Integrated Nutrient Management
(INM), which involves the combined use of inorganic fertilisers with organic
sources such as farmyard manure, vermicompost, castor cake, and
bio-fertilisers, has been recognised as a sustainable approach for enhancing
soil fertility, nutrient use efficiency, and crop productivity. Baby corn
productivity is often constrained by improper nutrient management and
overreliance on chemical fertilisers, which have led to declining soil health,
reduced microbial activity, and long-term fertility issues. Therefore, A field
experiment was conducted during the summer seasons of 2022 and 2023 at the
Horticulture Polytechnic Farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat, to
assess the impact of integrated nutrient management (INM) on the yield and
economics of baby corn (Zea mays L.). The study evaluated twelve treatment
combinations involving three nitrogen levels (80, 100, and 120 kg N ha⁻¹), two
organic nutrient sources (vermicompost and castor cake at 25 kg N ha⁻¹), and
two levels of Novel Organic Liquid Nutrients (No spray and 1.5% spray). The
experiment followed a Factorial Randomised Block Design (FRBD) with three
replications. Results indicated that the highest cob yields, both with and
without husk, were consistently recorded under the integrated treatment of 120
kg N ha⁻¹ + castor cake + 1.5% Novel Organic Liquid Nutrients (N₃O₂L₂). This
combination significantly enhanced yield components and physiological
efficiency compared to other treatments. Economically, treatments with 120 kg N
ha⁻¹ + vermicompost (with and without NOVEL) resulted in the highest net income
and benefit-cost ratios. The integration of vermicompost with inorganic
nitrogen improved soil health, nutrient efficiency, and crop yields, while
Novel Organic Liquid Nutrients enhanced plant growth and profitability. The
findings suggest that integrating higher nitrogen levels with castor cake and
liquid organic nutrients can improve the yield, profitability, and
sustainability of baby corn cultivation under South Gujarat conditions.
Long-term field trials should be conducted in the future to further evaluate
the influence of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on the yield and
economics of baby corn.
Author(s)details:-
Priyanka
Patel
Horticulture Polytechnic, ASPEE College of Horticulture, N.A.U., Navsari,
Gujarat, 396 450, India.
D. R.
Bhanderi
Department of Vegetable Science, ASPEE College of Horticulture, N.A.U.,
Navsari, Gujarat, 396 450, India.
R. V. Tank
Department of Fruit Science, ASPEE College of Horticulture, N.A.U.,
Navsari, Gujarat-396 450, India.
Ankit
Gadhiya
Agricultural Research Station, N.A.U., Tanchha, Gujarat, 392 025, India.
Bhakti
Panchal
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Surat, Navsari Agricultural University, Surat
Campus, India.
Please see
the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/fsarh/v5/6284
