| Abstract: | A field experiment was conducted with the objectives to relate the changes in the physical properties, soil organic carbon (SOC), nutrient availability, and uptake and output input ratios for sustaining sugarcane ratoon growth and yield in an Udic ustochrept. Eight combinations of trash and farmyard manure (FYM) with and without Trichoderma viride and Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus were applied in two sugarcane ratoon (first and second ratoon in succession) crops. Application of Trichoderma-enriched trash showed the lowest bulk density (1.36 Mg m?3) and the greatest infiltration rate (4.5 mm h?1). Greater rate of increase in SOC was observed under inoculation of Trichoderma with FYM compared to trash mulch. The output/input ratios were greater in plots having trash-based treatments compared to FYM and inorganic fertilizers. Bioagent-inoculated FYM produced greater mean sugar yield (8.89 t ha?1) compared to bioagent-inoculated trash (7.97 t ha?1). |
