Assessment of VAM biotechnology in improving agricultural productivity of nutrient-deficient soil in the tropics

Growth, nutrient content and nodulation response of cowpea plants (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) inoculated with a VAM fungus (Glomus etunicatum) and Bradyrhizobium (BR) strain IRC 25B peat-based were assessed on an alfisol in a two cropping cycle experiment conducted in the greenhouse. It was observed in this study that compost applications with VAM inoculation could substitute for inorganic fertilizer. Non-replenishment of compost application and Bradyrhizobium inoculation during the second cropping cycle reduced the parameters measured. It is therefore important to inoculate the plant with effective VAM for greater N2 fixation and seed yield in either nutrient-rich or poor soil. This experiment shows that VAM inoculation is an essential component of soil restoration strategy.