Soil microbial, chemical properties and crop productivity as affected by organic manure application in popcorn (Zea mays L. var. everta)

Soil microbial population, dehydrogenase activity and chemical properties of soil under different doses of farmyard manure (FYM), leaf compost and vericopmpost were examined at the research farm of the Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India during 2008-09 and 2009-10. Results indicated the higher value of microbial population, dehydrogenase activity, organic carbon, available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and lower bulk density were observed in farmyard manure applied equivalent to 120 kg N ha–1 followed by vermicompost equivalent to 120 kg N ha–1. Grain yield of popcorn was significantly higher in the treatments of recommended dose of fertilizers and vermicompost equivalent to 120 kg N ha–1.  Key words:  Dehydrogenase activity, farmyard manure (FYM), leaf compost, microbial population, vermicompost.