Abstract

R. K. Mathukia, M. V. Adhithi, K. V. Hirapara and S. J. Donga

To study the effect of integration of chemical fertilizers, enriched compost and biofertilizers on growth and yield of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), a field experiment was conducted on medium black calcareous clayey soil at Junagadh (Gujarat) during rabi season of 2017-18. The results revealed that application of enriched compost + recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) + vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) + Azotobacter + phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) + potash mobilizing bacteria (KMB) significantly promoted growth parameters and yield attributes along with higher seed and stover yields.

India has been recognized the world over as the home of spices. Being a predominant export item, spices constitute an important group of horticultural commodities which plays a significant role in the national economy. India is the largest producer of coriander both in terms of area and production. Despite concerted efforts, productivity of this crop is almost stationary, which is a matter of great concern. Injudicious use of chemical fertilizers has hostile impact on soil, environment and human health. Application of biofertilizers such as Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Rhizobium, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), potash mobilizing bacteria (KMB), mycorrhizae etc. has led to a decrease in the use of chemical fertilizers and has provided high quality organic products free of harmful agrochemical residues for human safety.