chapter ii
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6
CHAPTER-2
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Review of literature pertaining to “Effect of integrated nutrient
management on growth and yield of bottle gourd” are presented in this
chapter.
Organic farming plays a vital role to bring stability, sustainability to
Agriculture and also avoid over dependence of chemical fertilizers and
pesticides. According to APEDA, organically grown vegetables have better
export potential. The health and nutrition consciousness coupled with buying
capacity have created good market for organic foods. Nowadays, consumer
preference is more for organically grown produce because they are free of toxic
chemical residues and have concern for environment.
Bottle gourd (Langaneria sciceraria L.) being a short duration
cucurbitaceous crop, put forth continuous vegetative growth and the yield and
quality are largely influenced by the application of nutrients. There is a need to
maintain high nutrient status in soil for its satisfactory growth and yield. Many
research workers have revealed the usefulness of the application of plant
nutrients through organic sources like FYM, poultry manure, coir pith compost,
vermiwash, and panchakavya. These nutrient sources increase the nutrient use
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efficiency of the soil and thus enhance the crop productivity as well as quality
of the produce.
Recently, the concept of integrated nutrient management (INM) towards
better crop production has paved the way for sustainable horticulture. The basic
principles lie in maintenance of soil fertility through judicious use of inorganic
fertilizers and organic manures. Organic manures act potential sources of not
only for macro nutrients but also micronutrients, but the quantity varies
depending upon the nature, sources and extent of decomposition (Katyal, 1979).
Very little research work has been attempted in this line on snake gourd.
Hence, the available literatures on integrated nutrient management practices on
certain major vegetable crops are reviewed hereunder.
2.1. Effect of FYM
2.1.1. Effect of FYM on physical and nutritional attributes
Farmyard manure is one of the traditional organic manure and is most
readily available to the farmers. On an average, well rotten FYM contains 0.5
percent N, 0.2 percent P2O5 and 0.5 percent K2O (Gaur et al., 1971). Farmyard
manure seems to act directly in increasing crop yields by supplying nitrogen,
phosphorus and sulphur in available forms to the plants through biological
decomposition. Moreover, it improves physical properties of soil such as
aggregation, aeration, permeability and water holding capacity.
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Also it helps to increase the productivity of the soil by improving soil
chemical properties viz., soil organic carbon content, increase the availability of
both major and minor nutrients and availability of nutrients for longer period,
biological properties increased decomposition rate. Whereas Sharma and Mitra
(1989) reported that the FYM contains 26.1 % C, 1.71 % K on dry weight basis
and C: N ratio of 15:1. The FYM used in the trail plots of
Sriramachandarasekharan et al., (1996) had 1.2 % N, 0.21 % P, 1.96 % K, 26.90
% C and C: N ratio was 22.40. The enhanced yield of crops due to application
of FYM might be due to rich nutrient content.
2.1.2. Effect FYM of on growth and yield of vegetables
Bolotskikh and Levic (1987) conducted an experiment in cucumber and
reported that the highest yield (28.2 t ha-1) and economic return were observed
after applying 90:60:60 Kg NPK ha-1. Natarajan (1990) reported that application
of FYM @ 25 ha-1 as basal along with N: P: K registered maximum plant height
and dry yield of chilli. Muniz et al. (1992) reported cucumber supplied with
FYM at 40 t ha-1 and NPK @ 240:960:480 kg ha-1 exhibited the maximum yield.
Balashanmugam et al. (1988) found that application of FYM
@ 25 t ha-1 increased the yield (32.37 kg ha-1) of fresh rhizome in turmeric.
Meena Nair and Peter (1990) stated that application of FYM to chillies @ 30 t
ha -1 enhanced the fresh fruit yield of 3.6 q ha -1. Damke et al (1988) observed
that highest plant height and yield of chilli was recorded with application of
FYM @ 15 t ha-1 along with 50 kg each of N, P and K. Further, Srlekekov and
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Rankov (1989) also reported that higher plant height, plant canopy and yield
were recorded with the application of FYM @ 20 t ha -1 along with 100:80:100
kg NPK ha-1 in chillies.
According to Natarajan (1990), application of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 as basal
along with N, P and K registered maximum plant height (126.20 cm), highest
number of branches (17.36) and highest dry yield of chilli (1.83 t h-1). Meera
Nair and Peter (1990) revealed that application of higher rates of both organics
(15 t FYM ha-1) and inorganic fertilizers (175:40:75 NPK ha-1) increased the
fruit weight of chilli during all the three seasons as compared to inorganic or
organic manures alone. Agarwal et al. (1995) found that organic amendments
and nitrogen hastened the leaf appearance and found to increase the leaf area
and leaf longevity.
A study conducted by Renuka and Ravishankar (1998)
reported that application of FYM combined with biogas slurry were found to
increase the number of primary branches, earliness in flowering, number of
fruits per plant and superior quality of large size fruits in tomato.
Nanthakumar and Veeraragavathatham (1998) observed that due to combined
application of organic manure @ 12.5 t ha-1 of FYM and biofertilizers @ 2 kg
ha-1 each of Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria along with 75 per cent of the
recommended dose of inorganic N and P increased the yield (36.55 t ha-1) in
brinjal var. Palur-1.
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In brinjal, Subbarao et al. (1998) reported that application of organic
manure (FYM + vermicompost), recorded the highest leaf area, number of
leaves, dry matter production and maximum number of fruits per plant. Soil
treated with different combinations of the organic amendments and three
chemicals significantly increased the plant height, girth, leaves per plant,
branches per plant and spread of tomatoes in cv. Punjab Chohara (Amrendra
Kumar Prasad et al., 1997).
Chavan et al. (1997) recorded the highest ascorbic acid content of 241.2
mg 100g-1 in green chilli at second picking when FYM was applied @ 25 t h-1.
Application of FYM @ 20 t ha-1 along with 100 kg phosphorus increased the
yield of French bean (76.5 q ha-1) over control (31.3 q ha-1) (Jastoria et al.,
1998). Reddy (1999) reported that application of 20 t compost ha -1 was
sufficient to realize the high TSS (Brix), acidity (0.84 %) and ascorbic acid
(14.3 mg 100 g-1 juice) in tomato. The highest fruit yield (15.0 t ha -1) was
reported with the 30 t compost ha -1.
The highest application rate of FYM (30 t h-1) along with bio fertilizers,
Azospirillum, Phosphobacteria and VAM) to cucumbers resulted in highest vine
length (330 cm) and fruit yield per vine (2053 g) (Nirmala and Vadivel, 1999).
