Influence of nutrient levels and bio-inoculants on growth parameters of Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifoliaSwingle) cv. Kagzi under sandy loam soil conditions

Abstract

Organic manures and biofertilizers play a crucial role in improving soil physicochemical and biological properties, thereby enhancing the growth, yield, and quality of citrus crops (Khehra and Bal, 2016). The present study aimed to evaluate the combined effect of
varying nutrient levels and bio-inoculants on the growth and physiological parameters of acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) cv. Kagzi. The treatments comprised different doses of inorganic nutrients (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% of the recommended dose of
fertilizers, RDF) and organic sources, including vermicompost (5 kg/plant), Azotobacter + PSB (50 ml/plant), Biofertisol (200 ml/plant), and their various combinations. The experiment was conducted in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. Growth and morphological parameters were significantly influenced by nutrient management treatments. Vegetative growth improved progressively with increasing fertilizer levels and integrated nutrient applications. The application of 100% RDF (600:200:300 g NPK per plant) recorded highest plant growth, with maximum plant height (0.15 m), canopy spread (0.26 m East–West, 0.24 m North–South), shoot length (10.61 cm), and shoot diameter (5.79 mm). These results demonstrate that the integrated application of inorganic fertilizers and organic bio-inoculants exerts a synergistic effect, markedly enhancing vegetative growth. This integrated nutrient management strategy provides a sustainable and effective approach to improving the productivity and overall performance of acid lime.