Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal consortia on growth, quality and nutrient uptake of dracaena (Dracaena marginata)

The present research was designed to study the effect of media (soil + FYM (3: 1 v/v), VAM and mineral NPK (19: 19: 19) at 5.0, 10.0, 15.0 g/pot and their combined effect on growth promotion and nutrient uptake of dracaena (Dracaena marginata) plant during 2018–19 at Ornamental Horticulture and Landscaping Unit, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with seven treatments combination, replicated thrice with five pots per replication. Balanced fertilization resulted in increased SOC (soil organic carbon) which resulted in improved soil physical properties such as CEC and pH. This consequently enhances growth performance, total biomass weight and nutrient uptake significantly for all treatments against control. Treatment combination of Soil + FYM (3:1) + 3 g Urea + 10 g VAM consortia + 5 g NPK (19:19:19) was found best for growth promotion and nutrient uptake of Dracaena marginata.