In potato, Sharma and Pushpendra Singh (1998) reported that application of
FYM @ 30 t ha -1 increased the number of tubers by 17 % and weight of tubers
by 59 % over control. Similar reports were also given by Thind and Dan (2002).
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2.2. Effect of Poultry manures
2.2.1. Nutritive importance of poultry manure
Poultry manure contains all the essential plant nutrients such as N, P, K,
Mg, S, B, Zn, cu, Mn, Fe, etc. which is necessary for increasing the yield and
quality of field crops. Hence poultry manure has been considered as a
concentrated source of N and P (Sims and Wolf, 1994). It contains N (304 to 4.3
%), P (1.9 to 2.2 %), K (2.0 to 2.4 %), Ca (2.3 to 8.0 %), S (0.5 to 1.0 %), uric
acid (0.9 to 2.6 %) and NH4-N (0. to 1.5 %). Poultry manure is alkaline in
nature (pH 7.5 to 8.5 %) and immediately raised the pH of loams from 6.5 to 7.5
on application. Excess poultry manure causes toxicity which results in stunted
root growth and burnt leaf tissue margin. Toxicity was due to excess soluble
salts especially potassium, NO2-N and NH3.
2.2.2. Effect of poultry manures on growth and yield of vegetables
Application of 80 kg nitrogen through poultry manure along with 80 kg
nitrogen through ammonium sulphate to potato resulted in maximum plant
height (33.15 cm), number of shoots per plant (4.66), number of leaves per plant
(48.40), fresh weight of tubers (131.83g), dry matter of tuber (Singh et al.,
1973).
Poultry manure and FYM applied plots showed higher amount of
oleoresin compared with other synthetic fertilizer, whereas the crude protein
was highest with the application of poultry manure and pig manure (Aoi et al.,
1988). Oikeh and Asieghu (1993) conducted an experiment with different rates
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of poultry manure to tomato and found that application of 10 t ha-1 was superior,
which recorded a fruit yield of 47 t ha-1. The application of chicken manure at
two tonnes per hectare and chemical fertilizers resulted in maximum yield of
french bean (24.9t ha-1) (Guu jimwen et al., 1994)
Cling Fang et al. (1994) reported that the plant height, fruit number and
fruit yield were significantly higher with the organic manure applied plot than
chemical fertilizers. Tomato yield was enhanced by addition of broiler litter at
20.1 and 40 m t ha-1. Broiler litter treatments resulted to increase tomato yield to
about 20 % and fruits were matured earlier than those produced using increased
commercial fertilizer (Brown et al., 1995).
Guu Jimwen et al. (1997) found that application of chicken manure
2 t ha-1 and chemical fertilizers resulted in maximum yield of french bean
(24.9 t ha-1). There was significant effect of organic manure on the uptake of
nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by the leaves. In brinjal, highest plant
height (75.15cm), number of fruits (13.07), weight of fruit per plant (1224.95 g)
and yield (51.03 t ha-1) were recorded in the plants receiving 50 kg nitrogen as
urea and poultry manure when compared to urea alone (Jose et al., 1998).
Poultry manure application has favourably resulted in obtaining higher
yield of soybean (1.65 t ha-1) over FYM. The increase in yield was 45 and 30 %
over FYM and urban compost respectively. Further, the application of poultry
manure @ 10 t ha-1 was found to be optimum to increase the soybean yield at
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indore as compared to FYM and urban waste (Ramesh et al., 1998). The
possibility of achieving a reasonably good yield was by basal application of dry
cow dung, top dressing with poultry manure and drenching cow dung slurry at
fortnightly interval in bitter gourd. (Rekha and Gopalakrishnan, 2001).
Combined effect of poultry manure and solarisation increased the mean
of maximum soil temperature by 41.20 C and 40.90 C respectively at 15 cm soil
depth in the second year (Kaskavali, 2009), whereas combined effect of chicken
manure and solarisation increased the maximum temperature and yield at 15 cm
at soil depth. The application of FYM @ 20 t ha-1 recorded the highest number
of fruits plant-1, fruit weigh, TSS and yield (Prem Sekhar and Rajashree, 2009).
2.3. Effect of Coir pith compost
The largest by products of coconut is coconut husk from which coir fiber
is extracted. This extraction process generates a large quantity of dusty material
called coir dust or coir pith. The quantity of coir waste is about 7.5
million tonnes from coir industries in India and in Tamil Nadu around 5 lakh
tons of coir dust was obtained.
2.3.1. Composition of Coir pith compost
It contains lignin 4.8 %, cellulose 10.10 %, carbon 24.00 %, nitrogen
41.24 %, phosphorous 20.06 %, potassium 1.20 %, calcium 0.50 %, magnesium
0.48 % and manganese 25 % with C: N ratio of 24: 1.
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2.3.2. Effect of Coir pith on growth and yield of vegetables
Recycling of organic wastes particularly with high C:N ratio materials as
coir pith helps in the maintenance of soil organic matter, improve soil physical
properties (Rajasekaran and Palaniswany, 1989). Ahemed (1993) recorded
maximum plant height at 15 t ha-1 at 65, 100, 130 DAS. However, lowest plant
height was recorded in control.
Ranganathan and Raniperumal (1995) reported that in the integration of
composted coir pith with micro food registered a significant increase in dry
matter yield over the others. Ahmed (1993) reported that enriched coir pith
manure @ 15 t ha -1 recorded the maximum plant height but the yield obtained
was on par with 10 t ha -1in tomato.
The increase in the yield of red and green chillies and dry matter was
recorded with the application of nitrogen through FYM (75 kg N ha-1) and urea
(75 kg N ha-1). Application of NPK combined with zinc sulphate (50 kg N ha-1),
Borax (10 kg N ha-1) and composted coir pith (5 t ha-1) recorded highest fruit
yield of 1487.0 g per plot as against 444.7 g per plot in control
(Balasubramanian et al., 1998).
The application of composted coir pith @ 50 kg plant-1 year along with
50 % of recommended dose NPK as chemical fertilizers is optimum for getting
maximum nut yield in coconut with substantial improvement in soil fertility
(Venkitasamy, 2003). Combined application of FYM and coir pith compost
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along with vegetable waste recorded better performance than the individual
application (Ezhil Kavitha et al., 2006). On the whole, use of coir pith compost
@ 5 t ha-1 together with N and K nutrition at higher rates (80 or 120 kg ha-1) and
a constant dose of P at 60 kg ha-1 favoured dry matter production and the other
indicies, eventually resulted in the higher white yam production under
intercropping (Suja, 2008).
