Journal of FARM SCIENCES, Vol 28, No 2 (2015)

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Integrated nutrient management for quality production of cauliflower in acid alfisol of Nagaland

Tekasangla ., S.P. Kanaujia, P.K. Singh

Abstract


The field experiment was conducted during 2011-12 at the Experimental Farm of School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Medziphema Campus, Nagaland University to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of cauliflower under foothills condition of Nagaland. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Results revealed that application of different levels of fertilizers, organic manures and biofertilizers either alone or in combination significantly increased the growth, yield and quality of cauliflower as compared to control. The maximum plant height (49.26 cm), stalk length (19.60 cm), number of leaves (24.45), plant spread (68.13 cm), curd diameter (12.73 cm), curd size (108.18 cm2), gross curd weight (866.67 g), net curd weight (351.33 g), curd yield per hectare (13.00 t), curd compactness (24.45) and ascorbic acid content (25.15 mg100 g-1) were recorded with the combined application of 50% NPK + 50% FYM + Biofertilizers. There was a significant build up of organic carbon in the soil after harvest of the crop with 50% NPK + 50% FYM + Biofertilizers. The same treatment also produced the highest net return of ` 1,87,750/- along with cost benefit ratio of  1:2.59. This result suggested that 50% chemical fertilizers can be reduced without any compromise on yield, quality and fertility status of soil.

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