Impact of liquid bioinoculants, organic and chemical additives application on nutrient status of sugarcane trash

Burning of sugarcane trash inside the field in India is a common practice among farmers due to a lack of proper composting techniques, labour availability and less time available for the sowing of the next crop. This burning not only results in the loss of organic matter and plant nutrients but also causes atmospheric pollution by emitting toxic gases. Composting is a method of utilizing these plant residues, whether composted can serve as a cost-effective alternative to inorganic fertilizers. Enriching compost with mineral additives can effectively boost the growth and efficacy of indigenous fungi, accelerating the decomposition process of sugarcane trash. The present investigation was undertaken during 2024–25 at the Department of Plant Pathology and Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Pune with main objective to evaluate the impact of liquid bioinoculants (Trichoderma spp. including T. asperellum, T. harzianum, and T. hamatum), organic additives such as cow dung slurry and chemical fertilizers (Urea, DAP, MAP, SSP) on the rate of decomposition and overall compost quality of sugarcane trash. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with seven treatments and three replications by pot method. Different chemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon content, total NPK, and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu) were also assessed at initial and final stage. Among the treatments, spray of 10 kg Urea + 5 kg Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) (18:46:0) + Spray of filtered cow dung slurry @ 5 lit. + liquid bioinoculant Trichoderma spp. (T. asperellum, T. harzianum and T. hamatum) @ 1 lit. per ton of sugarcane trash, emerged as the most effective treatment and exhibited superior compost quality with pH ranging toward neutrality, reduced total carbon (22.2%) higher nutrient content (N: 1.25%, P₂O₅: 0.63%, K₂O: 0.88%) and enhanced micronutrient availability (Fe: 937 mg kg⁻¹, Zn: 96 mg kg⁻¹, Mn: 244 mg kg⁻¹).This approach not only reduces environmental pollution but also offering a sustainable solution for trash management and recycles nutrients back into the soil, improving soil fertility and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.