Optimizing kiwifruit soil fertility and leaf nutrient status through bio-inoculant based organic nutrient management
Abstract
Excessive and imbalanced application of chemical fertilizers degrades soil physico-chemical properties and poses significant environmental risks and necessitating the development of sustainable nutrient management strategies. Organic nutrient management have emerged as holistic and dynamic alternatives for maintaining long-term soil fertility and crop productivity. In the present study, a field experiment was conducted at Mizoram University, Aizawl, India from 2021 to 2023, to evaluate the effects of different organic nutrient amendments on soil physico-chemical properties and leaf nutrient status in kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa). Twelve treatments were assessed, including control, 100% recommended dose of fertilizers, individual organic amendments, and integrations of organic manures with beneficial microbial inoculants such as Azospirillum, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), potash-solubilizing bacteria (KSB), and Trichoderma harzianum. The results demonstrated significant improvements in soil health indicators and leaf nutrient composition under organic treatments compared to control and conventional practices. Among all treatments, VC + Azospirillum + PSB + KSB + Trichoderma harzianum (T9) consistently exhibited superior performance in terms of leaf macro and micronutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and manganese. It also enhanced key soil parameters such as pH, moisture content, organic and total carbon, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity, and the availability of essential nutrients (N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Cu). Furthermore, this treatment also elevated microbial populations, including bacteria and fungi, indicating improved soil biological activity. Overall, the findings highlight the synergistic benefits of integrating organic manures with microbial inoculants for improving soil quality and plant nutrition in kiwifruit cultivation. The study suggests that vermicompost combined with bio-inoculants may be recommend as a sustainable and effective nutrient management strategy for enhancing soil health and leaf nutrition ensuring long-term productivity in horticultural crops.