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EFFECT OF INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENTON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF CABBAGE
(Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata)
Thesis
by
YADAV RAM PRANVIRSINGHH-2013-65-M
Submitted to
Dr. YASHWANT SINGH PARMAR UNIVERSITY OFHORTICULTURE AND FORESTRY
SOLAN (NAUNI) HP - 173 230 INDIA
in
Partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE (HORTICULTURE) VEGETABLE SCIENCEDEPARTMENT OF VEGETABLE SCIENCE
HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES
2015
Dr A K Sharma Department of Vegetable Science
Principal Scientist College of Horticulture
Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of
Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan -
173230 (HP)
CERTIFICATE-I
This is to certify that the thesis titled, “Effect of integrated nutrient
management on growth, yield and quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var.
capitata)” submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE (HORTICULTURE) VEGETABLE SCIENCE to Dr.
Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, (Nauni) Solan (HP)- 173230
is a bonafide research work carried out by Mr Yadav Ram Pranvirsingh (H-2013-65-M)
son of Shri Pranvir Singh Yadav under my supervision and that no part of this thesis has been
submitted for any other degree or diploma.
The assistance and help received during the course of investigation has been fully
acknowledged.
__________________
Place : Nauni-Solan (Dr A K Sharma)
Dated: 2015 Chairman
Advisory Committee
CERTIFICATE-II
This is to certify that the thesis titled, “Effect of integrated nutrient
management on growth, yield and quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var.
capitata)” submitted by Mr Yadav Ram Pranvirsingh (H-13-65-M) son of Shri Pranvir
Singh Yadav to Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry,
(Nauni) Solan (HP)- 173230, India in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE (HORTICULTURE) VEGETABLE SCIENCE in
the discipline of Horticultural Sciences has been approved by the Advisory Committee
after an oral examination of the same in collaboration with an external examiner.
Major Advisor
Dr A K Sharma
Principal Scientist
Dept. of Vegetable Science
UHF, Solan
External Examiner
Dr Vidyasagar
Professor (Retired)
Dean’s Nominee
Dr Devina Vaidya
Principal Scientist
Dept. of Food Science and Technology
UHF, Solan
Members of the Advisory committee
Dr Kuldeep S Thakur
Senior Scientist
Dept. of Vegetable Science
UHF, Solan
Dr Rajesh Kaushal
Associate Professor
Dept. of Soil Science and Water
Management
UHF, Solan
Dr R K Gupta
Professor
Dept. of Basic Sciences
UHF, Solan
Professor and Head
Department of Vegetable Science
UHF, Solan
Dean
College of Horticulture
AcknowledgementsAt last the moment has come to look in to the deeper layers of heart, which is filled with the feelings of
togetherness, and loveliness; consolation and satisfaction. Some are momentary and some are permanent but bothinvolve a number of persons to whom I acknowledge my warm regards.
“No scientific endeavour is a result of an individual’s efforts. And so comes the time to look back on thepath traversed during this endeavour and to remember the faces and spirits with a sense of gratitude”.
Firstly, I would like to express my sincere graceful filled thanks to “ALMIGHTY GOD”, who hasprotected me so long and permitted me to undertake this journey. The journey is still continuing with many moredestinations to cover. Before I stop, I pray for his blessings to be with me till the end of this life journey.
In spite of all these, I can never forget my affectionate Parents; Father Shri Pranvir Singh yadav, MotherSmt. Bina Yadav, brothers Yadavendra and other family members (especially my chacha ji Shri Brijesh Kumar andchachi ji Smt. Poorima Brijesh) who encouraged me to undergo higher studies. Their selfless persuation, sacrifice,heartful blessings and constant inspiration have made this manuscript a little remuneration to translate their dreamsinto reality.
It is my profound privilege to express deep sense of gratitude and regards of my esteemed teacher andchairman of my Advisory Committee, Dr. A K Sharma, Principal Scientist, Department of Vegetable Science, Collegeof Horticulture, UHF Nauni for his inspiring guidance, constant encouragement, valuable suggestions, logical andnecessary criticism, innovative ideas, indefatigable supervision throughout the course of this investigation andpreparation of manuscript which made this endeavour a complete success.
