Effect of bio-fertilizers in combination with reduced dose of fertilizers on growth and yield of garlic at high altitude of north-west Himalayas.

An experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2006 and 2007 to find out the response of garlic to the application of nitrogen fixing and phosphate solublizing biofertilizers in different combinations with reduced dose of fertilizer (RDF) in various combinations. The treatments included various combinations of Azotobacter sp., Azospirillum sp. and Microphos sp. in combination with 0%, 50% and 100% RDF. The effects of these treatments were observed at different magnitudes on various growth, yield and yield attributing characters. The growth characters in respect of plant height were found maximum in the plants receiving Azospirillum sp. + ½ NP and full K. The neck thickness was observed more in treatment comprised of Azospirillum sp. + Microphos sp. + ½ NP and full K. Bulb yield and bulb weight was maximum in treatment having Azotobacter sp.+ Azospirillum sp. + Microphos sp. + ½ NP and full K; however, it was on a par with Azospirillum sp. + Microphos sp. + ½ NP and full K treatment. The same set of nutrient management treatments was also found superior than other treatments in respect of dry matter of the bulb. Differences were not significant among the treatment with respect to horizontal diameter of bulb, number of clove per bulb and clove thickness. Thus, the treatment Azospirillum sp. + Microphos sp. + ½ NP and full K was found superior for better yield and yield attributing characters as well growth of the plants.