Abstract

The present study was undertaken to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth of Aquilaria malaccensis and soil properties. The results revealed that the integration of 200mg 300mg 200mg of NPK + Vermicompost (5g) + Azophos (5g) enhanced the various growth parameters like shoot length and dry matter production at all stages of seedling growth viz., 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after transplanting. In addition, the INM treatment also enhanced the quality index and volume index used for the evaluation of seedling quality characteristics. The analysis of soil samples for the physico-chemical characters viz., pH and EC and the nutrient status of the soil through available N, P and K and organic carbon both initially and at 120 days after transplanting (DAT) revealed that there was no profound influence of INM on soil pH and EC but, the organic carbon (2.98 g kg-1), available nitrogen (190 kg ha-1), phosphorus (7.90 kg ha-1) and potash (192 kg ha-1) status in the soil was found to be appreciably increased with the application of 200mg 300mg 200mg of NPK + Vermicompost (5g) + Azophos (5g)bag-1. Compared to all the treatments, control registered the lowest growth attributes.

Keywords: Aquilaria malaccensis, Agarwood, INM, Growth parameters, Organic carbon and Soil properties