Journal of Environmental Biology

Effect of soil incubation with organics on rhizosphere and bulk soil properties, root and alkaloid content of Withania somnifera L. Dunal and its performance in Jammu Division

R. Gupta¹*, Sanjay-Swami² and Z. Banoo¹ 

¹Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, SKUAST-J, Chatha-180009, Jammu

²School of Natural Resource Management, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, CAU, Umiam (Barapani)-793 103, India

*Corresponding Author Email : renugupta2781975@gmail.com ??

Paper received: 13.06.2020 ?????? ???????????????????????????????????????Revised received: 03.10.2020 ???????????? ???????????????????????????Accepted: 30.10.2020

Abstract

Aim: To study the effect of soil incubation with organics on rhizosphere and bulk soil properties, biomass and alkaloid content of Withania somnifera as well as plant performance in soil of subtropical and intermediate zones of Jammu division.

Methodology: The pot experiment of Withania somnifera consisted of 11 treatments laid in randomized block design in triplicate. Sampling was done at various days of soil incubation with organics viz. 30, 60, 120 and 180. The plant performance was studied at vegetative and seed maturity stages. In field experiment, the plant performance was studied in soils of subtropical and intermediate zones of Jammu division.

Results: The soil properties, root and alkaloid content were found to be maximum in PSB + Azospirillum +Azotobacter + F.Y.M 20t ha^-1 + Vermicompost 5t ha^-1 treatment.? The?? effect of organics on rhizosphere? and bulk soil properties at days of? soil incubation yielded superior results with respect to soil health, biomass and? alkaloid content in Withania somnifera.      

Interpretation: The study indicated that soils of Jammu division is well suited for the cultivation of W. somnifera. The study provided framework to develop integrated plant nutrient management strategies in the subtropical region of this high value crop.          

Key words: alkaloid content, Rhizosphere, Vermicompost, Withania somnifera?

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