Tropentag, September 16 - 18, 2026, Göttingen "Towards multi-functional agro-ecosystems promoting climate-resilient futures"

Effect of bio-inputs on potato (variety: Kufri Himalini) grown in rice fallow under agro ecology based farming system in Assam, India

Assam Agricultural University, India

Abstract

Being one of the most important non-cereal food crops, potato serves as a vital source of nutrition for millions of people worldwide. Globally, potato is cultivated on about 18–19 million hectares, with an annual production exceeding 370 million metric tons. Owing to its high yield potential and rich nutritional composition particularly carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, potato plays a key role in ensuring food and nutritional security. An experiment was conducted at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, India under the GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit ) - sponsored project titled “Assessment of Agro-Ecology-Based Cropping Systems and Natural Bio-Inputs for Soil Health Improvement and Product Quality Enhancement in Assam, India.” aimed to evaluate the performance of the potato variety Kufri Himalini grown in rice fallow conditions during the Rabi season of 2024, under natural farming system using different combinations of bio-inputs made out of cow dung and cow urine–based concoctions. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Block Design (RBD)with three replications and eight treatment combinations. The treatments included applications of various natural bio-input concoctions such as Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, Ghanajeevamrit, Dravajeevamrit, and Panchgavya. Among the different treatment combinations treatment T4viz., Ghanajivamrit (1.5 t/ha) + Dravajeevamrit @ 3% in 15 days interval + Panchgavya @ 4% in 15 days interval demonstrated the best performance in terms of both growth and yield parameters. In case of tuber yield treatment T4 showed highest yield (16.05 t/ha) which was statistically at par with treatment T6. T4 also significantly improved soil health including decreased bulk density (1.48 to 1.21 g/cm³), increased water holding capacity, and increased organic carbon content (0.75%). Nutrient availability improved, with nitrogen reaching 283 kg/ha, along with enhanced micronutrient content. Biological activity is also improved, indicated by higher microbial biomass carbon (194 µg/g), enzyme activities, and microbial populations (bacteria-47 × 10⁶ CFU/g and fungi 19 × 10⁴ CFU/g). These results highlight the effectiveness of integrating multiple natural bio-inputs in improving the productivity of potato crops in rice fallow systems. The findings also suggest that such practices can contribute to sustainable agriculture by enhancing soil health and crop performance).

Keywords: Assam, Bio-inputs, India, potato, Soil health

Contact Address: Debasish Borah, Assam Agricultural University, Advanced Centre for Integrated Farming System Research, 785001 Jorhat, India, e-mail: debashish.borahaau.ac.in