) it was found

that integrated supply of plant nutrients through FYM (Farm yard manure) and

fertilizer NPK along with Sesbania green manuring played a significant role in

sustaining soil fertility and crop productivity. Mahapatra et al (2007) reported average

increase of 6.15% fibre yield of jute with application of NPK along with FYM. The

work of Onweremadu et al (2007) showed that organic manure increase retentivity of

degraded soil, enhanced biodiversity, aggregation and solubilization of phosphorus

especially in acid soils.

Composts prepared from weed species before flowering stage had more

beneficial effects than the composts prepared at later stages because of higher

nutrients content. Whereas the compost prepared at post flowering stage

contained more viable weed seeds (Channappagoudar et.al. 2007). Anatolny and

Thelen (2007) recorded increased and improved porosity and water holding capacity.

Synergistic effect of amendment of organic N source with mineral N fertilizer in

terms of soil total N was obtained by Hang et al (2007). Chaturvedi et al (2008) used

Bio-waste from tobacco industry as tailored organic fertilizer for improving yields

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and nutritional values of tomato crop observed significant results. Khan Ahmad et al

(2009) got a significant high maize grain yield with organic manure when amended

with inorganic N compared with the sole application of either of the two.

A field experiment was conducted at field crop research station (FCRS),

Burdwan, West Bengal, India by J. K. Datta et al (2009). From this study it is

concluded the best treatment seems to be T1 (i.e. 40% less 'N' fertilizer 25 % less 'P'

fertilizer, 'K' fertilizer (recommended dose) + 12 kg ha-1

biofertilizer (Azophos) and

organic manure (compost) @ 5Mt/ ha-1

) under agro climatic zone of old alluvial soil

there by indicating the potentiality of application of organic manure in increasing

yield along with sustainable soil health. T1 treatment shows maximum accumulation

of chlorophyll1-a, chlorophyll-b, and total chlorophyll. Maximum accumulation of

sugar content in physiologically active leaf was found to be in case of T1 which was

supported by highest seed yield in this treatment.

The experiment was carried out in pot at the teaching and research farm of the

department of agriculture and industrial technology Babcock university Llishan-

Remo Ogun state, Nigeria. Muriate of potash (60%K2O) at 30 kg K/ha and Single

super phosphate (20% P2O5) there after applied and mixed into the bulked soil as

basal fertilizer. The treatments were organic based fertilizer namely composted maize

cobs (CMC) Seven treatments, replicated three times by using Randomized complete

block design (RCBD). Treatments - control No-N.

100kg N/ha cmc+ 0 kg N / ha (UR)






In this work, application of composted maize cob especially at the rate of 125

kg N/ha fortified with 50 kg N / ha (UR) was generally found to promote taller plants,

highest tissue concentration. The sole 125 kg N/ha (CMC) gave higher root and shoot

dry matter accumulation (Daramola et al 2011)

2.4 Neem cake:

The large-scale bio-energy crop plantations for producing bio-fuels following

promotional activities of the governments and increased awareness among the public

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are expected to result in the production of large quantities of by-products such as oil

cakes (extraction of oil from seeds). The produced oil cakes can be recycled as a

valuable major and micro-nutrients resources. The utility of neem oil seed cake as a

fertilizer as well as a pesticide on economically important crop species is well

established. Neem cake is rich in plant nutrients, it contains alkaloids like nimbin and

nimbidin, which have nitrification inhibiting properties and releases nitrogen slowly.

Apart from the nutrient content in the neem cake, the retention capacity of nutrients to

a prolonged period and its balanced availability might have resulted in producing

better yield.

Slow release nitrogenous fertilizers typically cost more than conventional

formulations and had less acceptance among farmers. Low cost alternatives to slow

release fertilizers include addition of plant derived organic substances such as neem

cake,neem leaf (Santhi et al, 1985). Effect of synthetic pyrethroids and other

insecticides like neem cake on the resurgence of chilli yellow mite,

Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks shown by Mallikarjun Rao et al 1986.

Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) cake was the most frequently used and

gave satisfactory nematode control, often comparable to that obtained with chemicals.

In a comparative study on the nematicidal efficacy of neem oil cakes and aldicarb

against M. incognita on tomato (Bhattacharya and Goswami; 1987) found a

significant Improvement of plant growth for neem treatment over the nematicide.

Neem tree can be used for control of insects, nematodes (Saxena, 1989). Neem cake

decreased infestations on legumes (Mishra et al. 1989). Neem cake decreased

infestations of M. incognita and Tylenchorhynchus brassicae in vegetables (Alam,

1991). Various neem products including neem cake, its oil and Nimin (Containing

neem triterpenes) as urea coating agent and root dip or seed treatment with neem

extracts have been found to be nematicidal against several species of parasitic

nematodes (Alam 1991).

Over 195 species of insects are affected by neem extracts and insects that have

become resistant to synthetic pesticides are also controlled with these extract. The

apprehension that large-scale use of neem based insecticides may lead to resistance

among pests, as being observed with synthetic pesticides, has not been proved correct.

This is because the neem based insecticides have relatively weak contact effect in

insects and also they have unique mode of action on insect’s life cycle and physiology

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(Anonymous, 1992). Som et al. (1992) reported improved yield due to neem cake

application in brinjal. Neem cake is cheap and useful fertilizer (Anonymous, 1993).

The roots a plants raised in neem cake amended soil appear to undergo

physiological changes that render them unsuitable for nematode penetration and

development, thus inducing a certain degree of resistance in plants against nematode

infestation. Bioactive products from the neem tree, Azadirachta indica A. Juss.

(Family-meliaceae) have been found effective in managing the population of 16 plant

parasitic nematodes species (Alam, 1993). Different soil amendments like neem cake

and vermicompost (either in combination with neem derivatives or alone) tried

against chilli fruit borer has given good results (Verma, 1994). Incorporation of

subabool (Leucaena leucocephala L.) and neem leaves in soil infested by M. javanica

significantly increased the growth of tomato and reduced nematode population (Walia

et al 1994). More than 400 species of insect pests of important food crops can be

controlled by Azadirachta indica (Schmutterer & Singh, 1995). Nematodes can be

reduced by application of neem cake (Mojumder, 1995). The effectiveness of neem

cake @ 35 gm/plant in controlling M. incognita infesting brinjal has also been

reported by Thakur and Darekar (1995). Neem cake has been found effective against

snails (Keshav et al., 1996). Neem products are effective against 350 species of

arthropods, 12 species of nematodes, 15 species of fungi, three viruses, 2 species of

snails and one crustacean species, Jacobson M. (1986); Saxena, et al (1989);

Jacobson M. (1991); Anonymous (1992); Nigam et al (1994); Singh et al (1996);

Mehta U. K. (1997). Pratylenchuszeae infestation was decreased in sugarcane by

neem cake use (Mehta, 1997). Efficacy of neem products and their combinations

against chilli pod borers studied by (Mallikarjun Rao et al 1998). Experiments on

Banana crop by (Musabyimana et al 1999) shows significant results that neem cake

reduces attack of nematodes. (Mallikarjun Rao et al 1999a) shows Efficacy of neem

products and their combinations against Aphis gossypi Glover on chillies. Mallikarjun

Rao et al (1999 b) lend to support to the above finding in chilli.

The experiment was conducted on okra, variety Arka Anamika during January

to May 1998 at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala in factorial randomized

block design The treatments constituted of 5 organic nitrogen sources involving FYM

alone and FYM with other organic manures in 1: 1 ratios to substitute chemical

fertilizers i.e FYM (0.42% N) alone, FYM + poultry manure (2.86% N), FYM + neem

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cake (5.1%N), FYM+ green leaf (3.74%N), FYM + enriched compost (2.78%N)

prepared using banana waste, 20 per cent biometrical, Azotobacter and

Phosphobacter) and 2 levels of microbial inoculation (control and Azospirillum @ I

kg ha-1

). Plants treated with FYM and neem cake recorded the maximum yield (Raj

and Kumari, 2001). Influence of neem cake and vermicompost on different yield

attributing characters and yield is well documented by Smitha (2002).

