EFFECT OF COMBINED EXPOSURE OF ORGANIC MANURE WITH CHEMICAL FERTILIZER ON PLANT GROWTH AND ITS IMPACT ON SOIL MICROBES

Author (s) : Dr. S.ANBUMALAR, Dr. P.ASHOKKUMAR

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Abstract :
Agricultural practices play a crucial role in ensuring food security and sustaining the health of ecosystems. The use of chemical fertilizers has significantly contributed to increased crop yields, but concerns over its negative impact on soil health and environmental sustainability have emerged. To address these challenges, the combination of organic manure with chemical fertilizers has gained attention as a potential sustainable agricultural approach In this experimental study, a randomized block design was implemented, and three treatment groups were established: (1) Chemical fertilizer alone, (2) Organic manure alone, and (3) Combination of organic manure and chemical fertilizer. The experiment was conducted over a growing season, and a locally adapted crop species (e.g., maize or wheat) was chosen as the test plant. The results revealed significant differences in plant growth parameters between the treatment groups. To investigate the impact of these treatments on soil microbial communities, soil samples were collected at regular intervals. Molecular analyses, such as DNA sequencing of 16S rRNA genes, were used to assess the abundance and diversity of soil microbes. The results showed that the combined treatment positively influenced the microbial community composition, fostering an increase in beneficial microbial populations. This shift in the microbial community may have contributed to improved nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and enhanced soil fertility. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that the combination of organic manure with chemical fertilizer can enhance plant growth while positively influencing soil microbial communities. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects and feasibility of this approach across different crop species and environmental conditions to ensure its practicality and applicability in diverse agricultural settings.

Keywords : chemical fertilizers, Plant growth, DNA sequencing, soil microbial communities

Conference Date : 13/11/2020

Pages : 254

Paper ID : 20254