The Effect of Combination of Azotobacter, Trichoderma and Chemical Fertilizers on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Yield in Gwalior Region, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the influence of Azotobacter and Trichoderma viride, along with chemical fertilizers, on wheat yield and economics in the Gwalior region of Madhya Pradesh, India. Study Design: With ten treatment and three replications, the experiment was carried out using RBD (Randomized Block Design). Place and Duration of Study: During the Rabi season of 2023, the field trial was carried out at the experimental field of Crop Research Centre (CRC) of ITM University in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Methodology: Different combinations of 50%, 75% and 100% recommended doses fertilisers, Azotobacter and Trichoderma viride, had been included in the treatments. The wheat variety Raj-4037 has been used and yield parameters were noted. Analysis was also done on economic variables. Results: The treatment with 100% RDF + Azotobacter + Trichoderma viride (T8) produced the highest grain yield (4127.17 kg ha-1), straw yield (4474.35 kg ha-1), and biological yield (9162.91 kg ha-1). This treatment also achieved the highest gross income (₹119,071.87), net income (₹ 78,281.67), and benefit-cost ratio (1.92). The results indicated that combining microbial inoculants with chemical fertilizers significantly enhances wheat yield and economic returns. Conclusion: The combined application of Azotobacter, Trichoderma viride, and chemical fertilizers significantly improves wheat yields and economic returns, making it a viable strategy for enhancing wheat productivity in the Gwalior region.