Journal of Environmental Biology

Organic matrix based slow release fertilizer enhances plant growth,

nitrate assimilation and seed yield of Indian mustard

(Brassica juncea L.)

Author Details

Vinod K. Sharma

Department of Biotechnology, Sobhasaria Engineering College, NH-11, Gokulpura, Bajajgram,

Sikar - 332 001, India

Rana P. Singh (Corresponding author)

Department of Environmental Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Raebareily

Road, Lucknow - 226 025, India

e-mail: ranapsingh1@hotmail.com

Publication Data

Paper received:

01 February 2010

Revised received:

10 September 2010

Re-revised received:

14 October 2010

Accepted:

20 November 2010

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of organic matrix based slow release fertilizers (SRFs) on plant growth, nitrate assimilation and seed yield of Brassica juncea L. cv. pusa bold. The agro-waste materials like cow dung, clay soil, neem leaves and rice bran were mixed together in 2:2:1:1 ratio and used as organic matrix for the immobilization of chemical fertilizer nutrients with commercial grade saresh (Acacia gum, 15% solution) as binder. Different fertilizer treatments were organic matrix based slow release fertilizers, SRF-I (542.0 kg ha^-1); SRF-II (736.5 kg ha^-1) and chemical fertilizer combinations, boron (3 kg ha^-1)+sulphur (15 kg ha^-1)+nitrogen (80 kg ha^-1) and boron (3 kg ha^-1) + sulphur (15 kg ha^-1)+nitrogen (80 kg ha^-1)+phosphorus (15 kg ha^-1)+potassium (100 kg ha^-1). Organic matrix based SRF-II released ammonium up to 50-d in wet soil under laboratory conditions which showed maximum retention of the nutrients. A very significant increase in plant growth, nitrate assimilation and seed yield was recorded in organic matrix based SRF-II applied plants. The maximum percent increase in biomass production was observed with organic matrix based SRF-II (increase of 65.8% in root fresh weight, 38.0% in root dry weight, 45.9% in leaf fresh weight plant^-1 and 27.5 % in leaf dry weight plant^-1 in 60-d old plants). It also increased the acquisition and assimilation of nitrate from the plant?s rhizosphere which was evident by 45.6% increase in nitrate, 27.5% in nitrite and 11.7% in nitrate reductase activity (NRA) in leaves of 45-d old plants over control. The organic matrix based SRF-II significantly increased the seed yield by 28% in Indian mustard. Cost analysis revealed that this formulation is cost effective as it is based on agro waste materials.

Key words

Chemical fertilizer, Organic matrix,? Slow release fertilizer, Seed yield, Brassica juncea

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