Effect of inclusion of biofertilizers as part of INM on yield and economics of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L).

The field experiment was conducted during rabi(post rainy) season for two years (1999-2000 & 2000-01) on medium deep black soils under receding soil moisture conditions. Results obtained in first year, second year and pooled analysis revealed that all the treatments recorded significantly higher plant height, and yield attributing characters, viz., higher number of branches per plant, number of capitula per plant, number of filled seed per capitula compared to control (no N). Seed inoculation with Azospirillum alone resulted in enhanced growth in terms of plant height and other yield attributing characters and was on par with 50% recommended inorganic N application. Seed inoculation with Azospirillum both alone and in combination with 50% recommended inorganic N has resulted in on par seed yield with treatment supplied with 50% N and 100% inorganic nitrogen respectively. Interestingly, seed inoculation with Azotobacter did not cause any improvement in seed yield. This assumes that seed inoculation with Azospirillum could result in absolute saving of 50% of inorganic nitrogen. Increase in seed yield was associated with increment in growth parameter (plant height) and yield attributing characters which was evident from the significant positive correlation between seed yield and growth parameter and seed yield and yield attributing characters.