Includes bibliographical references.

This study assessed whether the performance of native and non-native biofertilizer consortia was comparable in terms of yield, quality and nutrient uptake of Broccoli crop (var: NSC Apollo IUS) and impact on soil properties in an acid Inceptisol. A field experiment was conducted at farmer’s field, Madan Mawkhal, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya, during Rabi season, 2023-24. The layout of the experimental plots was randomized block design incorporating six treatments and four replications. Treatments were: T1 - 100% recommended dose of fertilizer, T2 - Native biofertilizer consortia (NBC), T3 - Non-native biofertilizer consortia (NNBC), T4 - 50% RDF+NBC, T5 - 50% RDF+NNBC and T6 - 50% RDF+NBC+NNBC. Biofertilizer was applied by seedling root-dip method for 1 h just before transplanting. The application of native biofertilizer (NBC) significantly improved yield attributes of broccoli curd and its quality parameters as compared to that under non-native biofertilizer (NNBC). The spiking of biofertilizers with 50%RDF further improved plant growth parameters, curd yield and its quality as compared to that in their single application. The fresh curd weight, dry curd weight, and plant biomass were significantly higher in T4 (50% RDF+NBC) plots, with values of 184.9 g, 19.97 g, and 1036 g plant-1, respectively. These values were significantly higher compared to other treatment plots, while the lowest values were recorded in T6 (50% RDF+NBC+NNBC) plots. The curd quality of broccoli in terms of ascorbic acid, beta carotene, total phenol and antioxidant content showed a significant increase (214.5 mg 100 g-1 fresh curd, 58.17 mg 100 g-1 fresh curd, 110.7 mg 100g-1 fresh curd and 3.73 μmol trolox g-1 fresh curd, respectively) in T4 (50% RDF+NBC) plots as compared to all other treatments. By the time of harvest, the soil pH had dropped from its initial level pH (4.85) in 100%RDF plots as compared to that in other treatments. Value of readily soluble Al (10.3 mg kg-1 soil) increased significantly in T1 (100% RDF) as compared to that in other treatments. Values of soil Avl. N, Avl. P and Avl. K were the highest in T4 (50% RDF+NBC) treatment than that in other treatments. Uptake of N, P, and Zn in curds (87.7, 5.60 and 0.09 kg ha-1, respectively) were significantly higher in T4 (50% RDF+NBC) compared to that in other treatments. Root parameters such root area, root volume, root length and number of root tips were recorded higher (3.17 m2 plant-1, 0.12 m3 plant-1, 4.96 m plant-1 and 62.1 plant-1, respectively) in T2 (NBC) treatments than that in other treatments. Findings clearly indicated that the native biofertilizer consortium performed better than non-native biofertilizer consortium in acid soil and the effect of their dual application was antagonistic. The integration of native biofertilizer consortium with 50% RDF reduced stress in broccoli plants, and supported higher yield and better quality of curds.