EFFECT OF FERTILIZER AND AZOSPIRILLUM ON GRAIN-YIELD OF RAIN-FED WHEAT (TRITICUM-AESTIVUM)

An experiment was conducted during the winter season (rabi) of 1992-93 and 1993-94 on the effect of levels of fertilizer and biofertilizer ( Azospirillum) inoculation on grain yield of rainfed wheat (Triticum ae stivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.). Number of tillers and yield attribute s were improved on application of fertilizers and Azospirillum, Highes t mean grain yield of 14.43 q/ha and cost: benefit ratio of 1 : 1.79 w as found with full dose of N, P and K @ 30, 8.73 and 8.33 kg/ha. Howev er, it was on par with 50% dose of NPK + biofertilizer giving 12.59 q/ ha yield with a cost: benefit ratio of 1 : 1.54.