Evaluation of integrated nutrient management packages in paddy with endophytic diazotrophic bacteria in coastal saline, red & laterite and vindhyan alluvial zones of west bengal for better economics

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) packages were designed and field tested for submerged paddy for Coastal Saline, Red &Laterite and Vindhyan Alluvial agro-climatic zones of West Bengal (India) with 3 promising endophytic diazotrophic bacteria previously selected through laboratory analysis, pot experiment and micro field experiment. The bacteria were isolated from roots of wild paddy, Oryza rufipogon from Sundarban area. The selected isolates were applied through seed to ensure endophytic association in controlled condition of seed bed and to avoid the inhibitory factors of field like presence of excess chemical nitrogen, residual pesticides etc.. The packages were evaluated on the basis of yield and profit. The result was compared with farmers’ practice, and previously Azospirillum based INM package where this biofertilizer applied directly during field preparation along with phosphate solubilizing and potash solubilizing bacteria. Significant increase in production and economic gains were noted in this package as compared with farmers’ practice as well as Azospirillum based previous practice.