Optimization of Organic Manure-based Technology to Enhance Soil Quality, Growth, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana) in Arid Regions
Organic manure-based technology for Ber cultivation
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Authors
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Anita Meena
ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner-334006, Rajasthan, India
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MK Jatav
ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner-334006, Rajasthan, India
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RC Balai
ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner-334006, Rajasthan, India
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Abhay Kumar
ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner-334006, Rajasthan, India
Keywords:
Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.), organic manures, yield, arid region.Abstract
The present study conducted in 2022-23 to 2023-24 to evaluate the effects of organic manures on growth, yield, fruit quality of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana) cv. Gola, enzymatic activities, and microbial populations in soil under arid conditions. The combined application of vermicompost (20 kg plant-1) with biofertilizers (consortium biofertilizer) emerged as the most effective, significantly enhanced fruit physical traits, with the highest fruit diameter (3.59 cm), fruit volume (24.68 ml), pulp fresh weight (23.36 g), and stone weight (1.25 g) compared to the control. The superior fruit size and pulp weight were attributed to improved nutrient availability, stimulated root growth, and enhanced microbial activity in the rhizosphere, which facilitated efficient nutrient uptake and translocation. Quality attributes, including total soluble solids (22.86%), vitamin C content (111.57 mg 100 g-1), and acidity (0.33%), were also maximized under this treatment, reflecting increased availability and elevated soil enzymatic activity. Activities of dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and urease were significantly higher (10.99 µg TPF g-1 h-1, 11.13 µg p-NP g-1 h-1, 532.81 µg NH3 g-1 h-1, respectively), indicating enhanced nutrient mineralization. Soil microbial populations including bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes progressively increased from October to December, with the highest counts observed under vermicompost + biofertilizers (consortium biofertilizer) demonstrating the synergistic effect of organic matter and beneficial microbes on soil biological health. Overall, the study highlights that the combined application of vermicompost with biofertilizers improved growth, yield, fruit quality, and soil biological activity in soil under arid conditions, the supporting sustainable fruit production.
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