Vol. 11, Issue 8 (2022)

Author(s):
Salunke DV, Navgire KD and Pawar GS

Abstract:
Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) is one of the best source of proteins, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and other nutrients with a very high nutritional value. Zinc solubilizing microbial inoculants have a significant effect on the growth of soybean. Inoculation of zinc solubilizing microbial strain B. subtilis significantly increased plant height and number of leaves which was followed by B. megaterium which was found to be at par with T. ferroxidans as compared to the control pot. Significantly highest number of branches were produced with the microbial strain B.subtilis inoculated pot which was found to be at par with P.fluorescens, T.thioxidans, whereas the highest number of the pod was observed with the microbial strain B.subtilis which was followed by B. megaterium and found to be at par with T. thioxidans. Improvement in the root characteristics as compared to the un-inoculated pot and the highest increase in oven-dry weight of root and shoot was obtained with the inoculation of B.subtilis which was followed by B.megaterium. The root shoot ratio was increased significantly with different zinc solubilizing microbial strains such as B.subtilis and found to be at par with T. thioxidans. Among root density, the highest density was found in B. subtilis. Highest root volume was observed in B. subtilis which was followed by B. megaterium and lowest root volume observed in uninoculated control. Zinc solubilizing microbial cultures have a significant effect on grain yield and dry matter content. Inoculation of zinc solubilizing microbial strain B. subtilis significantly increased grain yield and dry matter which was followed by B. megaterium.