Efficacy of Varied Liquid Microbial Formulations on the Growth and Yield Performance of Mulberry (Morus indica L.)
Abstract
Optimising fertiliser application effectively boosts mulberry yields without degrading soil quality in high-density sericulture systems. A field experiment was conducted during 2021–22 and 2022–23 in farmers' fields at Gaddekannuru village, Kolar Taluk, Karnataka, by ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kolar, to evaluate the efficacy of different liquid microbial formulations on growth, yield, leaf quality, cocoon productivity, and the economics of mulberry (Morus indica L.). The treatments included the recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF) and farmyard manure (FYM) alone (T₁), RDF + Liquid Microbial Consortia (T₂), RDF + Arka Microbial Consortia (T₃), and RDF + Waste Decomposer Solution (T₄), with the microbial formulations applied through drip irrigation at 8 and 25 days after pruning. Pooled data from two consecutive years revealed significant differences among the treatments. Among the treatments, T₂ (RDF + Liquid Microbial Consortia) recorded the highest number of branches (15.40 per plant), leaves (26.36 per branch), leaf yield (1.302 kg per plant and 120.51 q per ha per crop), and cocoon yield (457.96 kg per ha). It also produced superior leaf quality, with the highest leaf moisture content (77.50%), moisture retention capacity (71.90%), total chlorophyll (45.80%), protein (25.10%), and carbohydrate content (16.65%). Economic analysis indicated that T₂ generated the highest gross return (183,184 per ha), net return (132,734 per ha), and benefit–cost ratio (3.63), followed by T₃ (RDF + Arka Microbial Consortia). The results revealed that combining liquid biofertilisers with standard nutrient recommendations significantly improved mulberry biomass, leaf nutritive value, silkworm cocoon output, and net farm profits. The application of liquid microbial consortia through drip irrigation represents a sustainable nutrient-management approach that enhances fertiliser-use efficiency, reduces dependence on chemical fertilisers, and promotes environmentally sustainable sericulture.