Integrated use of organic fertilizer and bacterial inoculant improves phosphorus use efficiency in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) fertilized with triple superphosphate

It has been well-known that phosphorus (P) use efficiency of triple superphosphate (TSP) fertilizer in alkaline soils is low. Organic and biological fertilizers constitute an important component of integrated nutrient management, which lead to sustainable agriculture. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate contribution of phosphate solubilizing bacteria P. putida and B. subtilis along with TSP (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of the full recommended P-fertilizer rate) and cow manure (0 and 15 t ha-1) to N, P and K nutrition in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for 90 days. The highest content of nutrients in plant and increased plant dry weight were observed in plants inoculated and fertilized with P. putida, organic matter and 75% TSP respectively, which show compound use of organic and biological fertilizers, was the best treatment to save the input of TSP fertilizer to alkaline soil.