Effect of vermicompost and microbial inoculants on soil health , growth and yield of HD 2687 wheat (Triticum aestivum)

The effect of vermicompost and microbial inoculants on soil health and wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend Fiori & Paol.) (cv HD 2687) yield were studied for three field trials during 2006-08. The microbial inoculants used were Azospirillum, Azotobacter, PSB and AM fungi. Treatments included vermicompost (Vc) @ 6 tonnes/ha; Vc + Azotobacter + Azospirillum; Vc + PSB + AM fungi; Vc + Azotobacter + PSB + AM and Vc + Azospirillum+ PSB+ AM fungi. The soil organic carbon content improved from 0.25% to 0.68% in three years in treatment amended with vermicompost alone. Inoculation of biofertilisers further improved the organic carbon content during the period of three years. Maximum carbon content was recorded in treatment inoculated with Azotobacter+ PSB+ AM fungi along with vermicompost. The N% also increased in the soil due to inoculation of Azotobacter and Azospirillum. Maximum grain yield of 3.11 q/ha was obtained in plots amended with vermicompost and co-inoculated with Azospirillum and Azotobacter.