Influence of different levels of fertilizer with biofertilizers on growth attribute and yield parameter of elephant foot yam [Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.)] in lateritic soils of Konkan

Introduction

Elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.), syn. A. campanulatus (Roxb.)) is an important tropical tuber crop native to Southeast Asia and widely cultivated in India for its high yield potential, adaptability, and nutritional value. It is a popular vegetable used in several Indian cuisines and is also valued for its medicinal properties. Major producing states include West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, with cultivation also expanding to Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. The crop is often grown as an intercrop in coconut and banana plantations due to its efficient land use. In India, elephant foot yam is cultivated on about 40,000-42,100 ha, producing nearly 1.0 million tonnes annually, with an average productivity of 24.74 t ha -1 (GOI, 2023; Byju & Jaganathan, 2025) [1] . Research in the Konkan region has highlighted the importance of improved production technologies, with the variety Gajendra recording a su perior yield of 26 t ha -1 , demonstrating its potential for enhancing productivity under diverse agro-climatic conditions (Mhaskar et al., 2020) [2] . Tuber crops are the third most important food group after cereals and grain legumes, serving as a major source of energy for nearly onefifth of the world's population. They are valuable as secondary staple foods, vegetables, and raw materials for feed and agro-based industries. Rich in carbohydrates, dietary fibre, beta-carotene, antioxidants, and essential minerals, these crops contribute significantly to nutritional security and rural livelihoods. Their ability to thrive under marginal conditions, low-input farming, and mixed cropping systems makes them particularly important for smallholder farmers. Tuber crops exhibit considerable resilience to climatic stresses, including drought, excessive rainfall, waterlogging, and temperature extremes, making them well suited to coastal agro-climatic conditions (Mhaskar et al., 2017) [3] . In Maharashtra, crops such as cassava, sweet potato, elephant foot yam, colocasia, xanthosoma, aerial yam, and yam bean have good cultivation potential as sole crops or as components of diversified cropping systems. Balanced nutrient management through the combined application of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) and biofertilizers improves the growth and yield of elephant foot yam by enhancing nutrient availability, uptake, and fertilizer-use efficiency. In the acidic lateritic soils of the Konkan region, this integrated approach helps maintain soil fertility, reduces nutrient losses, and promotes sustainable and higher crop productivity.

Importance of study

Nutritional composition

Elephant foot yam is a nutritious tuber crop rich in minerals and moderate in protein content. The protein content (1.126%) observed in the tubers was within the range reported for Indian cultivars (0.84-2.6%) by Chattopadhyay et al. (2009). Studies by Paul et al. (2013) [4] also reported that elephant foot yam is rich in minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron, though comparatively low in protein. The crop is considered a valuable source of essential minerals that support enzymatic regulation, bone development, acid-base balance, and muscle function. Top of Form

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Anti-nutrient content

Anti-nutrient factors can influence animals in several manners, including directly intoxicating the animals, causing mortality or decreased production Cheeke et al., (1995) and decreasing feed intake. The oxalate concentration was 31.851 mg/100 g, which is higher than that reported for cultivars in India (2.91-18.50 mg/100 g) Chattopadhyay (2009). The oxalate content in plants is affected by many factors, including the season, soil, water, climatic conditions and where the plant is grown. Oxalates can bind with calcium to form insoluble calcium oxalate, reducing calcium availability and potentially causing hypocalcemia and kidney stone formation in humans (Paul et al., 2013) [4] . However, ruminants such as cattle and sheep are less affected due to oxalate degradation in the rumen (Allison et al., 2001).

Climate and soil

Elephant foot yam is a tropical/subtropical crop and hence thrives well under warm humid climate with a mean annual temperature of 30-35 °C and a well distributed rainfall of 1000 -1500 mm spread over a period of 6-8 months. It grows well on a variety of soils, but a well-drained sandy loam or sandy clay loam soil with a near neutral soil reaction (pH 6-7) is ideally suited for the crop. The soil should be rich in organic matter with adequate amount of available nutrients. In elephant foot yam corms of 500 g planted at 75 x 75 cm produced highest tuber yield, net returns and benefit: cost ratio Mhaskar et al. (2016) [5] . Elephant foot yam is important for developing sustainable nutrient management practices in the lateritic soils of the Konkan region. Lateritic soils are generally acidic, low in fertility and deficient in essential nutrients, which adversely affect crop growth and yield. Thus integrating biofertilizers such as Azotobacter, Azospirillum, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), and vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) with chemical fertilizers can improve nutrient availability, enhance soil microbial activity, and increase nutrient uptake efficiency. Such combinations may help reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers while maintaining or improving yield, quality and soil health. Evaluating different RDF levels along with biofertilizer consortia can identify the most efficient and economical nutrient management strategy for elephant foot yam cultivation under Konkan conditions. Implementation of biological control methods as the earliest effort in the plant pathogen interactive environment offers an attractive way to replace chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and other supplements, manage pathogen and pest control in crops, and increase crop production in an environment-friendly manner (Panth et al., 2020) [6] .