2.4. Effect of Vermiwash
2.4.1. Effect of Vermiwash on growth and yield of vegetables
Vermiwash has been utilized for the potential application in sustainable
development in agriculture, biotechnology with respect to its origin, cost
effectiveness, easily availability, time saving, reproducibility, reliability and
eco-friendliness (Zambare et al., 2008). Vermiwash was obtained by culturing
earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae Kinberg.) on organic substrates (65 % pre-
composted crop wastes and 35 % animal manure) in equipment specially
fabricated as described by Giraddi (2001). Vermiwash is a liquid collected after
the passage of water through a column of warm activation and are applied to
enhance crop growth. It is an excellent source of organic nutrient, which can
substitute chemical fertilizers (Ismail, 1997). Bucker field et al. (1999) reported
that weekly applications of vermiwash increased radish yield by 7.3%.
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Vermiwash is a liquid formulation which is more efficient in the nutrient
uptake in cabbage & cauliflower by the way it may replace chemical fertilizers
(Mosselli et al., 1999). In bhendi, the highest shoot length was recorded with
vermicompost application along with microbial fertilizers (Lalitha et al., 2000).
Uma Maheswari (2002) found that among the different treatment combinations,
foliar application of vermiwash at 1:5 dilutions showed better performance for
days to 50 % flowering and ascorbic acid content in chillies.
Karuppiah et al. (2002) reported that application of vermicompost @ 5 t
ha-1 along with vermiwash spray at fortnight intervals favourably increased the
number of productive flowers and yield of brinjal. Sajitha (2005) reported that
application of vermicompost @ 12.5 t ha-1 along with VAM and vermiwash
favourably increased the growth and yield attributes of garden bean. The
application of cotton seed cake (25 %) and poultry manure (75 %) + vermiwash
+ package significantly increased the yield, improved the chemical properties of
soil, increased the nutrient availability and there by lead to increased nutrient
uptake by cucumber (Mali et al., 2003).
Thangavel (2003) observed that both growth and yield of paddy increased
with the application of vermiwash and vermicast extracts. The organic
substance present in panchakavya and vermiwash might have produced a
positive effect on fruit length, fruit girth, weight per fruit, number of fruits per
plant and fruit set (Somasundaram et al., 2003). Foliar spray of vermiwash
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enhanced the growth parameters (plant height, number of laterals, number of
leaves and leaf area) and yield parameters (number of days to flowering,
number of flowers per plant and flower weight) (Sivasubramanian and Ganesh
kumar, 2004). Application of vermicompost and vermiwash derived from
vegetable waste along with VAM registered the host values for growth and
yield of vegetable cowpea (Venkateswara Prasad et al., 2006)
Application of 75 % and 100 % RDF, FYM and vermiwash recorded
higher neck and bulb diameter, dry matter accumulation in leaf and bulb leading
to higher yield (Mamatha et al., 2008). Application of 100 % RDF +
Panchakavya spray @ 2 % or 100 % RDF + vermiwash spray (2 %) to okra
resulted in higher yield attributing characters and quality of fruits. (Vennila and
Jayanthi, 2008).
2.5. Effect of Panchakavya
In 1950, James F. Martin of USA made liquid catalyst (Living water)
from mulching cow, using sea water and yeast. It was capable of greening
degraded land (Vivekanandan et al., 1998). While preparing panchakavya, the
clockwise and anticlockwise stirring of panchakavya stock solution creates a
depression, which facilitates a cosmic energy is allowed through a living system
which stimulates the imbalance in physical, chemical and biological process
along with physiological aspect. The basic elements for the growth are
harmonized by energy which refreshes the growth process (Sundararama et al.,
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2001). Panchakavya is a combination of five products obtained from the cow,
which is used in traditional medicine extensively used. They are cow dung,
cow’s urine, cow’s milk, cow’s curd and ghee. Scientists are rediscovering the
value of unique combination of the five products of the cow. Panchakavya is a
single organic input, which can act as a growth promoter and immunity booster.
It has a significant role in providing resistance to pests and diseases and in
increasing the overall yield.
2.5.1. Effect of Panchakavya on growth and yield of vegetables
Natarajan (2000) revealed that among the plant growth stimulants defined
in Vrikshayurveda, panchakavya was found to be the best in enhancing
efficiency of crop plants and the quality of fruits and vegetables. Foliar spray of
panchakavya on chilli produced dark green colured leaves and new growth with
in 10 days of application (Subashini Sridhar et al., 2000). Higher yield was
obtained in lemon when panchakavya at 3 per cent was sprayed at vegetative and
flowering stage (Natarajan, 2000).
(Beaulah, 2001) noticed a higher plant height with organic manure
treatment which comprising poultry manure + Panchakavya in moringa. The dry
matter production was also found to be the highest in the same treatment
combinations. Application of Calcium acetate @ 0.5 % + panchakavya @ 5 %
advanced the flowering by 45.60 days and 53.31 days in Cv. Edward and Red
Rose respectively (Thamaraiselvi, 2001).
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Jayashankar et al. (2002) reported that foliar spray of panchakavya @ 3
% on field bean substantially increased the flowering and fruiting after a week
period. The quality parameters viz., crude fibre, protein, ascorbic acid, carotene
content and shelf life were also higher under organic manure applied with
panchakavya spray in annual moringa (Beaulah et al., 2002). The Rural
Community Auction Centre at Kodumudi, Tamil Nadu conducted an
experiment by adding fifteen materials to normal panchakavya and reported that
tender coconut water, sugarcane effluent and banana fruits added potency to
panchakavya by enriching its organic property (Natarajan, 2000). Panchakavya
acts both as a fertilizer (75 %) and pesticide (25 %) (Paramasivan, 2003).
