"INFLUENCE OF CHEMICAL AND BIO-FERTILIZERS ON SOIL QUALITY AND AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY OF MAHAGOAN REGION, YAVATMAL DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA INDIA"

The sustainable management of soil quality is essential for long-term agricultural productivity. The Mahagaon region in Yavatmal District, Maharashtra, has a predominantly agricultural economy, where soil fertility and sustainability play a critical role in crop productivity. This study aims to assess the influence of chemical and bio-fertilizers on soil quality and agricultural sustainability in the region. Chemical fertilizers, though widely used, often lead to soil degradation, affecting long-term productivity, while bio-fertilizers present an eco-friendly alternative that may enhance soil health. The research involves a comparative analysis of soil physico-chemical properties, such as pH, organic carbon, nutrient availability (N, P, K S), and micronutrients (Zn, B, Fe, Mn, Cu), in fields treated with chemical fertilizers versus those treated with bio-fertilizers. Soil samples from three villages—Amboda, Gunj, and Dhanoda—were collected and analyzed for key soil properties after applying both chemical fertilizers (S1, S2, S3) and bio-fertilizers (S4, S5, S6).