Material and Method

In the present investigation an attempt has been made to study the ). It was medium in available nitrogen (323.00 kg ha -1 ), very low in available phosphorous (7.88 kg ha -1 ) and very high in available potassium (426.12 kg ha -1 ) content in its initial physio-chemical analysis. In general, it can be concluded that soil of experimental site indicated typical lateritic soil of Konkan region. The test crop used was elephant foot yam cv. Gajendra. Corm of elephant foot yam were used as a propagation material of 500g. Corm of elephant foot yam were planted in June with the onset of rain and were harvested 180 days after sowing. Application of RDF dose of phosphorus was given at the time of planting and half dose of nitrogen and potassium were given at 45 days after planting and remaining half at 75 days after planting i.e at earthing up operation. The nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium were applied through urea, single super phosphate, muriate of potash through chemical fertilizers, respectively. Were as biofertilizers like Azotobacter , Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), Azosprilium, Vascular Arbuscular Mycoriza (VAM) @ 10 kg ha -1 each with Trichoderma viride @ 10 kg and FYM @ 12 tonnes ha -1 was given at time of planting. The observations and analytical values obtained during course of study were analyzed statistically. Effect of different levels of fertilizer with biofertilizers on growth of elephant foot yam, including number of days taken for 50% and 100% sprouting, plant height (cm), canopy spread (cm), dry matter production as influenced by varying levels of fertilizers (0,75 and 100% RDF) and biofertilizers (Azotobacter + PSB, Azospirillum + PSB, Azotobacter + VAM, and Azospirillum + PSB), Growth observations like plant height, Canopy spread and were recorded periodically at 45, 80, 120 days after plantation (DAP) of elephant foot yam were as Total dry matter weight was recorded from bulking stage of corms ie. 120, 160, and 180 days after planting (DAP). As the crop progressed from 120 to 180 DAP, the accumulation of dry matter increased due to continued photosynthesis and translocation of assimilates from the shoot to the developing corms and are presented in Tables 1, 2, 3 and4. The single corm weight (g), yield (t ha -1 ) of elephant foot yam at harvested corms of both seasons which presented in table no 5.

Number of days taken for 50% and 100% sprouting

The results revealed that the number of days taken for 50% and 100% sprouting of elephant foot yam was not significantly influenced by different fertilizer levels, biofertilizer treatments, or their interactions during both years of experimentation. Although numerical differences were observed, these were statistically non-significant, indicating that sprouting is mainly governed by physiological factors such as corm maturity, dormancy, corm size, and stored food reserves rather than nutrient application. Among fertilizer levels, 100% RDF recorded the least number of days for both 50% and 100% sprouting, while the control (0% RDF) required relatively more days. Similarly, among biofertilizer treatments, Azotobacter + PSB showed the earliest sprouting, followed by other biofertilizer combinations, whereas the control without biofertilizers took comparatively longer. The interaction treatment 100% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB (F 2 B 1 ) consistently recorded the minimum number of days for sprouting during both years and in pooled analysis, though the differences were not statistically significant. The slight numerical improvement under integrated nutrient management may be attributed to better nutrient availability and the production of plant growth-promoting substances such as auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins by Azotobacter, along with enhanced phosphorus availability through PSB, which together promote early bud activation and sprouting. These findings are in agreement with Biswanath et al. (2019), who reported that fertilizer application had no significant effect on sprouting of elephant foot yam and concluded that sprouting is primarily controlled by corm characteristics and environmental conditions. Likewise, Gokul et al. (2023) [7] reported that integrated nutrient management involving FYM, vermicompost, RDF, and consortium biofertilizers applied after planting did not significantly alter sprouting behaviour, although slight numerical improvements in early emergence were observed under integrated nutrient management practices.