I emphatically express my loyal and vulnerable thanks to Dr. K S Thakur, Senior Scientist, Department ofVegetable Science and Dr. Rajesh Kaushal, Assoicate professor, Department of Soil Science and WaterManagement and Dr. R K Gupta the worthy members of my advisory committee for their invaluable suggestions andneedful help during my study period and research work.
I am also thankful to Dr. H S Kanwar (Prof. and Head, Department of Vegetable Science), Dr. Happy DevSharma, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Bhardwaj and all department teachers for their kind help, cooperation and valuablesuggestions.
Words cannot explicate the feeling of gratitude and indebtness to Anuja, Reena, Shilpa, Late Ritu, Amarjeet,Neeraj and Gurlal Singh chahal for their painstaking help, moral support and jovial company.
Special thanks are due to my seniors Gautam, Adarsh, Nisha, Rakesh, Gaurav, Shweta, Amit, Meenakshi,Rohit, Monika, Manisha and Bijeta for their unforgettable company and invaluable support.
A journey is easier when you travel together. It is my fortune that I have been blessed with long lastingmemorable company of Vicky, Sai, Ramandeep, Vishal, Vikramaditya, Hari Om Shukla, Nagendra, Ganesh andNavjot who made every moment enjoyable. I would cherish the unwavering help in the peak hours of my research,moral support and memorable moments spent with my friends
My gratitude is also due to staff, field and laboratory workers of the Department of Vegetable Science and tothe Library staff for their kind and patient help during my research work. I also thank the Academic branch, COHfor their kind help.
Satyanand Stokes Library will always remain a luscious remembrance for furnishing my studies with endlessand invaluable information.
Though acknowledging is an endless task, in the end, I thank all those whom I am able to recall here andthose whom I might have left unknowingly.
Needless to say, errors and omissions are solely mine.
Place: Nauni, SolanDate: (Yadav Ram Pranvirsingh)
CCOONNTTEENNTTSS
Chapter Title Page(s)
1. INTRODUCTION 1-3
2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE 4-23
3. MATERIALS AND METHODS 24-34
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 35-52
5. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 53-55
LITERATURE CITED 56-68
ABSTRACT 69
APPENDICES I-VII
BRIEF BIODATA
LLIISSTT OOFF TTAABBLLEESS
Table Title Page(s)
3.1 Physico-chemical properties of soil before planting ofcrop 25
3.2 Details of treatments 27
4.1 Effect of different treatments on plant height, plant spreadand stalk length of cabbage 37
4.2 Effect of different treatments on number of days to 50 %head maturity, polar and equatorial diameter of cabbage 38
4.3 Effect of different treatments on head shape index, grossand net head weight of cabbage 40
4.4 Effect of different treatments on harvest index, yield per plotand yield per hectare of cabbage 41
4.5 Effect of different treatments on protein and ascorbic acidcontent of cabbage 44
4.6 Effect of different treatments on organic carbon andelectrical conductivity of soil 46
4.7 Effect of different treatments on available post harvest NPKcontent in soil 47
4.8 Effect of different treatments on total microbial count incabbage rhizosphere 49
4.9 Effect of different treatments on total microbial activity incabbage rhizosphere 50
4.10 Effect of different treatments on economics of cabbage 52
LLIISSTT OOFF PPLLAATTEESS
Plate Title page(s)
1 Two months old cabbage crop under INM experimentationat Experimental Farm, Department of Vegetable Science,UHF, Nauni.
32
LLIISSTT OOFF FFIIGGUURREESS
Figure Title page(s)
1 Graphical representation of monthly data pertaining to thetemperature, rainfall and relative humidity during the cropseason (Aug 2014-Feb 2015)
25
.2 Effect of different treatments on total microbial activity 51
ABBREVIATIONS USED
% : Per cent@ : At the rate of + : PlusANOVA : Analysis of varianceB: C : Benefit cost ratioCD : Critical differencecfu : Colony forming unitcm : CentimeterCO2 : Carbon dioxidecv. : CultivarEC : Enriched compostet al. : Co- workerFYM : Farm Yard Manureg : Gramha : HectareHP : Himachal Pradeshhr : houri.e. : That isINM : Integrated Nutrient ManagementKg : KilogramKm : KilometerL/ltrs : litresm2 : Square meterml : MillilitreMOP : Muriate of PotashNHB : National Horticulture BoardNPK : Nitrogen: Phosphorus: PotassiumNS : Non significant
oC : Degree CelsiusOC : Organic carbonpH : Potential of hydrogenPM : Poultry manureq/qtls : QuintalsRCBD : Randomized Complete Block DesignRDF : Recommended Dose of FertilizersRPF : Recommended Package of FertilizationRs. : RupeeSSP : Single Super Phosphatet : TonnesTSS : Total soluble solidsvar. : VarietyVC : Vermicompostviz. : Videlicet (namely)w.r.t. : With respect to
1
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.) belongs to the cole group of
vegetables which has originated from a single wild ancestor Brassica oleracea L. var.
