Synergistic Effects of Halophytic Compost, Cow Dung Manure and Azospirillum on Soil Microbial Dynamics and Enzymatic Activities

Aim: This study was aimed to evaluate the optimal use of halophytic composts on the microbial population and enzymes activity of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. cultivated soil in east coastal agricultural soil of Tamil Nadu. Study Area: Present study was carried out in a saline agricultural soil during July-October 2024 at Thandavarayan Sozhaganpettai village adjacent to Pichavaram mangrove forest (11o 21' N Latitude and 79o 50' E Longitude). Methodology: This study was designed with six treatments viz, T1-Sesuvium portulacastrum compost alone (6.25 ton / ha). T2-Suaeda maritima compost alone (6.25 ton / ha), T3-Sesuvium portulacastrum compost (3.13 ton / ha) + Cow dung manure (3.13 ton / ha), T4-Suaeda maritima compost (3.13 ton / ha) + Cow dung manure (3.13 ton / ha), T5-Sesuvium portulacastrum compost (3.13 ton / ha) + Cow dung manure (3.13 ton / ha) + Azospirillum (2kg / ha) , T6-Suaeda maritima compost (3.13 ton / ha) + Cow dung manure (3.13 ton / ha) + Azospirillum (2kg / ha) and T0–control and laid out in a randomized block design in three replications. Results: The experimental results showed that application of Suaeda maritima compost (3.13 ton / ha) + Cow dung manure (3.13 ton / ha) + Azospirillum (2kg / ha) significantly enhanced the soil microbial population and enzymes activity such as, bacteria (68.33 %), fungi (66.70 %), actinomycetes (67.50 %) and dehydrogenase activity (74.44 %) and cellulase activity (62.04 %) compared to other halophytic compost and control. Conclusion: The application of the results obtained will greatly benefit farmers adjacent to coastal farmland, by allowing them to use halophytic compost as a cost-effective fertilizer for their crops and to improve the fertility of these soils.