Effect of fertilizer levels

Different fertilizer levels significantly influenced plant height of elephant foot yam throughout the crop growth period. The tallest plants were recorded with 100% RDF (F 2 ), followed by 75% RDF (F 1 ), while the control (F 0 ) recorded the lowest plant height. Improved nutrient availability under higher RDF enhanced cell division, stem elongation, and vegetative growth. Similar findings were reported by Venkatesan et al. (2013) [8] ,

Effect of biofertilizers

Biofertilizer application significantly increased plant height over the control. Azotobacter + PSB (B 1 ) recorded the highest plant height, followed by Azospirillum + PSB (B 3 ). The enhanced growth may be attributed to biological nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and the production of plant growth-promoting substances, which improved nutrient uptake and plant development. Similar results were reported by Navya et al. (2017) [9] .

Combined effect of fertilizer levels and biofertilizers

The interaction between fertilizer levels and biofertilizers was nonsignificant at 40 DAP but significant from 80 DAP onwards. The combination of 100% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB (F 2 B 1 ) consistently recorded the maximum plant height, indicating the synergistic effect of inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers on nutrient availability and vegetative growth. These findings are in agreement with Saroj (2020) [10] , Navya et al. (2017) [9] , and Piyush et al. (2025) [11] .

Different fertilizer levels significantly influenced canopy spread of elephant foot yam. 100% RDF (F 2 ) recorded the maximum canopy spread at all growth stages, followed by 75% RDF (F 1 ), while the control (F 0 ) recorded the lowest values. The increased canopy spread under higher RDF may be attributed to adequate and balanced nutrient supply, particularly N, P, and K, which promoted leaf expansion, photosynthesis, and vigorous vegetative growth. Similar findings were reported by Biswanath et al. (2014) [12] , Venkatesan et al. (2013) [8] , and Choudhary et al. (2012).

Effect of biofertilizers

Biofertilizer application significantly increased canopy spread over the control. Among the treatments, Azotobacter + PSB (B 1 ) recorded the maximum canopy spread, followed by Azospirillum + PSB (B 3 ).

The superior performance of B 1 may be attributed to enhanced nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and improved nutrient uptake, resulting in greater leaf expansion and canopy development.

Treatments involving VAM recorded comparatively lower canopy spread due to relatively slower phosphorus availability under lateritic soil conditions. Similar results were reported by Devendra et al.

Combined effect of fertilizer levels and biofertilizers

The interaction between fertilizer levels and biofertilizers was nonsignificant at 40 DAP but significant at 80, 120, and 160 DAP. The combination of 100% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB (F 2 B 1 ) consistently recorded the highest canopy spread, indicating the synergistic effect of inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers in improving nutrient availability and vegetative growth. Similar observations were reported by Navya et al. (2017) [9] under integrated nutrient management in elephant foot yam.

Effect of fertilizer levels

Different fertilizer levels significantly influenced total dry matter production of elephant foot yam at 120, 160, and 180 DAP. 100% RDF (F 2 ) recorded the highest dry matter accumulation, followed by 75% RDF (F 1 ), while the control (F 0 ) recorded the lowest values. The higher dry matter under 100% RDF may be attributed to the adequate supply of N, P, and K, which enhanced photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, biomass production, and translocation of assimilates to the developing corm. Similar findings were reported by Laxminarayana et al. (2024) [14] and Jata et al. (2015).

Effect of biofertilizers

Biofertilizer application significantly increased total dry matter production over the control. Among the treatments, Azotobacter + PSB (B 1 ) recorded the highest dry matter accumulation at all growth stages. This improvement may be due to enhanced nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, improved root growth, and greater photo-synthetic efficiency, resulting in higher biomass accumulation.

Treatments involving VAM and Azospirillum alone were comparatively less effective under lateritic soils because of limited phosphorus availability and reduced microbial efficiency. Similar results were reported by Nedunchezhiyan et al. (2017) [15] and Devendra et al. (2020) [13] .

Combined effect of fertilizer levels and biofertilizers

The interaction of fertilizer levels and biofertilizers significantly influenced total dry matter production during both years. The combination of 100% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB (F 2 B 1 ) consistently recorded the highest dry matter accumulation. The superior performance was due to the synergistic effect of balanced inorganic nutrition along with biological nitrogen fixation and phosphorus solubilization, which improved nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, assimilate translocation, and corm development. Similar findings were reported by Gautam et al.

(2018) [16] on integrated nutrient management and dry matter accumulation. [17] , Biswanath et al. (2014) [12] , and Choudhary et al. (2012).