oleracea (syn. sylvestris) commonly known as wild cabbage, cliff cabbage or ‘Colewart’,
through mutation and introgression from wild species, human selection and adaptation.
Historical evidences indicate that modern hard headed white cabbages evolved in Germany
are descended from wild non-heading leafy cabbage that originated in the eastern
Mediterranean and Asia Minor (De Candolle, 1883) and were probably brought into western
Europe by the Celts.
It is the most popular vegetable around the world in respect of area, production and
availability, almost round the year and occupies the pride place among cole crops due to its
delicious taste, flavour and nutritive value. It is grown for heads which are used as
vegetable, eaten raw and frequently preserved as sauerkraut or pickle. Cabbage is an
excellent source of vitamin C, some B vitamins, potassium and calcium (Hasan and
Solaiman, 2012). Cabbage has several medicinal properties. The American Cancer Society
and the National Research Council have recommended increased consumption of cabbage to
lower down risk of certain types of cancer (Birt, 1988).
India is the second largest producer of cabbage in the world, next to China,
accounting for 16.55 per cent of the world area and 12.79 per cent of the world production
(NHB, 2015). Countrywide, it is grown in an area of 4.00 lakh hectare with an annual
production of 9.03 million tonnes and productivity of 22.6 t/ha, ranking second to
cauliflower in area but topping in production among cole crops (NHB, 2015).
In Himachal Pradesh, cabbage is grown in summer (high hills) and winter (low-mid
hills) and occupies an area of 4.56 thousand hectares with production of 15.38 thousand
tonnes (NHB, 2015).
In the past century, world food production increased dramatically due to enhanced
crop yields as a result of widespread adoption of technologies such as mechanization, new
high-yielding and disease-resistant crop varieties, irrigation and especially the use of
mineral fertilizers. While crop yields were the primary focus in the past, awareness of
2
increasing population growth and limited potential to bring more land into production led to
the notion of cropping sustainability or sustainable intensification, i.e. consistently
achieving high crop yields without damaging the soil’s capacity to produce such yields.
Thus, the current focus in soil and crop management is on maintenance of soil quality or soil
health.
Low or unbalanced fertilization leads to depletion of soil nutrients and degradation
due to lower soil organic matter (SOM) contents from lower root biomass associated with
reduced crop yields. Maintenance and/or improvement in soil health in terms of SOM
content and supply of various micronutrients is possible when farmers apply organic
nutrient sources such as manures and crop residues available on the farm and supplement
them with mineral fertilizers to achieve the yield goal.
The use of organic soil amendments has been associated with desirable soil properties
including higher water holding capacity, cation exchange capacity, lower bulk density as
well as fostering beneficial microorganisms (Drinkwater et al., 1995). The other benefits of
compost amendments to soil include pH stabilization and faster infiltration rate due to
enhanced soil aggregation (Stamatiadis et al., 1999).
Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich, microbiologically-active organic amendment that
results from the interactions between earthworms and microorganisms during the
breakdown of organic matter. It is a stabilized, finely divided peat-like material with a low
C: N ratio, high porosity and high water-holding capacity, in which most nutrients are
present in forms that are readily taken up by plants (Dominguez, 2004). In addition to
increasing plant growth and productivity, vermicompost may also increase the nutritional
quality of vegetable crops such as Chinese cabbage (Wang et al., 2010).
Vermicompost may also have significant effects on soil physical properties. Ferreras
et al. (2006) observed that addition of 20 t/ha of vermicompost to an agricultural soil for
two consecutive years significantly improved soil porosity and aggregate stability. Gopinath
et al. (2008) reported a significant decrease in soil bulk density, increase in soil pH and total
organic carbon on application of vermicompost for two consecutive growing seasons.
