Comparative impact of bioinoculants on nutrient uptake, enzyme activities and growth of Cassia angustifolia Vhal (Senna) and Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) (Guar) in Feldspar mine spoil

Cassia angustifolia Vhal (Senna) and Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) (Guar) being economically important and stress tolerant crops, provide a scope to be used in rehabilitation of mine spoil. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate their potential and to compare the effects of Azotobacter chroococcum, Azospirillum Masitense and Glomus mosseae (AMF) on the growth, enzyme activities and nutrient uptake of senna and guar to rehabilitate feldspar mine spoil in Ajmer, Rajasthan. The bioinoculants enhanced the acquisition of nutrients and enzymatic activities in the spoil which could rejuvenate microclimate and contribute to the growth and development of the crops. Comparatively senna has responded well and potentially found to be better than guar crop. In senna growth has been enhancement at the rate of 10-82% with the treatment of Azotobacter+ OM+ NPK 50% (T-7), nutrient accumulation 10-77% with T-7 again and enzyme activity increased at the rate of 10-80% with AMF+ OM+ NPK50% (T-16) whereas, in guar growth enhanced at the rate of 10-67% with T-7, nutrient uptake 10-70% with T-7 and enzyme activity enhanced 10-65% with T-16 over the uninoculated control. Overall both the crops were significantly affected by given treatments and have considerable potential to be used as alternative plant species for the rehabilitation of feldspar mine spoil. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of SAAB.