ISSN 2756-3804
International Journal of Irrigation and Water Management ISSN 2756-3804 Vol. 10 (2), pp. 001-013, February, 2023. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Rhizosphere microflora of noni (Morinda citrifolia) as influenced by organic manures and drip irrigation
S. Muthu Kumar* and V. Ponnuswami
Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Periyakulam,
Theni District- 625604, Tamil Nadu, India.*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +919942949505.
Accepted 4 January, 2023
Abstract
An experiment was conducted at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Periyakulam to elucidate the effect of different irrigation regimes and organic manures on rhizosphere microbial population of noni (Morinda citrifolia). The trial was carried out in split plot design with irrigation regimes on main plot (four levels) and organic manures on sub plot (eight levels) with two replications. Among the different treatment combinations, M2S4 (100% WRc through drip irrigation + 50% farmyard manure + 50% vermicompost) registered the highest rhizosphere bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, Azotobacter, Azospirillum and phosphobacteria population. The same treatment also recorded the highest score for organic matter decomposition. The rhizosphere microflora activity and organic matter decomposition was found to be the lowest in M4S7 (check basin method of irrigation + 100% recommended dose of NPK through inorganic fertilizers).
Key words: Morinda citrifolia, drip irrigation, farmyard manure, vermicompost, inorganic fertilizers, microbialpopulation, organic matter decomposition.