Effect of biofertilizers

Biofertilizer application significantly increased single corm weight over the control. Azotobacter + PSB (B 1 ) recorded the highest corm weight and remained at par with Azospirillum + PSB (B 3 ) during 2023-24, while it was significantly superior during 2024-25 and in pooled analysis. The improvement may be due to enhanced biological nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, better nutrient uptake, and production of growth-promoting substances, which promoted corm development. Treatments involving VAM recorded comparatively lower corm weight because of limited phosphorus availability in lateritic soils. Similar results were reported by Lallawmkima et al. (2018) [18] and Nedunchezhiyan et al. (2017) [15] .

Combined effect of fertilizer levels and biofertilizers

The interaction of fertilizer levels and biofertilizers significantly influenced single corm weight. The combination of 100% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB (F 2 B 1 ) recorded the highest corm weight during both years and in pooled analysis. The superior performance may be be attributed to the synergistic effect of balanced inorganic nutrition and beneficial microorganisms, which improved nutrient availability, photosynthesis, dry matter production, and assimilate translocation to the corm, resulting in higher corm weight.

Tuber yield of elephant foot yam was significantly influenced by fertilizer levels, biofertilizer application, and their interaction. Among the fertilizer treatments, 100% RDF (F 2 ) recorded the highest tuber yield, followed by 75% RDF (F 1 ), while the control (F 0 ) produced the lowest yield. The increased yield under 100% RDF may be attributed to the balanced supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which enhanced leaf area development, photosynthetic efficiency, dry matter production, and translocation of assimilates to the developing corm. Similar findings were reported by Biradar et al. (2020), Mane (2019), Sheeba et al. (2017) [17] , Biswanath et al. (2014) [12] , and Choudhary et al. (2012). Among the biofertilizer treatments, Azotobacter + PSB (B 1 ) recorded the highest tuber yield and remained at par with Azospirillum + PSB (B 3 ) during both years. The superior performance of Azotobacter + PSB may be due to enhanced biological nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, improved nutrient uptake, and production of plant growth-promoting substances, resulting in better corm bulking and higher yield. Similar results were reported by Nedunchezhiyan et al. (2017) [15] , Lallawmkima et al. (2018) [18] , and Kadam and Kulkarni (2023). The interaction of fertilizer levels and biofertilizers also had a significant effect on tuber yield. The combination of 100% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB (F 2 B 1 ) consistently recorded the highest yield during both years and in pooled analysis. The synergistic effect of balanced inorganic fertilization and beneficial microorganisms en-hanced nutrient availability, photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation, and assimilate translocation to the corm, resulting in maximum tuber yield. These findings are in agreement with Kumar et al. (2024) [19] , who reported higher crop yield under integrated application of RDF and biofertilizers.

Conclusion

The study concluded that the growth of elephant foot yam was significantly influenced by RDF and biofertilizer application. Although sprouting and leaf emergence were not significantly affected, 100% RDF (F 2 ) consistently produced the highest plant height, canopy spread, and total dry matter production during both years. Among biofertilizer treatments, Azotobacter + PSB @ 10 kg ha -1 each (B 1 ) recorded superior growth performance. The combined application of 100% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB (F 2 B 1 ) was the most effective treatment, producing maximum growth and dry matter accumulation, indicating that integrated nutrient management with recommended fertilizer dose and beneficial biofertilizers is the best strategy for enhancing elephant foot yam growth. The corm characteristics and yield of elephant foot yam were significantly improved by different RDF levels and biofertilizer combinations. Application of 100% RDF (F 2 ) recorded the highest single corm weight, corm ring diameter, corm volume, and corm yield during both years. Among the biofertilizer treatments, Azotobacter + PSB @ 10 kg ha -1 each (B 1 ) consistently produced superior corm growth and yield. The combined application of 100% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB (F 2 B 1 ) was the most effective treatment, resulting in maximum corm development and the highest yield, demonstrating that integrated nutrient management with the recommended fertilizer dose and Azotobacter + PSB is the best practice for enhancing productivity of elephant foot yam.

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26. How to cite this article: Kadam DV, Dhopavkar RV, Kasture MC, Dodake SB, Parulekar YR, Kadam JJ, et al. Influence of different levels of fertilizer with biofertilizers on growth attribute and yield parameter of elephant foot yam [Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.)] in lateritic soils of Konkan. International Journal of Horticulture and Food Science. 2026;8(9):103-111. doi: https://www.doi.org/10.33545/2663106