Influence of Biofertilizers on Soil Physico-Chemical and Biological Properties During Cropping Period

A field experiment was carried out to find out the influence of biofertilizers on soil physico-chemical and biological properties during cropping period at Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Kovilpatti. The present study revealed that the biofertilizers inoculation resulted in the shift in the pH reducing the alkalinity slightly and the organic carbon content increased slightly in all the biofertilizer inoculated treatments compared to uninoculated soil. The available Nitrogen in soil was higher where Azospirillum was a component. The mycorrhiza and phosphobacteria increased the available soil Phosphorus status. The soil Potassium was found to be higher in co inoculation of Azophos and mycorrhiza. The soils of the biofertilizer inoculated plots exhibited a higher population of total bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes in general than initial sample indicating an enhanced soil biological activity.