Farm waste composting is a cost effective and environment friendly way of waste
disposal. It is a process in which organic waste materials are biologically converted into
amorphous and stable humus like substances (under conditions of optimum temperature,
moisture and aeration) that can be handled, stored and applied without any environmental
3
impacts (Millner et al., 1998). The quality of compost can be improved through its
enrichment with urea (N) and phosphate (P) fertilizers during composting or blending them
with ready compost (Mishra, 1992).
Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) are naturally occurring soil bacteria
inhabiting around/on the root surface and are directly or indirectly involved in promoting
plant growth and development via production and secretion of various regulatory chemicals
in the vicinity of rhizosphere. Generally, PGPR facilitate the plant growth directly by
asymbiotic fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, releasing plant growth regulators such as
auxins, cytokinins and gibberellins, lowering ethylene in plants, solubilizing inorganic
phosphate, mineralizing organic phosphate, producing organic matter, including amino
acids, releasing enzymes and stimulating disease-resistance mechanisms (systemic acquired
or induced resistance) or indirectly by preventing phytopathogens (bio control) through
production of antibiotics, siderophores and hydrogen cyanide and thus promotes plant
growth and development (Glick et al., 2007). The most predominant rhizosphere colonizing
bacteria belonging to Bacillus (Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus) have been isolated
from the soil and roots samples collected from rhizoshpere of cauliflower of sub temperate
zone in Himachal Pradesh by Kaushal and Kaushal (2013) and they have characterized these
isolates with special reference to their plant growth promoting traits like P-solubilization,
nitrogen fixation, production of indole acetic acid, Hydrogen cyanide (HCN), siderophore
formation and volatile compounds that inhibited the growth of soil borne phytopathogens
viz. Fusarium sp., Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium sp.
Choice of combination of different sources of organic and inorganic nutrients for
enhancement of yield in cabbage has been a matter of interest for rendering sustainability to
the agricultural productivity including vegetables in the crop.
Keeping all this in view, the present investigations have therefore been undertaken to
explore the effect of integrated nutrient management with the following objectives;
1) To study the effect of integrated use of organic manures, inorganic fertilizers and
Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) on the growth, yield and quality of
cabbage.
2) To study the effect of organic and inorganic inputs on physico-chemical and
microbiological properties of the soil.
4
Chapter-2
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
In the recent times the concept of Integrated Nutrient Management system has been
receiving increasing attention worldwide obviously for reasons of economization of fertilizer
usage, safeguarding and ensuring scientific management of soil health for optimum growth,
yield and quality of crops in an integrated manner in a specific agro-ecological situations,
through balanced use of organic and inorganic plant nutrients, so that one can harvest good
yield without deteriorating soil health.
From nutrition point of view the role of organic manures is very meagre, however,
its value lies more in its action as a soil ameliorate, corrective for physical conditions and a
parameter of biological activity to enchance soil productivity. Use of organic manure is
inevitable for sustained agricultural production. The different components of INM possess
great diversity in terms of physical and chemical properties and the nutrient patterns
(Pasricha et al.,1996).
The relevant and important publised work pertinent to the present investigation entitled
“Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cabbage
(Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata)” has been reviewed here under the following heads :
2.1 Effect of organic manures, inorganic fertilizers and PGPR on growth, yield and
quality of cabbage
2.2 Effect of organic manures, inorganic fertilizers and PGPR on physico-chemical and
microbiological properties of soil
2.1 EFFECT OF ORGANIC MANURES, INORGANIC FERTILIZERS AND
PGPR ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF CABBAGE
Wange et al. (1995) observed the response of cabbage var. Golden Acre to microbial
inoculations (un-inoculated control, Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Azotobacter and
Azospirillum) and incremental levels of nitrogen (0,160, 200 and 240 kg/ha) and revealed
that application of nitrogen @ 200 kg/ha gave maximum cabbage yield (84 %), highest
monetary returns and more benefit cost ratio over control. Inoculation with cultures showed
5
an increase of 15-20 % in yield over un-inoculated control. Different cultures performed well
with varying nitrogen levels in increasing cabbage yield.
