Enhancing Physiological and Yield Characteristics of Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.) Through the Application of Different Organic Waste Sources and Biofertilizers, Rhizobia

Abstract

Background: Research was conducted during the Rabi season of 2018 and the Summer season of 2019 at a farmer's field in Bikaner. The aim was to assess the direct impacts of agro-industrial wastes (such as bagasse ash, pressmud, and distillery spentwash), crop residues, farmyard manure mixed with 50% inorganic sources, with and without the addition of Rhizobia, on various characteristics of groundnut. Twelve treatments were applied in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Results indicated significant effects of the treatments on the growth and yield components of groundnut, including plant height, dry matter production (DMP), leaf area index (LAI) at the flowering stage, number of pods per plant, hundred kernel weight, pod yield, and kernel yield.

Methods: The combination of Pressmud at 12.5 t ha-1 + Rhizobia at 2 kg ha-1 + 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) (T7) demonstrated the highest performance, followed by the application of distillery spentwash at 100 m3 ha-1 + Rhizobia at 2 kg ha-1 + 50% RDF (T8). Similar results were observed during the Summer season of 2019. This can be attributed to the enhanced availability of nutrients, leading to improved growth and yield attributes of groundnut in both seasons. Additionally, the use of agro-industrial wastes and biofertilizers in cropping sequences can reduce the reliance on costly inorganic fertilizers, thereby converting waste into a resource while maintaining soil health and fertility.

Result: The study highlights the potential for utilizing agro-industrial wastes (bagasse ash, pressmud, and distillery spentwash), organic sources (crop residues and farmyard manure), and biofertilizers (Rhizobia) in agricultural practices.