Vol. 12, Issue 3 (2023)

Author(s):
Shankar Jha, Rajesh Kumar, Mukesh Kumar, Ranjit Kumar and Rajeev Padbhushan

Abstract:
Vermicompost prepared from household waste and the organic residue enriched with rock phosphate could improve its quality and nutrient content. Further applying enriched vermicompost in soil could positively impact on soil C content, microbial biomass, and enzymatic activities. The above facts were used and a field experiment on maize crops with treatment combinations of inorganic fertilizers and enriched vermicompost was planned at RPCAU, Pusa (Bihar). After two years of study in calcareous alluvial soil, we found that treatments full of enriched vermicompost, zinc and combined with mineral fertilizers enhanced soil C concentration and microbial biomass. Organic C in the soil was improved by 24-30% and microbial biomass C by 21-26% compared to no fertilizer application (control). The use of zinc micronutrient in combination with enriched vermicompost in the soil significantly increased enzyme activity (dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase) in comparison with the control and recommended dose of fertilization. Overall, this study concludes that enriching vermicompost with rock phosphate applied with inorganic fertilizers improves soil biological quality under calcareous alluvial soil.