An investigation was carried out to study the effect of bio-inoculants (Azatobacter, Azospirillum, PSB and VAM) on growth, yield and quality of ashwagandha by comparing with RDF at K.R.C.C.H. College of Arabhavi. The results showed that growth parameters viz., plant height (74.20 cm), stem diameter (0.85 cm), plant spread (N-S (37.60 cm) and E-W (38.07 cm)) and number of primary branches (8.80) recorded maximum with the application of RDF + VAM and yield parameters viz., number of berries per plant (219.33), seed yield (3.15 q/ha), fresh root (19.58 q/ha) and dry root yield (5.88 q/ha) recorded maximum with the application of RDF + VAM, however the organic treatment T7 have shown on par results in growth and yield parameters. Quality parameter like root length and root diameter recorded maximum (27.07 cm, 1.88 cm, respectively) in T3-RDF (N: P: K-40:50:40 kg/ha) + FYM (5 t/ha) + VAM (25 kg/ha), which was on par results of T1, T7 and T5. Maximum total alkaloid content (0.31%) recorded in T7-FYM (5 t/ha) + Azotobacter (625 g/ha) + Azospirillum (625 g/ha) + PSB (625 g/ha) + VAM (25 kg/ha) + (Panchagavya-3% + Amruthapani-3% at 15 days interval up to harvest of crop), however treatments T3, T1 and T5 have shown on par results. The highest organic carbon (0.63%) was recorded in treatment T7-FYM (5 t/ha) + Azotobacter (625 g/ha) + Azospirillum (625 g/ha) + PSB (625 g/ha) + VAM (25 kg/ha) + (Panchagavya-3% + Amruthapani-3% at 15 days interval up to harvest of crop. Maximum soil pH (7.72) was recorded in treatment in T3-RDF (N: P: K-40:50:40 kg/ha) + FYM (5 t/ha) + VAM (25 kg/ha). Maximum soil electrical conductivity (0.51 dS/m) was recorded in treatment T1-RDF (N: P: K-40:50:40 kg/ha) + FYM (5 t/ha). The available nutrient status in soil differed significantly among different treatments. The highest available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (159.67, 32.08 and 163.44 kg/ha respectively) recorded in T7-FYM (5 t/ha) + Azotobacter (625 g/ha) + Azospirillum (625 g/ha) + PSB (625 g/ha) + VAM (25 kg/ha) + (Panchagavya-3% + Amruthapani-3% at 15 days interval up to harvest of crop). Maximum bacterial population (134 × 106), fungi (124 × 103), Azotobacter chroococcum (174.25 × 104), Azospirillum brasilense (192.23 × 104), Phosphate solubilising bacteria (178.46× 106), root colonization (82%) and number of chlamydospores (3174.50/ 100 g of soil) were obtained in the treatment T7-FYM (5 t/ha) + Azotobacter (625 g/ha) + Azospirillum (625 g/ha) + PSB (625 g/ha) + VAM (25 kg/ha) + (Panchagavya-3% + Amruthapani-3% at 15 days interval up to harvest of crop), followed by treatments T6-FYM (5 t/ha) + Azotobacter (625g/ha) + Azospirillum (625g/ha) + PSB (625g/ha) + VAM (25 kg/ha). As bio-fertilizers are eco-friendly and helps in maintaining the harmony with the nature, at the same time helps to obtain higher yields with higher productivity.

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