Khandait (1996) reported that cabbage seed and soil treated with combined
Azospirillum and Azotobacter along with 20 % reduction in nitrogen of the recommended
dose (120 kg/ha) exhibited significantly superior growth in respect of plant height, number of
leaves, leaf area, diameter of stem, dry matter and higher vitamin C.
Chattoo et al. (1997) studied the effect of biofertilizers and nitrogen on growth, yield
and quality in Knol khol cv. Early White Vienna. The bacterial inoculants which were used
as seed inoculants (500 g/ha), seedling treatment (2 kg/ha) and soil inoculants (2.5 kg/ha)
responded at all the levels of chemical nitrogen with an increase in leaf number, weight, yield
and dry matter content as compared to corresponding sole nitrogen nutrition. Among the
biofertilizers, Azosprillium proved better than Azotobacter.
Verma et al. (1997) laid a field experiment consisted of four doses of nitrogen viz. 0,
50, 75 and 100 % of the recommended dose (120 kg N/ha) and three cultures i.e. no
application, Azotobacter and Azospirillum applied as seed treatment before sowing for 30
minutes, seedling treatment for 20 minutes by root dipping @ 1 kg/10 l of water and soil
application @ 5 kg/ha, on vegetable and seed yield of cabbage cv. Golden Acre at Katrain,
Kullu valley (HP). Results revealed that the combination of 60 kg N/ha (50 % RD) with
Azotobacter was superior to other treatments for vegetable and seed yield of cabbage.
Sharma (1997) reported that the highest dose of nitrogen (60 kg/ha) when combined
with either of biofertilizers (Azotobacter and Azospirillum) in cabbage varieties Pride of
India, Golden Acre and Pusa Mukta significantly influenced the head size, head
compactness, net weight of head and total yield and among varieties Pusa Mukta had the
highest values for these characters.
According to Mahendran and Kumar (1997), the size and net weight of cabbage could
be significantly influenced with the application organic manures. They also observed highest
TSS and ascorbic acid contents through 75 % of the recommended rate of NPK integrated
with digested organic supplement and vermicompost.
Bambal et al. (1998) compared Azospirillum and Azotobacter given as seedling root
dip to cauliflower cv. Snowball-16 alone as well as in combination and three nitrogen rates
6
viz. 100, 75 and 50 % of the recommended dose and concluded that (Azotobacter +
Azosprillium) + 100 % nitrogen exhibited the highest chlorophyll content (1.48 mg/g), leaf
area (643.58 cm2/plant) and yield (29.64 t/ha) and earlier curd maturity as compared to the
other treatments.
Bhagavantagoudra and Rokhade (2001) reported that Azospirillum through soil and
seedling dip harvested highest yield (41.61 t/ha), which was 33.67 % more than that was
obtained without application of Azospirillum. The plant spread (46.22 cm), plant height
(26.54 cm), number of outer leaves (22.70), days to maturity of head (79.23), diameter of
head (13.33 cm) and weight of head (687.98 g) were also the highest with the above
treatment. They further reported that the application of Azospirillum through soil + seedling
root dip along with 100 % recommended dose of nitrogen recorded the highest benefit cost
ratio (4.29) and net returns of Rs. 1,38,923/- per hectare.
In a similar study, Sharma (2002) also obtained increased leaf number, weight of non-
wrapper leaves per plant, head length and width, gross and net weight of head per plant and
yield per hectare in cabbage through biofertilizers which were applied as seed treatment (0.5
kg/ha), seedling treatment (1kg/ha) and soil application (5 kg/ha) vis-a-vis no biofertilization
and Azospirillum recording maximum values of these above parameters. A treatment
combination of Azospirillum application with 60 kg N/ha resulted in maximum yield per
hectare with benefit cost ratio of 2.90.
The application of PGPR as biological agent has been recommended to black rot of
crucifers caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, root rot of cauliflower caused
by Pythium ultimum var. ultimum (Mariano et al., 2002) and dry rot disease caused by
Fusarium spp. (Recep et al., 2009). Jetiyanov and Kloepper (2002) observed that PGPR also
mediate biological control indirectly by eliciting induced systemic resistance (ISR) against a
number of plant diseases.