Arjunan (2005) reported that combined application of FYM @ 12.5 t ha -1
+ panchakavya @ 3 % was found to be optimum for enhancing the growth,
yield and quality of tomato. The combined application of 3.0 % panchakavya +
100 % recommended dose of inorganic NPK fertilizers improved the growth,
yield and yield attributig characters of white onion. While comparing the
organic versus inorganic farming, it was found that organic farming treatment (3
% panchagavya + 50% FYM+ 50 % poultry manure) recorded higher bulb yield
in crops next to inorganic treatment (Sankar et al., 2009). The highest flower
yield was recorded in recommended dose of fertilizer followed by combined
spraying of panchakavya @ 3 % + Salicylic acid @ 100 ppm + nitrobenzene @
150 ppm (Saraswathi and Vadivel, 2009). Application of 75 % of the required
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amount of nutrients in the form of vermicompost @ 5.60 t ha -1, groundnut cake
@ 0.38 t ha-1 with biofertilizers @ 10 kg ha-1 along with panchakavya spray @ 3
% for four times from 30 days transplanting improve growth attributes, yield
and dry fruit yield in hot pepper (Uma Maheswari, 2009)
2.6. Effect of Humic acid
2.6.1. Use of Humic acid in Agriculture
Recent scientific investigation revealed that the possibility of humic acids
extracted from lignite could be utilized for improving the organic carbon
content of the soils. Humic acid are natural, eco-friendly organic products
which contains no external chemical additives and is advisable to grow plants
organically, using humic acid. Applications of humic acid are reported to
increase the permeability of the plant membranes resulting in higher metabolic
activity and enzyme activity. Humic acids are essential for optimum plant
growth. They play a major role in modifying physical and mechanical properties
of the soil such as structure, colour, consistency, water holding capacity etc.
Humic acid build up the organic matter which is important for microbial growth
in the soil, improving soil tilth, which in turn improve the plant growth. The
uptake of the humic acid through the roots and their transformation in plants
and possibly due to their influence on metabolism has been demonstrated by
Stevenson (1994). Its chemical function is manifested by its higher cation
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exchange capacity. Humic acid provides carbon as energy source to nitrogen
fixing bacteria and thus proves its function (Virgine, 2003).
Humic acid substance originates from chemical and biological
degradation of plant and animal residues and from activities of microorganisms
(Schnitzer, 1991). Coal is also found to produce humus matter on degradation.
Peat and lignite are reported to have higher humus content of 50-60 %. It is
better to grow plants organically using active humic acids rather than using
harsh chemicals as synthetic humic substances (Sumukh Dias, 2001).
2.6.2. Effect of Humic acid on growth and yield of vegetables
Since the literature on yield of crops as influenced by humic acid is less,
the effects of organic sources in addition to humic acid on yield of vegetable
crops are reported here under.
The earlier appearance of roots, extreme abundance and larger surface
area of roots are all of prime importance in the formation of a healthy plant.
Earlier and more profuse rooting of crops by the use of humic substance may
bring about benefits associated with an earlier harvest.
Andreu-Sanchez et al. (1991) demonstrated that humic substances
increased root length and number of root hairs in tomato. Singhvi (1991)
recorded increased root length in radish by addition of humic acid @ 10-25
mg 1-1 of nutrient solution. In an experiment conducted by Piccolo et al. (1993)
to study the effect of humic acid on seedling growth of tomato grown in
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petridishes stated that the seedling fresh weight of tomato increased with
increasing concentration of humic acid up to 5000 mg 1-1.
David et al. (1994) reported that addition of humic acid @ 12801 kg ha-1
produced highly branched tomato roots resulted in efficient nutrient acquisition.
Adani et al. (1998) observed the beneficial effect of humic acid on tomato plant
when applied @ 50 mg 1-1. In tomato, the fresh weight and dry weight of tomato
shoots increased with each successive increase in humic acid rates (David et al.,
1994).
Vande-Vender and Furter (1995) documented the foliar spray of sodium
humate (oxicol) at 0.5, 500 or 1000 mg 1-1applied twice a week showed
significant results in top and root growth of tomato cv. Romer and beetroot cv.
Detroil Dark red. Lotteredo et al. (1997) reported that application of 200 mg lit-1
of humic acid to tomato enhanced the dry matter content of roots. Padem and
Ocal (1997) reported a significant increase in fruit weight and ascorbic acid
content of tomato due to increased levels of humic acid from 200 to 300 ppm.
Adani et al. (1998) studied the effect of humic acid from leonordite on
tomato plant growth and observed 9 % increase in shoot growth than the
control. Dursun et al. (1999) foundd that application of humic acid at different
levels (50, 100, 150 ml l-1) applied to a peat medium after transplanting of
seedlings of tomato increased the stem and root growth.
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Humic acid applied in the form of sodium humate improved the growth
of tomato (Bohme and Papadopoulos, 1999). The results of a study conducted
by Padem et al. (1999) reported that application of humic acid significantly
improved the fruit penetration value and ascorbic acid content of tomato fruit.
Dursun et al. (1999) assessed various levels of humic acid on seedling growth
of tomato and stated that increased leaf and stem growth were obtained with
humic acid @ 50 and 100 ml-1.
Hartwigson and Evans (2000) observed that cucumber seedlings drenched
with 2500 and 5000 ppm humic acid produced higher root fresh weight.
Medeiros et al. (2001) reported that fertigation with earthworm humus resulted
in greater number of leaves, higher dry and fresh weight of above ground parts
in lettuce compared with plants irrigated with water alone.
Peng Zheng Ping et al. (2001) indicated that humic acid enhanced the
chlorophyll content of Chinese cabbage and enriched the blade into thick glossy
dark green and fresh which improved the commodity value. Yu Ping and Able
(2001) found that humic acid application significantly reduced the water loss
and enhanced the shelf life of broccoli. Bharanikkarasi (2001) noticed that
maximum yields were consistently maintained with humic acid application @
0.45 g pot-1 than the foliar spray in tomato. Virgine Tenshia (2003) carried out
an experiment to study the effect of lignite humic acid on soil fertility, growth,
yield and quality of tomato. Results indicated that dry matter production, LAI,
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chlorophyll content, fruit set percentage, yield, uptake of nutrients, TSS, titrable
acidity, ascorbic acid, lycopene and pectin were highest in soil application of
humic acid @ 20 kg ha -1.
Humic acid applied as potassium humate with and without NPK
fertilizers on growth, yield and nutrients on amarunthus. The results showed
that application of 10 kg ha-1 of humic acid as potassium humate along with 75
% recommended NPK was found to influence the production of green matter
significantly besides recording high nutrient content (Sathiyabama and
Selvakumari, 2004).
Application of humic acid @ 20 t ha-1 increased available NPK, organic
carbon and CEC of the soil to 252, 15.5 and 640 kg ha -1 ,0.779 % and 33.7cmol
(p+) kg-1 from 226, 12.5 and 593 kg ha-1,0.709 and and 26.7 mol (p+)kg-1
respectively (Sathiyabama and Selvakumari, 2005). Dhanasekeran and
Bhuvaneswari (2005) reported that combined application of humic acid with
NAA recorded the highest yield and best quality in tomato. Karuppaiah and
Manivannan (2005) reported that combination of humic acid (30 kg ha-1),
pressmud (18.75 ha-1) and NPK (60:45:45 kg ha-1) was found to be the superior
combination in exhibiting higher yield in cucumber (11.7 t ha-1).
