Effects of biological, organic and chemical fertilizers on yield, hydration coefficient, cookability, and mineral composition of groundnut seeds

A field experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of Bradyrhizobium, VA Mycorrhizal inoculation, phosphorus, nitrogen and chicken manure on yield, 100-seed weight, cookability, hydration coefficient and mineral composition of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) seeds. The results showed that nitrogen, phosphorus and chicken manure treatments significantly (P ≤ 0.001) increased yield, 100-seed weight, non-soakers, and hydration coefficient, in the absence of Bradyrhizobium and/or VA mycorrhizal inoculation. The results also showed that Bradyrhizobium and/or VA mycorrhizal inoculation significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased yield, 100-seed weight, cookability, hydration coefficient, P, Na, K, Cu and Mg contents. A positive correlation (r = 0.87–0.94) was observed between the hydration coefficient and cookability. Na, K and Cu content of seeds were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased with N, P and manure treatments, whereas, the Mg percentage increased by N and P treatments and decreased when 0.01 mton manure were applied. The results of this investigation indicate that Bradyrhizobium and mycorrhizal inoculation are promising biological fertilizers because they are cheap, easy to handle and improve groundnut growth, yield and seed quality.