Evaluating the properties of paddy-grown soil after biofertilizer application

Abstract

This experiment evaluated the soil properties of paddy crop at clay loam soil in Kilinochchi by using different fertilizer sources, including two types of biofertilizer, Azolla, in a symbiotic relationship with Anabaena and Azotobacter sp and Urea. The experiment was devised in a randomized complete block design of seven treatments, each with three replications. Three treatments were incorporated according to fresh Azolla, Azotobacter sp compost, and Urea. Combinations of Azolla with Azotobacter sp, Azolla with Urea, and Azotobacter sp with Urea were treatments of the experiment, while the control treatment was maintained without any source of fertilizer. The results revealed that the soil chemical properties were significantly different among treatments (p<0.05). Sole application of Azotobacter sp treated soil showed the highest available phosphorus content (31.773 ppm) and soil porosity (2%). The highest exchangeable potassium (301.63 ppm) was recorded in Azotobacter sp and urea combined treated soil. The combined Azolla and urea application showed the lowest bulk density (1.0004 g/cm3 ) in an experiment. It was concluded that the application of biofertilizer as sole and combined with chemical fertilizer increased soil properties. Biofertilizer could be used as an alternative source for chemical fertilizer to the soil in paddy cultivation with reduced hazardous effects on the environment.