Chrisha and Dong (2006) investigated that the nature and properties of
humic fraction of organic residues like FYM, poultry manure, green leaf
manure and rice straw. The highest N, P and S uptake by pod and stalk and total
25
uptake were found under soil application of humic acid @ 20 kg ha -1 and it was
remain at par with soil application of humic acid @ 20 and 10 kg ha-1 (Butani et
al., 2008).
2.7. Effect of inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of vegetables
In muskmelon, application of N at 250 kg ha-1 enhanced the development
of perfect flowers and fruit set (Brantley and Warren, 1960). Rekhi et al. (1968)
conducted an experiment with higher levels of N (120 and 80 kg ha -1) and
reported that higher levels of N produced large number of perfect flowers than
staminate flowers in muskmelon. Parikh and Chandra (1969) reported that
cucumber produced maximum number of female flower respectively when N
was applied at 80 kg ha-1.
In sandy loam soils application of 115 kg N, 44 kg each of P and K ha-1
increased the female flowers in muskmelon as reported by Jassal et al. (1970).
The optimum dose of inorganic fertilizers for snake gourd was 40:30:30 kg ha-1
respectively, Sreenivasan and Chockalingam (1973). Sundarrajan and
Muthukrishnan (1975) obtained higher yield in CO 2 pumpkin by the
application of 40: 40: 80 kg NPK ha-1.
In watermelon, application of 100 kg N, 30 kg P and 100 kg
K ha-1 resulted in maximum yield (25.9 t ha-1) Bhosale et al. (1977).
A combination of 75, 100 and 150 kg of NPK ha-1 have resulted in the highest
yield of 37.366 kg ha-1 in watermelon (Mangal et al., 1977). Application of N
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and P increased the plant height, earliness index, fruit size, fruit yield plant-1 and
fruit yield ha-1. Tomato yield (3.025 kg plant -1) was increased with N and P
rates (60 and 80 kg ha-1 respectively) (Sharma et al., 1978). Xu and Cheng
(1989) recommended that the application of 60 kg N, 21 kg P and 60 kg K ha -1
for obtaining higher yield (42 to 100 kg ha-1) and better quality of fruits
(10.9 B) in watermelon.
Karachi et al. (1977) obtained a yield of 3.1 amd 4.2 t ha-1 in honey dew
melon from plots receiving ammonium sulphate or urea at 50 and 100 kg-1
respectively. Rajendran (1981) suggested that the response to nitrogen was
quadratic in the case of pumpkin and economic levels were worked out to be 71
kg N ha-1 and 50 kg P2O5 ha-1. The highest number of fruits per plant, fruit
weight per vine and fruit quality in muskmelon was reported from plots that
received nitrogen @ 50 kg ha-1 and P2O5 @ 37.5 kg ha-1 (Randhawa et al.,
1981).
Split application of 120 kg N ha-1with 25 tonnes of FYM ha-1 recorded the
highest yield of dry chilli pods (33.82 q ha-1) followed by the fertilizer dose of
80:35:35 kg NPK ha-1(31.0 q ha-1) (Subbiah et al., 1982). A study conducted by
Singh et al. (1983) obtained maximum number of fruits and maximum diameter
of fruits in muskmelon at 75 kg N ha-1 and 30 kg P2O5 ha-1. Srinivas and Doijode
(1984) reported a significant increase in the number of perfect flowers with 50
kg N ha-1 in muskmelon.
27
Vishnu Shukla and Prabhakar (1985) reported that significant yield
(385.37 q ha-1) increase was obtained with 180 kg N, 100 kg P2O5 and K2o ha-1
application when compared to 1/3 dose of fertilizer in bottle gourd. In water
melon, application of NP and K at 150:100:150 kg ha-1 produced maximum
number of leaves per vine. Omini and Hossain (1987) reported that potassium
containing nutrient treatments in ridge gourd reduced the node number of first
staminate inflorescence but did not change the node number of pistil flower thus
increasing staminate flowering.
Different levels of NPK on onion significantly increased the plant height
(69.67 cm), number of leaves (69.67), bulb diameter (3.38 cm) and yield were
recorded with the application of 150 kg N, 150 kg P and 100 kg K (Patil et al.,
1983). Similar results were also observed with garlic.Whereas the bulb yield
was significantly increased with the application of 150 kg N, 150kg P, 250 kg K
ha-1 (Pal and Pandey, 1986).
Singh and Chonkar (1986) observed maximum vine length (240.10 cm)
and number of branches (16.92) with the application of NPK at 100: 60: 60 kg
ha-1 respectively when compared to control (151.57 cm and 11.15 cm
respectively) in muskmelon. Singh and Chonkar (1986) made a trail with
muskmelon with the application of 100 kg N, 60 kg P and 50 kg K ha-1 and
observed relative growth, higher fruit weight and fruit yield.
28
Bhella and Wilcox (1986) also observed that increasing N level from 67
to 100 kg ha-1 resulted in marked promotion of growth in muskmelon.
Cszizinsky et al. (1987) stated that early yield was observed in vines were
noticed with 50 per cent of the recommended N at sowing and 50 per cent at
mid-growth. They also observed that late season yields were high in the
treatment combination of 252 kg N, 40 kg P and 209 kg K ha-1 in muskmelon.
Maurya (1987) reported that the highest number of female flowers,
lowest number of male flowers and narrowed sex ratio were obtained with 80
kg N ha-1 as soil application in cucumber cv. Martin. In a study conducted by
Lingaiah et al. (1988) reported that nitrogen at 80 kg ha-1, P2O5 at 30 kg ha-1 and
K2o at zero level recorded the highest yield in bitter gourd.
A study conducted by Arora and Satish (1989) reported that application
of N and P each at 75 and 40 kg ha-1 respectively resulted in maximum vine
length, number of male flowers during summer. A combination of 50 kg N and
25 kg P ha-1 maximized the number of female flowers in summer and
maximized the sex ratio in both summer and rainy season. In rainy season, a
combination of 25 kg N and 40 kg P ha-1 resulted in early female flower
appearance and produced maximum number of female flowers in sponge gourd
A study conducted by Haris (1989) on the response of snake gourd for
nitrogen and reported that 90 kg ha-1 and an optimum level could not be arrived
in the case of P2O5 and K2o and also there was no significant effect on yield
29
beyond the lower level tried. In Sponge gourd, Arora and Siyag (1989) observed
that application of 75:40:0 kg NPK ha-1 had resulted maximum length and
number of male flower during summer season.
