Microbial population and nutrient uptake of maize as influenced by biofertilizers and different sources of organics under field conditions.

To know the efficiency of organics and biofertilizers on microbial populations and nutrient uptake in maize (Zea mays L.), a field study was conducted during 2011 during the maize cultivar Nithyashree (NAH 2049). Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with 14 treatments and three replications. The treatment having recommended dose of NPK + Azotobacter chroococcum+ Bacillus megaterium+Pseudomonas fluorescence + enriched compost has showed highest nutrient uptake like Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (185.40 N, 38.83 P 2 O 5 and 181.47 K 2 O kg ha respectively). The highest general microbial population like bacteria, fungi and actionomycetes 64.00 ×10. 22.33 × 10 and 15.37 × 10 cfu g soil) and beneficial microbial population like Azotobacter choococcum, Bacillus megaterium and Pseudomonas fluorescence (19.00 × 10. 18.27 × 105 and 13.30 ×10 cfu g soil soil respectively) at harvest were recorded. The fundings of this study has showed that combined application of biofertilizers with recommended dose of NPK and Eriched compost had resulted increasing the activity of microorganisms in soil and to enhance the better uptake of nutrients to the plants with possible saving of 25% N and P chemical fertilizers application.