Synergistic Effect of Biofertilizer Containing Nitrogen Fixing and Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria on Plant Growth

Abstract

Biofertilizer is regarded as a potential alternative to chemical fertilizer for aiding in improving soil fertility, crop yield and in establishing sustainable farming. The objective of current study is to observe the synergistic effect of biofertilizer containing nitrogen fixing and zinc solubilizing bacteria on plant growth. Nitrogen fixing biofertilizer prepared and its nitrogen fixing efficiency is determined. Pre-prepared zinc solubiling biofertilizer is used in this study. Pot plant trials is conducted on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) plants, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) plants and seedlings of chili (Capsicum annuum L.). The application treatments included control, treatment 1 with nitrogen fixing biofertilizer and Treatment 2 with both biofertilizers. The plants co-inoculated with both fertilizers exhibited significant increase in length of shoot, length of root, number of leaves, width and length of leaves when compared with controls. This showed that the co- inoculation of plants with nitrogen fixing and zinc solubilizing biofertilizer provide an alternative to the use of chemical fertilizers the excessive use of which has led to greenhouse gas emissions and water leaching.