The highest plant height, more number of branches and more number of
flowers per plant and higher yield components like fruit length, girth, fruit
weight per plant and yield per hectare were recorded with the highest level of N,
K (87.5,52.5 kg ha-1) (Shibhilamary and Balakrishnan, 1990). A study
conducted by Hariprakash Rao and Srinivas (1990) reported that increased
levels of N up to 100 kg ha-1 significantly increased the fruit yield in
muskmelon. Yadav et al. (2003) obtained highest plant height, number of leaves
per plant, fresh weight and dry weight of leaves, polar diameter of bulb, fresh
weight of bulb and yield of bulb in onion with the application of nitrogen and
potassium at 150 kg each.
Csermi et al. (1990) reported that N application had beneficial effect on
fruit yield and was better utilized in alluvial and Chernozen soils than in sandy
soils. They also observed that the highest numbers of fruits were obtained when
NPK was given at 120: 90: 180 kg NPK ha-1 in cucumber. In cucumber, yield
and yield components could be increased by increasing the combination of NPK
from 5 per cent to 300 per cent.
Al-Sahaf and Al-Khafagi (1990) reported that the application of mixed
fertilizers of 25 kg N, 7.6 kg P and 25.3 kg K 30 kg ha -1 had a significant
30
influence on fruit weight and total N and K accumulation in cucumber. In an
experiment tomato plants supplied with N at 100, 200 kg ha-1, P2O5 at 75 or 150
kg ha-1 , K2O at 75 or 150 kg ha-1 and half fermented FYM at 20.40 or 60 t ha-1,
the best quality for processing tomatoes was obtained with N, P and K dose of
300, 150, and 75 kg ha-1respectively + 20 t FYM ha-1 (Lacatus et al., 1994).
In garlic, Abbas et al (1994) observed highest plant height (27.58 cm),
maximum bulb size, number of cloves (29.83) and yield (9.73 ha-1) with the
application of optimum dose of NPK (100:50:60 kg ha-1). Mallanagouda et al.
(1995) recorded maximum growth, dry matter accumulation (9.30 %), bulb
diameter (3.14%) and yield (1120.03 kg ha-1) in garlic with the application of
recommended dose of fertilizer (125:62.5:62.5 kg NPK ha-1) and farmyard
manure (5 t ha-1).
Application of recommended dose of fertilizer (155:50:125 kg NPK ha-1)
with FYM (5 t ha-1) recorded maximum vegetative growth, dry matter
accumulation (6.80 kg plant-1), bulb diameter (4.47 cm) and yield (4698.38 kg
ha-1) in onion (Mallanagouda et al., 1995). He also observed that application of
recommended dose of fertilizer (125: 62.5: 62.5 NPK ha-1) with FYM (500 kg
ha-1) recorded maximum nutrient uptake (111.0:14.21:70.20 NPK ha-1) in
Garlic.
Singh et al. (1995) reported that combinations of 100 kg N ha-1with 60 kg
P kg-1and 120cm and a spacing of significantly influenced the fruit set
31
percentage and total solids of fruit in muskmelon. Arora et al. (1996) observed
that maximum vine length, number of branches per plant, increased internodal
length and more number of leaves per vine were recorded when N was applied
at 90 kg kg-1 in pumpkin.
Mahapatra et al. (1996) reported that increased level of N from 60 to 150
kg ha-1had significantly increased the fruit size, fruit weight, number of fruits
per plant and yield of fruits in pointed gourd. In Gherkin, Premalakshmi et al.
(1996) reported that application of 150 kg N, 100 kg P2O5 and 100 kg K2o ha-1
recorded increased vine length, number of branches, higher number of pistillate
flowers per vine when compared to vines those received NPK at 50: 50: 50 kg
ha-1 without N and K.
Janakiraman (1996) reported that application of N at 120 kg ha-1
produced the maximum number of male and female flowers (39.23 and 88.33)
per vine whereas maximum dry matter production of 7.79 t ha -1, increased
number of branches, internodal length and leaf area when N was applied at 120
kg ha-1 along with 200 ppm ethrel in gherkin. In gherkin, Srinivasa Reddy
(1997) reported that application of 10 kg N, 90 kg P and 50 kg K ha -1 produced
maximum vine length, number of branches per vine, leaf area and number of
fruits per vine. Selvakumar (1998) reported that application of 105 kg N ha-1
showed narrow sex ratio of 3.72 and produced the maximum yield per vine at
1079.67 g in cucumber.
32
Use of NPK fertilizers (187:49:75 kg ha-1) with 20 tonnes of FYM in
onion resulted in significant improvement in nutrient uptake and available NPK
status of the soil (Sharma et al., 2003). The higher percent of seed germination
was observed at higher dose of fertilizer (N 150 + P 120 + K 120) in both the
years which is followed by NPK @ 125:120:120 kg ha-1(Lal, 2003). In tomato,
the higher fruit yield, TSS and better post harvest nutrients status were
associated with the application of 80:40:80 NPK kg ha-1 (Duraisami and Mani,
2003).
Prasannakumar et al. (2004) reported that application of 50:50:60 kg
NPK kg ha-1 found to be the optimum fertilizer dose for ridgegourd which
significntly increased number of fruits per vine, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit
girth, fruit yield per vine and fruit yield kg ha-1. In Snakegourd, Jayaraman
(2005) reported that combined application of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 along with 100
% recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers produced highest vine length.
Choundhary and Ataal chandra (2006) reported that application of
vermicompost @ 6 t ha-1 along with RDF of NPK significantly increased fruit
yield , fruit weight (9.6 g), fruit length (9.61 cm), fruit diameter (1.36 cm) and
fruit yield (99.1 q ha-1) in Okra.
Brinjal requires heavy manuring for putting up maximum plant growth
and yield. It requires 3 to 3.5 kg N, 0.2 to 0.3 kg P, 2.5 to 3.5 kg K ha -1. The
response to applied nutrients varies from 75 to 300 kg N, 0 to 224 P ha-1, 0 to 80
33
kg K ha-1 (Sat Pal Sharma and Brar, 2008). In case of okra, low level of
nitrogen application (30 kg N ha−1) with low but daily watering had significantly
increase the yield (1,365 g plot−1) than from higher level of nitrogen application
(Shakya et al., 2009)
2.8. Effect of combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers on
growth and yield of vegetables
Integrated nutrient management through inorganic and organic sources
resulted in multi-benefits in addition to giving maximum and stable yields with
better quality of vegetable crops such as Pea, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Onion,
Radish, Tomato and Cucumber (Jaggi, 2007). For successful crop of bitter
gourd, Katyal (1977) suggested that combined application of 50 t ha-1 of FYM,
100 kg ha-1 of ammonium sulphate and vermicompost along with recommended
inorganic fertilizers increased the yield by 21.1 per cent and 19 per cent.
