Effect of sulphur and bio fertilizers on growth attributes of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and soil fertility in red and lateritic soils of West Bengal, India

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