Effect of phosphorus, vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on yield and nutrient content of groundnut and soil physical properties of alfisols

Phosphorus, vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) interactions were studied to ascertain their effect on yield of groundnut and soil properties in phosphorus deficient acid Alfisols of Maharashtra during Rabi 2017–18 and 2018–19. The treatments consisted four levels of phosphorus (15, 30, 45 and 60 kg ha⁻¹) and five of biofertilizers (no biofertilizers, VAM @ 10 kg ha⁻¹, PSB @ 10 kg ha-¹, VAM + PSB @ 5 kg ha⁻¹ each and VAM + PSB @ 10 kg ha⁻¹ each) in combination with recommended dose of N and K. The results revealed that the sole application of phosphorus @ 60 kg ha⁻¹ recorded significantly highest pod yield (3586 kg ha⁻¹) over the lower doses of phosphorus but it was at par with 45 kg phosphorus per ha. The application of phosphorus @ 60 kg ha⁻¹ along with VAM and PSB @ 10 kg ha⁻¹ each resulted in a significant increase in soil properties indicating build up of soil fertility.