Application of 10 t of FYM, 10 kg N, 65 kg P and 40 kg K ha-1 recorded the
highest yield in watermelon (Belik and Kascheev, 1974). Kurumottical (1982)
revealed that application of nitrogen and phosphorus in combination with
organic manure (FYM) had more nitrogenous and phosphorus as compared to
inorganic fertilizers alone.
A trial conducted by Mesina (1986) in Philippines revealed that
application of 10 t ha-1 of cattle dung along with 120 kg N ha-1 as chemical
fertilizers increased the number of fruits per plant in bitter gourd. The
34
application of 50 % recommended dose + FYM applied to potato showed
increased yield as compared to plants receiving fertilizer alone (Chatterjee et
al., 1987). Combination of organic manures with inorganic fertilizers had a
moderating effect on soil reaction (Nambiar and Abrol, 1989). However,
Spirescu (1986) recorded the highest yield of 42.4 t ha-1 with the combination of
30 t FYM along with NPK at 50: 100: 100 kg ha-1 respectively in watermelon
cv. Charleston.
Meena Nair and Peter (1990) found that the combination of fertilizers
containing N at 125 or 175 kg ha-1 with FYM 15 t ha-1 significantly increased
the yield as compared to organic or inorganic fertilizers applied alone. Singh
and Maurya (1992) reported that application of 120 kg N and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1
significantly increased yield (353.8 q ha-1) in tomato. The combined application
of both FYM and pressmud along with 100 % recommended dose of NPK
resulted in a maximum number of leaves and enhanced leaf area.
(Nandhakumar, 1995).
The number and weight of unmarketable fruits recorded after 10 days of
storage increased with increasing levels of FYM and fertilizers. Application of
the recommended dose of NPK + FYM improved the fruit yield (2099.8 kg ha -1)
and dry yield (3.87 q ha-1) in chilli (Mallegouda et al., 1995). Shama et al.
(1995) reported that days to 50 per cent flowering was advanced in the
treatment combination of 240 kg N and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 in chilli.
35
The number of clusters, flowers and fruits per plant and fruit setting
percentage were increased significantly with the application of N and P each at
80 kg ha-1 in tomato (Pandey et al., 1996). In gherkin, Premalakshmi et al.
(1996) reported that the ascorbic acid content of the fruits were higher due to
the application of organic manure alone (FYM 25 ha-1 + biofertilizers). Mina
(1986) reported that application of poultry manure alone and in combination
with 14: 14: 14 NPK fertilizer mixture at respective rates significantly increased
the yield of muskmelon.
Nainar and Pappiah (1997) reported that the treatment received the
recommended dose of 200: 100: 50 kg NPK ha-1 in tomato showed a favourable
effect on number of fruiting clusters and number of fruits per cluster as
compared to control. The combination of organic fertilizer with biofertilizers
(Azospirillum + Phosphobacteria) yielded the best results in terms of increased
plant height, branches per plant, mean fruit weight and number of fruits per
plant (Kumaran et al., 1998).
In tomato, Renuka and Ravishankar (1998) found that application of
biogas slurry (or) vermicompost along with FYM was superior to obtain large
size fruits. In bitter gourd, Rekha and Gopalakrishnan (1999) reported that
application of organic manure alone recorded minimum vine length and
maximum number of branches while with addition of inorganic fertilizers @ 70:
36
25:50 kg NPK ha-1 recorded maximum vine length and minimum number of
branches and flowering.
Application of chemical fertilizers in the absence of FYM resulted in the
formation of vegetative organs and subsequently the reproductive organs
resulted in lower flower production on cucumber (Cerna, 1980). Nirmala and
Vadivel (1999) found that combined application of biofertilizers and organic
manure (FYM) in cucumber had beneficial effect on growth, reproductive
behaviour and yield of marketable produce.
Hossain and Mohanty (1999) stated that application of 90 kg N and 40 kg
K ha-1 respectively increased the plant height, number of branches, number of
flowers and fruits in tomato cv. Punjab Chuhara. Singh (2000) observed the
highest plant height (73.3 cm) with 180 kg N ha-1 as against the least plant
height (60.10 cm) recorded at 60 kg N ha-1 in tomato. Youssef et al. (2001)
reported that an application of 25 per cent organic manure + 75 per cent
chemical fertilizers were found to increase the total yield per plant significantly
when compared to other treatments.
Arya et al. (2000) reported that marketable fruit yield (99.8 q ha -1) and
seed yield (181.8 kg ha-1) in brinjal were the highest with 100: 100: 50 kg NPK
ha-1. The plant height was increased with 100 kg N ha -1 which was significantly
superior over 50 kg N ha-1 in brinjal whereas application of 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 had
recorded significant increase in stem diameter over control (Ingle et al., 2000).
37
Among the various levels of inorganic fertilizers, application of 125 %
RDF produced taller plants in okra. This might accelerate the synthesis of
chlorophyll and aminoacids which are associated with major photosynthetic
process of plants (Gouda et al., 2001). Better yield can be taken by substitution
of inorganic fertilizers with organic manures and crop residue to some extent
(Duraisami et al., 2001). Application of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 in conjunction with 75
% of RDF to potato and rice crop in the sequence was more renumurative and
the maximum net production (1.33) than the application of fertilizers in
inorganic form even at higher dose in soyabean (Biswas et al., 2002).
The integrated crop management in brinjal revealed that application of
FYM + pressmud @ 12.5 t ha-1 each along with 100 percent of the
recommended inorganic fertilizers (100:50:50) kg NPK ha-1 + biofertilizer @ 2
kg ha-1 increased plant height, number of primary branches, number of leaves
and leaf area (Anburani and Manivannan, 2002).
Highest tomato fruit yield of 194.43 q ha-1 was obtained with the
application of 20 t FYM ha-1 along with 100:50:50 kg of NPK ha-1. Moisture
loss and fruit decay during storage did not vary significantly among various
treatments. The average number of fruits was recorded significantly highest
with 20 t ha-1 of poultry manures (Raut et al., 2003). Maximum green pod yield
(10.03 t ha-1) was recorded in NPK @ 30:39.3:37.5 kg ha-1 along with 10 t FYM
which was statistically superior than rest of all the other treatments (Datt, 2003).
