Despite its agricultural significance, low phosphorus availability continues to be a major challenge in the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh. Phosphocomposting of organics offers a promising strategy to enhance phosphorus use efficiency (PUE). The present study conducted in 2023-24 in the mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh focused on enhancing the nutrient value of organic materials such as biogas slurry (BGS) and farmyard manure (FYM) through phosphorus enrichment. Both BGS and FYM were enriched with a readily available phosphorus source single super phosphate (SSP) at 5% and 10% enrichment levels. Afterward, a 90-day decomposition process was carried out. Quality analysis of the prepared products was conducted at 0, 45 and 90 days of decomposition and impact of these enriched organics on pea productivity was evaluated. The experiment comprised 10 treatments in which T1 and T2 contained unenriched organics and T3-T10 contained enriched organics combined with 100% or 75% of recommended P doses and 100% N, K doses. The findings demonstrated that P fractions i.e. water soluble, citric acid soluble, sodium bicarbonate extractable, organic and total P content of both the organics enhanced with increase in enrichment level and decomposition period. The pea productivity was recorded higher for enriched organics compared to unenriched treatments and maximum for T4 (BGS at 10% enrichment with 100% recommended N, P, K dose) which was 80.69 q ha-1. PUE was improved by increasing phosphorus content in organics allowing farmers to achieve higher nutrient availability and higher productivity while reducing the total quantity of inputs required for application thereby lowering cost of production

P- enrichment, Biogas slurry, Farmyard manure

Enriching BGS and FYM at 10% significantly boosted total N, P, and K content, with P-enriched BGS reaching 1.75% N and 1.32% P, enhancing nutrient availability. Enrichment improved plant-available phosphorus (water-soluble, citric acid-soluble, and sodium bicarbonate-extractable forms) and increased organic P, aiding soil aggregation and long-term fertility. A notable decline in C:N and C:P ratios over 90 days indicated improved decomposition and nutrient stabilization, especially in enriched products. Application of 20 t ha⁻¹ of P-enriched BGS (10%) integrating with chemical fertilizers produced the highest green pea yield (80.69 q ha⁻¹) and allowed a 25% reduction in phosphatic fertilizer when combined with 100% NK and 75% P, highlighting the benefits of integrated nutrient management.

Muskaan Kashyap, Shikha acharya, Kanika Baghla, Narender Kumar Sankhyan and Pankaj Chopra (2025). Evaluation of Manurial Quality of Phosphorus Enriched Organics and their Influence on Pea Productivity in Acid Alfisols. Biological Forum, 17(5a): 31-37