Abstract:
A field experiment was conducted on sesame during pre-kharif season of 2016 in red and
lateritic soils of West Bengal at the farm of Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture),
Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan to study the effect of combined application of sulphur and
biofertilizers on growth attributes of sesame (Sesamum indicum L) and soil fertility of red and
lateritic soil. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replicants
and thirteen treatments. The results of the study showed that highest plant height (cm) and dry
weight (gm-2) was recorded in treatment of integrated application of sulphur @ 45 kg ha-1
and co-inocultion of PSB + Azotobacter followed by sulphur @ 45 kg ha-1 + single
inoculation of Azotobacter, sulphur @ 45 kg ha-1 + single inoculation of PSB at 30 DAS, 60
DAS and at harvest. There was no significant difference of soil pH and EC among the
different level of sulphur application along with bio fertilizers Azotobacter and PSB in
advancement of the age of the crop plants up to its harvest and after harvest. The study
showed integrated use of biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers in sesame helps in growth of
plant, dry matter accumulation and in addition to that it also helps in improving physical
condition of soil by improving soil fertlity. The study conclude higher growth in sesame plant,
improvement in soil fertility leads to overall profit to the farmers. Hence, it is recommended
for integrated use of biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers in sesame cultivation in red and
lateritic belt of West Bengal and other part of country where ever the soil of this kind is
available
