Microbial decomposer for crop residue management in rice–wheat cropping system

Crop residue management is vital in the rice-wheat cropping system, influencing soil health and crop productivity. This study examined the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers and microbial decomposers on rice growth and yield. We evaluated seven treatments: 100% recommended dose fertilizer (RDF); 50% residue + 50% RDF; 50% residue + 50% RDF + Pusa decomposer; 50% residue + 50% green manuring (GM)/green leaf manuring (GLM); 50% residue + 50% GM/GLM + Pusa decomposer; residue @ 2.5 tons per acre + Pusa decomposer; residue @ 2.5 tons per acre + no Pusa decomposer; and absolute control. Results indicate that integrating organic and inorganic fertilizers with microbial decomposers positively affects rice growth and yield parameters. While adding microbial decomposer to RDF did not consistently enhance rice yield, it improved soil enzymatic properties. This suggests that the effectiveness of microbial decomposers may vary based on specific soil and crop conditions. Therefore, microbial decomposers present a promising approach to boost soil health and fertility. Further research is needed to optimize conditions for their use and systematically assess their impact on crop yields.