A two year field trial was conducted during rainy seasons of 2000 and 2001 at

Horticultural Research Station, Mandoun, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya to

assess the response of brinjal to different sources of nitrogen. The results revealed that

combined application of organic manure, biofertl1izers and 50% reduction in

chemical fertilizer increased the growth, yield attributes and fruit yield of brinjal as

compared to sole application of chemical fertilizer at low dose in association with

biofertilizer. The treatment 50% N + 25% PM + BF recorded a maximum fruit yield.

Highest fruit girth (12.66 cm) was observed under 50% N + 25% poultry manure

(PM) + biofertilizer (BF) which was at par with 50%, N + 25% Neemcake +

biofertilizer (Devi et al, 2002). The results of the neem cake and neem cake powder

applied as a fertilizer in soil which does not disturb the natural balance of symbiotic

and non-symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacteria, thus maintaining the fertility status of the

soil (Shahida et al., 2002).

Two tetra cyclic triterpenoids meliante tyrao lenone and odora tone isolated

from neem exhibited insecticidal activity against Anopheles stephensi (Siddiqui et al

2003). Experiments carried out by Ebenso (2003) showed that snails can be controlled

by neem cake. Organic amendment for the management of chilli (cv. Byadagi kaddi)

insect’s pests and their influence on crop vigour shown by (Giraddi et al, 2003). The

plant debris is potential source of organic manure (Brahmachari G., 2004). Neem

leaves could be used as a source for the preparation of vermicompost having both

fertilizer and pesticidal potential (Gajalakshmi et al 2004). Evaluation of organics and

indigenous products for the management of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in chilli

shows significant results by (Ravikumar, 2004). Effectiveness of organic amendments

i.e. neem cake and vermicompost besides neem derivatives against sucking pest has

been documented by various workers (Giraddi and Smitha, 2004; Varghese and

Giraddi, 2005). Treatment of mice with neem leaf extract (aqueous) caused adverse

effect on motility, morphology and number of spermatozoa (Mishra et al 2005). Neem

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seed extracts inhibited folliculogenesis in albino rats. Neem extracts could thus be

used as bio-redenticides instead of toxic synthetic rodenticides that are pollutants

(Roop et al 2005). Neem based seed treatment for management of root-rot complex in

cluster bean caused by Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium solani was tried using neem

seed extract, neem oil, Azadirachtin and Achook. All the treatments resulted in higher

seed germination and higher mean dry biomass than in untreated control. Therefore

neem can be used against phytopathogenic fungi as a mean of biological control

(Jatav et al 2005). Neem cake was used for protection of vegetables and legumes from

attack of nematodes (Haseeb et al, 2005).

Effect of NPK alone and in combination with different organic manures

(farmyard manure, composted coir pith, vermicompost and neem cake) on

germination percentage, vigor index, chlorophyll content and yield parameters of

bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus var. Arca anamica) was studied through a pot culture

experiment. Of the six treatments, NPK + neem cake treatment showed good

germination percentage on 7, 14, 21and 28 (77.7, 83.0, 88.0 and 95.0) days after

sowing. Vigor index was more (6618) in NPK + FYM on 60 DAS. Chlorophyll

contents were high in NPK alone (1.40, 1.33 and 2.66 mg/g) on 30 DAS. Single fruit

weight (9.4 g), fruit length (12.5 cm) and fruit diameter (5.5 cm) were more in NPK

treatment (Shanthi and Vijayakumari, 2005). Neem cake-coated urea has been

produced which when used increases nitrogen assimilation compared to untreated

urea (Anonymous, 2006).

