Microbial decomposer for crop residue management in rice–wheat cropping system.

This article investigates the use of microbial decomposers, specifically the Pusa decomposer fungal consortium, combined with organic and inorganic fertilizers for crop residue management in the rice–wheat cropping system in Punjab, India. The study found that treatments with 100% recommended dose fertilizer (RDF) and 50% crop residue plus 50% RDF improved rice grain and straw yields and enhanced soil fertility indicators, while the addition of Pusa decomposer did not consistently increase rice yield but significantly improved soil enzymatic activities related to nutrient cycling. Soil chemical properties such as pH, organic carbon, and micronutrient availability were better maintained when organic residues and microbial decomposers were integrated with fertilizers compared to chemical fertilizers alone. The findings suggest that microbial decomposers hold promise for enhancing soil health and sustainability, though their effectiveness varies with soil and crop conditions, warranting further research to optimize their application.