Studies on microbial dynamics in little millet (Panicum sumatrense L.) based intercropping system under rainfed condition

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam during rabi season (October 2018 - January 2019) to evolve suitable little millet (Panicum sumatrense L) based intercropping system under rainfed condition. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with eight treatments and replicated thrice. The population of soil bacteria, fungi, actinobacteria, Azospirillum and dehydrogenase enzyme activities were recorded under different little millet based intercropping system as a measure of soil microbial dynamics. Among the treatments, soil microbial population was higher in little millet intercropped with both pulses and legumes. Also, the dehydrogenase enzyme activity was more in intercropping compared to mono-cropping and nonlegume intercropping system.