Effect of phosphorus levels and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria on growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present investigation entitled “Effect of Phosphorus Levels and Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)” was conducted during the Kharif season of 2024 at the Agroforestry Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur (M.P.). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with eight treatments and three replications, comprising different phosphorus levels (100%, 75%, and 50% of recommended dose) with or without inoculation of phosphate-solubilizing biofertilizers such as Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (AM) and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB). The rice variety PB-1 (Pusa Basmati-1) was transplanted on June 20, 2024, with a spacing of 20 cm, using a seed rate of 40 kg/ha and recommended fertilizer dose of 120:60:40 NPK kg/ha. Results indicated that plant population at 30 DAT and harvest remained unaffected, showing uniform stand across treatments. Plant height, tiller number and dry matter accumulation increased progressively, with T1 (100% P), T6 (75% P + PSB) and T4 (75% P + AM) consistently recording the highest values, while control (T8) showed the lowest. Grain and straw yields were significantly influenced, with maximum grain yield (4216 kg ha⁻¹) obtained in T1, followed by T6 (4112 kg ha⁻¹) and T4 (4108 kg ha⁻¹), which were statistically at par. Similarly, straw yield was highest under T1 (7367 kg ha⁻¹), followed by T6 (7297 kg ha⁻¹) and T4 (7260 kg ha⁻¹). Control plots recorded the lowest productivity (2841 and 5585 kg ha⁻¹ for grain and straw, respectively). Harvest index showed non-significant variation, ranging from 33.72% to 36.40%.