An experiment was laid out at the main Agricultural Research station UAS,

Dharwad and Karnataka, India. Marigold (African tall) was raised in the nursery

before one week of planting of chilli in main field. After 15 days of chilli planting 20-

25 days old marigold seedlings planted in chilli plot with spacing 60cm between each

plant to synchronize the flowering of marigold and chilli with peak flowering &

fruiting stage and approximately coinciding with the time of appearance of H.

armigera, one line of maize (South African tall variety) was also maintained around

each plot as a barrier crop. Observations are significantly less number of aphids,

thrips & mites was seen in treatment with neem cake with significantly higher yield

(5.13 q/ha) (Gundannavar et al 2007).

The effect of different levels of neem cake and biofertilizers on soil properties,

growth yield and nutrient uptake in black gram (Vigna mungo) was studied in a sandy

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loam soil during kharif 2003 and 2004 at the Soil and Environmental Research Farm

of Allahabad Agriculture Institute, Deemed University, Tamil Nadu, India. Neem

cake as concentrated organic manure was applied at 0, 300 and 600 kg/ha, and in case

of biofertilizers, seeds were inoculated with Rhizobium and VAM (Vesicular

Arbuscular Mycorrhizae). Neem cake was mixed with the soil 10 days before sowing.

The application of neem cake and biofertilizers increased organic carbon in the soil.

The grain yield increased significantly with the application of neem cake and

biofertilizers. The available nitrogen status relative to its initial value was increased

with progressive increase in levels of neem cake in both years. Available phosphorus

increased with neem cake at 600 kg/ha. However, neem cake at 300 kg/ha showed a

decrease in available phosphorus relative to initial status in kharif 2003 and 2004. The

available potassium decreased with neem cake at 300 kg/ha (Hakeem et al, 2007).

Neem is widespread in Pakistan and has been found effective in bringing the

nematode population below threshold level (Javed et al 2008) which might provide an

alternative, sustainable and inexpensive means of managing nematodes. Thirty day

old seedlings of susceptible tomato cv. Tiny Tim grown in transplant trays were

planted single in 15cm diameter pots filled with autoclaved proprietary based loam.

The roots of plants treated with Azo (10mg) and cake showed significant

improvement over that of plant where water was used (Nazir Javed et al, 2008).

A field experiment was laid out in RBD with Twelve treatments replicated

thrice at B.A. College of Agriculture Anand Agricultural University, Anand. Five

plants were randomly selected of each plot and tagged for observation of sucking

pests. Aphid population, Grasshopper & fruit borer found significantly low in

treatments (75% Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) from neem cake (NC) + 25

% RDF from chemical fertilizer (CF) and 50 % RDF from NC + 50% RDF from CF).

Yield data indicated that the plot treated with 75% RDF from NC + 25% RDF from

CF registered significantly highest (82.07 q/ha) yield followed by the treatment of 50

% RDF from NC+ 50% RDF from CF (81.01 q/ha) (Adilaksmi et al, 2008).

Significant increase in the growth of paddy plant parts was achieved by halving the

urea used and pelleting the remaining with neem cake prior to application. Results on

a non averaged dataset showed significant increase in leaf length, number of panicles,

number of tillers and greenness of leaves (Bhalla and Devi prasad, 2008)

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An experiment was under taken at District seed farm of Bidhan Chandra

Krishi Viswavidyalaya Mohanpur, Nadia, west Bengal, India to evaluate the F,

hybrids of okra under reduced level of chemical fertilizers (50% recommended dose

of fertilizers) with two sources of organic manure (cow dung manure @ 25t/ha and

neem cake @ 2.5 t/ha). The results indicated significant difference among the hybrids

and between the sources of organic manures for both vegetative growth characters

such as plant height, number of primary branches / plant and nodes / plant,

reproductive behaviour of the plant i.e. days to 50% flowering as well as fruit

characters like fruit length, girth, weight, fruit/ plant and marketable fruit yield. Based

on the results it may be concluded that under the agro climatic conditions of west

