Effect of biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers on productivity and quality parameters of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum) on a Vertisol of Central India

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Indore, India, from 2000 to 2002 in a Vertisol having clay loam texture. The objective was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphorus-solubilising bacteria, vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) (Glomus fasciculatum), and chemical fertilizers on yield performance and quality parameters of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum Desf.). The grain (5664 kg ha⁻¹) and straw yields were higher under recommended fertilizer dose (100% NPK) than under 50% NPK (4674 kg ha⁻¹). Compared to the 50% NPK, biofertilizers + 50% NPK increased grain yield marginally (2–6%) and could not reach the level of significance. However, straw yields were higher under the latter treatments. Protein and β-carotene contents were higher and the hectoliter weight was lower with 100% NPK as compared to 50% NPK. A drastic reduction in yellow berry content and sedimentation value was noted with the increasing fertility level. These quality parameters did not differ under biofertilizers + 50% NPK compared with the 50% NPK. Highest net returns were accrued from 100% NPK followed by biofertilizers + 50% NPK. Yield, quality parameters and net returns were the lowest under the unfertilized control.

Keywords:

• durum wheat
• Vertisols
• fertilizer
• biofertilizer
• yield
• quality
• benefit–cost ratio (B:C)