38
Considering total yield, marketable yield and size of fruits those plants
received a basal application of 20 tonnes dry cow dung, 2.5 tonnes of poultry
manure at fortnight drenching of 2.5 tonnes of cow dung and a fertilizer dose of
70:25:52 kg NPK ha-1was found to excel all the treatments (Rekha and
Gopalakrishnan, 2004). Pradeepkumar and Sharma (2004) noticed that FYM @
10 tonnes ha-1 + 150 percent NPK (ie 90:90:45 kg ha-1 NPK) in cabbage and
FYM @ 25 tonnes ha-1 NPK + 150 percent NPK (150:112.5:82.5 ) in tomatoes
were found to be the best for obtaining increased growth, yield and available
nutrients (NPK/ha) in the crops.
Integrated nutrient management significantly increased shoot, dry matter
yield of tomato and fruit yield of okra and tomato (Singh et al., 2004).
Application of 10 tonnes farmyard manure per hectare to potato and rice along
with 75 % of recommended dose NPK was more remunerative than the
application of fertilizers in the form of inorganic fertilizers any even at high
dose. (Chettri et al., 2004). Application of FYM (10 and 20 t ha-1) significantly
increased the fruit yield and growth parameters (fruit plant-1, average fruit
weight, plant height and number of branches plant-1) over no FYM application
(Akhilesh Sharma and Sharma, 2004).
Beneficial effect of FYM in conjunction with RDF may be due to effect
of organic application in improving physical, chemical and biological properties
of soil conductive to better plant growth. (Deshmukh et al., 2005). The
39
application of FYM @ 15 t ha-1 produced the highest bulb weight with the total
onion yield in three split doses of 40 kg as basal, 40 kg at 30 days and the
remaining at 45 days recorded maximum yield in onion (Dimri and Singh,
2005).
The total nutrient requirement can be managed through integrated
approach of inorganic fertilizers and organic manure use ie. 75 % of
recommended NPK through inorganic source and 25 % from FYM, without
affecting the processing grade and tuber yield, and processing quality of tomato
(Praveen Kumar, 2008). The application of 100 % RDF + 20 t FYM ha -1
significantly increased seed yield as compared to rest of the treatments. This
indicates that adoption of integration of organic and inorganic and beneficial for
higher onion seed yield (Patil et al., 2008).
The application of FYM enhanced the growth parameters such as number
of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, weight of pods per plant highest
seed yield and stalk yield in 50 percent recommended applied through urea + 50
percent N applied through urea through FYM + PSB (Leela Narayana et al.,
2009). The integrated nutrition showed a positive input on fruit size of brinjal
(113.90 mm) There was beneficial effect on yield of brinjal (11.75 t ha-1) and
pea (6.54 t ha-1) in second and third year respectively. But considerably better
performance was observed in third rational crop of okra. (Srivastava et al.,
2009).
40
2.9. Effect of organic and inorganic nutrients on plant uptake
Kurumthottical (1982) revealed that application of nitrogen and
phosphorus in combination with organics had resulted in higher content of
available nitrogen and phosphorus as compared to inorganic fertilizers alone.
Subba Rao (1989) reported that in cucumber, the different nitrogen levels
significantly increased the percentage of NPK in all the stages. Nitrogen uptake
was significantly increased by the application of higher levels of FYM + NPK
and also showed marked increase under higher levels of potassium.
2.10. Effect of organic and inorganic nutrient on post harvest soil status
Dhanorkar et al. (1994) reported that continuous use of FYM raised the
available K by 1.3 to 5.4 folds over control. Janakiraman (1996) reported a
maximum residual soil NPK of 198.00, 46.42 and 358.83 kg ha-1 respectively in
cucumber field. Soil available P2O5 content (46.42 kg ha-1) and K2o (358.83 kg
ha-1) was recorded in the nitrogen control plants in cucumber. Janakiram (1996)
reported that the maximum uptake of 161.78, 51.79, 144.42 kg NPK ha-1 was
registered when N was applied @ 120 kg ha-1 in gherkin. Selvakumar (1998)
recorded a maximum N uptake of 168.27 kg ha-1 when N was applied @ 140 kg
ha-1. He also recorded maximum P and K uptake of 47.60 and 46.21 kg ha -1
when N was applied @ 105 kg ha-1 in cucumber.
Rekhi et al. (1999) reported that apart from the supply of both macro and
micro nutrients, FYM application improves physical condition of the soil, water
41
holding capacity and permeability. Application of FYM would have helped in
the plant metabolic activity through the supply of such important micronutrients
in the early vigorous growth (Anburani and Manivannan, 2002).
Application of FYM showed decreased bulk density and increase in water
holding capacity, porosity and infiltration rate, besides the electrical
conductivity of soil was also increased with level of FYM along with increase
in the organic carbon content (Patil et al., 2003). The increased number of fruit
per plant is due to solubilisation effect of plant nutrients by addition of FYM as
evinced by increased uptake of N, P, K, Ca, Mg by the crop during vegetative
stage as well as reproductive phase. (Patil et al., 2004).
Application of FYM would have increased the nutrient accumulation of
nutrients and total soluble solids in comparison to synthetic fertilizers (Sanwal
et al., 2007). The organics (FYM, vermicompost, panchakavya) have influenced
the uptake of nutrients by the crop considerably. When the organics were added
to soil, complex nitrogenous compounds slowly break down and make N supply
through the growth period of the crop. This might have attributed to more
availability and subsequent uptake by the crop, thus increasing the yield.
(Kondapa et al., 2009).
In poultry manure 60 %of the N is present as uric acid, which supply
rapidly converted to ammonical form and is easily utilized by the plant (Sharu
and Meerabai, 2001). The nitrogen uptake was also higher by application of
42
poultry manure (55.36 kg N ha-1) as organic and application of 100 kg N ha-1
(67.87 kg N ha-1 ) as inorganic fertilizer (Sachindev, 2001).
The potential use of vermiwash as a biocide either single or mixed with
botanical pesticide could be well exploited for household vegetable cultivation
(Anon, 2002). The nutrients in vermiwash are in readily available form. It also
contains enzymes, hormones and vitamins. Besides, it is known to possess
heterotrophic bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, it also includes nitrogen fixers and
phosphate solubilizers. It has proved to enhance the productivity, texture and
taste of fruits and vegetable (Anon, 2005)
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