Influence of integrated supply of vermicompost, biofertilizer and inorganic fertilizer on productivity and quality of rose scented geranium ( Pelargonium species)

Application of organic source of nutrient with no or very less quantity of fossil fuel based inorganic fertilizers is becoming a popular practice for sustaining crop productivity and soil fertility. However, there is a need to elucidate the optimum combination of inorganic fertilizers, organic manure and biofertilizers for specific crop and soil condition for the most economic output. In this context, pot experiments were conducted with nine different treatment combinations of organic manure (vermicompost), biofertilizer (CIM grow, a plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and inorganic fertilizers (NPK) to elucidate their influence on herb, oil yield, nutrient uptake and quality of oil in rose scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L’Herit.). Results revealed that combined application of vermicompost, CIM Grow® and inorganic fertilizer produced higher herbage and oil yield of geranium as compared to control and sole application of either organic or inorganic fertilizer. Similarly, some of the principal constituents like linalool, isomenthone, citronellol, geraniol and citronellyl formate were also found maximum with conjugated supply of organic (vermicompost), biofertilizers and inorganic fertilizer. Maximum nitrogen and phosphorus uptake were recorded under combined application of 50% NPK + vermicompost @ 5 t/ha. Whereas, highest potassium uptake was recorded with sole application of 100% NPK (T2). The extent of increase in available N, P and K were about 4.0, 4.4 and 3.9-folds in post harvest soil under integrated supply of nutrient, over their respective control. Availability of copper, zinc and manganese were also enhanced by integrated supply of organic, inorganic and biofertilizer. Iron content, however, was either at par or reduced with combined application of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer as compared to sole application of CIM grow or vermicompost.

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