Bengal, the hybrids NOH-15 Makhamalli, Sun 40, Sun 08, Mahyco Bhendi No. 12,

Mahyco Bhendi No. 10, Mahyco Bhendi No. 1 as well as Vijaya (99.36 - 107.43 q/ha)

can be recommended for commercial cultivation under reduced level of chemical

fertilizers during summer, Application of neem cake @ 2.5 t/ha along with reduced

level of fertilizer (50%RDF) is very much beneficial for better vegetative growth with

increasing the yield in okra (Maity et al 2009)

A field experiment conducted at Bio-fuel park, Agricultural Research Station,

Madenur, Hassan in Kharif season of 2009 to asses the performance of finger millet

(Eleusine coracana L.) under different organic manure treatment consisting of four

treatments viz., recommended FYM and NPK through inorganic fertilizers as control,

Pongamia, Mahua and Neem cake with 5 replications laid in randomized complete

block design. The results revealed that application of recommended FYM along with

neem cake equivalent to 100% recommended N, performed better in respect of finger

millet productivity and maintenance of soil fertility followed by recommended FYM

with 100% NPK through fertilizers. Nutrient supplementation with different oilcakes

proved superior in respect of soil sustainability (Shivakumar et al, 2011).

The experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Center of Sardar

Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut (U.P.) during

2009-10 in autumn and spring season. The experiment was laid out in randomized

block design (RBD) with 3 replications. The data were found significantly effective

with the application of integrated nutrient management. The maximum number of

fruit/tree, fruit weight (g), fruit diameter (cm), fruit yield (kg/tree), juice content (%),

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acidity (%) and ascorbic acid (%) was found under the treatment 50% NPK +15 kg

VC +5 kg NC.(Vinuj Kumar et al, 2011)

The investigation was carried out at the experimental farm of SKUAST-

Jammu. The important vegetables of Jammu region were selected for study. Summer

green variety of cucumber planted in randomized block design, Different treatments

given NPK; 1/2 NPK + 1/2 FYM; Vermicompost at 5t/ha; 2.5t / ha poultry manure +

1/2 NPK; Neem cake at 5t/ha; Poultry manure at 5t/ha; FYM 20t/ha;1/2

Vermicompost + 1/2 NPK; and 1/2 Neem cake + 1/2 NPK. The highest number of

fruits, Average fruit weight and yield/ Plant (g) were observed superior when neem

cake at 5t/ ha (Jag paul sharma et al, 2012).

The study was undertaken to determine the effect of organic and inorganic

fertilizers amendments on the growth parameters of coconut seedlings in field at the

Coastal Agricultural Research Station, Karachi. The seedling height and number of

leaves were significantly high in treatment Neem seed powder (27.62 ± 8.74) and

treatment NPK (27.18 ± 8.60). The maximum number of the roots was observed in

NPK + Neem seed powder + Gliricidia sepium (2.26 ± 0.71) and NPK + Gliricidia

sepium (1.69 ± 0.53), where as minimum roots was recorded in (Control) (0.94±

0.29). The maximum number of leaves was observed in (Neem seed powder +

Gliricidia sepium) (1.49±0.47). The results showed the beneficial effects of organic

and inorganic fertilizers on seedlings (Solangi and Iqbal, 2012).

To study the influence of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen, the

experiment was conducted on 5 years old Sardar guava trees growing at Instructional-

cum Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Latur during

2009 to 2010. For the investigation, different sources of nitrogen namely; urea,

vermicompost, neem cake, farmyard manure (FYM), poultry manure and green

manure in combination were used. The results of the experiment revealed that

integration of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers was more effective in

increasing yield and quality of guava trees than the inorganic fertilizers alone. Among

the various combinations, 75% of nitrogen through urea along with 25% nitrogen

through neem cake was found the best over most of the treatments in respect of yield

parameters like weight of fruit (243.80 g), yield per tree (58.1 kg) and yield per

hectare (23.26 tonnes), gross returns (2, 32, 700 Rs. ha-1

), net returns (2, 06, 690 Rs.

ha-1

) and highest B: C (Benefit and Cost) ratio (8.94)��Dhomane and Kadam, 2013).

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