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The Stimulatory Effects of Humic Substances and Microbial Inoculants on Cropping Performance of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Lalit in Meadow Orcharding System
1 , * 2 , 3 , 1 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 1
1  Department of Fruit Science, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni 173 230, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
2  Department of Fruit Science, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni 173 230, Solan, HP, India
3  RHRTS, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Dhaulakuan 173 031, Sirmour, HP, India
4  Department of Soil Science and Water Management, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni 173 230, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
5  Department of Basic Sciences (Microbiology Section), Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni 173 230, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
6  Department of Basic Sciences (Microbiology), Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni 173230, Solan, HP, India
Academic Editor: Jose Antonio Pascual

Abstract:

The present investigations on dual application of humic acid substances and bio-inoculants were carried out in Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station of Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Dhaulakuan, Sirmour (HP), India during 2018 and 2019. Foliar application of humic acid along with bio-inoculants in 4-years old inarched guava cv. Lalit under meadow orcharding system was carried out. Foliar application of humic acid @ 30 and 60 mL/L at bud burst to flowering stage and bio-inoculants (Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) @ 10 mL/plant + Azotobacter chroococcum @ 10 g/plant, and PGPR @ 25 mL/plant + AM fungi @ 25 g/plant) in rhizosphere along with @ 90 and 80 per cent of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) of N:P:K (360:740:200) was carried out. Application of humic substances applied at 60 mL/L along with PSB and A. chroococcum at 10 mL/plant beside 80 per cent of RDF-NPK inferred positive impact on growth traits throughout the winter season. This combination recorded vital increase in fruit set with reduced fruit drop. Fruit yield was 3.5 times higher over control. Fruit quality traits with this conjoint application were also improved. Soil microflora recorded as actinomycetes, A. chroococcum, PSB and AM fungi improved 2.5, 4.0, 5.5 and 3.5 times, respectively. This combination also exhibited significant increase in leaf N, P and K contents in meadow geometry plant-soil interface. Our findings emphasized the promising effects of humic acid and bio-inoculants to improve growth traits, nutrient profiling and biological activity at reduced inorganic fertilization.

Keywords: Bio-inoculants; rhizosphere; humic substances, crop geometry
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