Shalini et al. (2002) combined two levels of nitrogen 50 and 75 % of the
recommended dose (150 kg/ha ) of nitrogen with organic manures (farmyard manure +
vermicompost) with and without Azospirillium to examine the role of INM on yield of
Knolkhol and showed the maximum growth in terms of attributes like plant height (16.42
cm), number of leaves (19.42 cm), dry matter production (35.41 g/plant) and maximum yield
(37.21 t/ha) when 50 % of N was sourced through inorganic and another 50 % nitrogen
7
through Vermicompost + Azospirillium. Available soil nitrogen was significantly higher in
plots receiving organic manures and Azospirillum biofertilizer than those in inorganically
fertilized plots.
Devi (2003) conducted an experiment with 75 and 50 % recommended dose of N
along with organic manures (cow dung manure, neem cake or poultry manure) and
biofertilizers (Azospirillum brasilence or Azotobacter chroococcum) and concluded that the
application of 50 % recommended dose of N + poultry manure + biofertilizers gave highest
yield of 55.82 t/ha in cabbage. However, benefit cost ratio was highest (4.30) with the
application of 75 % N + biofertilizers.
Bahadur et al. (2004) carried out field trial involving 4 organic manures (farm yard
manure, press mud, digested sludge and vermicompost) in combination with 3 biofertilizers
(Azospirillum, vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) and phosphate solubilizing
microorganisms (PSM)) and recommended NPK only (control) on cabbage and revealed that
Pressmud + VAM recorded the highest values for all parameters studied, i.e. number of outer
leaves (13.3), fresh weight of outer leaves (476.67 g), number of inner leaves (31.7), head
weight (1616.67 g), head length (16.8 cm), head diameter (15.5 cm) and head yield (602.67
q/ha).
Bijaya Devi and Roy (2004) concluded from their studies conducted at Imphal
(Manipur) that total nitrogen requirement in cabbage can be reduced significantly without
affecting the yield if the seedlings were inoculated with Azotobacter, Azospirillum and
Phosphotika, but the highest yield was obtained when the bio-fertilized seedlings were
planted under full recommended package of fertilization (N120:P100:K120 kg/ha +FYM @
25 t/ha). Prasad and Gaurav (2004) also reported Azospirillum along with Azotobacter
resulting in highest yield (14.11 t/ha) in sprouting broccoli cv. Aishwarya.
Narayanamma et al. (2004) investigated the effects of biofertilizers (Azotobacter,
Azospirillum, PSB and VAM) applied as seedling root dip at transplanting in combination
with recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) on the growth, yield and quality of cauliflower.
The conjoint application of the biofertilizers and inorganic fertilizers (N180: P60: K60 kg/ha)
produced significantly higher yield (18.6 - 22.6 t/ha) as compared to 16.5 t/ha through RDF.
Similarly, Vitamin C was also higher (59.7 - 60.4 mg/100 g) through integrated application
vis-a-vis absolute recommended mineral fertilization. The biofertilizers accounted for
8
significant increase in the total N, P and K contents of curd compared with the RDF. The
highest benefit cost ratio of 2.96 was observed with the application of VAM + 100 % RDF,
followed by VAM + 75 % P and 100 % NK (2.72), and the lowest with the RDF alone
(1.95). They concluded that 25 % of N and P could be saved with the use of biofertilizers
with simultaneous achievement of higher benefit cost ratio.
Gupta and Samnotra (2004) worked out the performance of cabbage cultivar Golden
Acre under different levels of recommended N (0, 25, 50, 75 or 100 %) and biofertilizers
viz. Azospirillum and Azotobacter @ 2kg/ha and reported a saving of 25 % of nitrogen (N) as
they observed significantly higher plant height (25.08 cm), head diameter (14.63 cm), head
compactness (45.27) through 75 % recommended N with Azospirillum. Kanwar and Paliyal
(2005) were able to execute a net saving of 50 % of synthetic fertilizer by substituting
vermicompost for FYM along with 100 % NPK.
Singh and Singh (2005) examined four biofertilizers (Azospirillum, Azotobacter, PSB
and VAM) and two levels viz. 75 and 100 % of nitrogen and phosphorus of recommended
dose (N120:P60:K60 kg/ha) and noted that Azospirillum with 100 % NPK registered the
maximum net income (Rs.53,965/- ha) as well as benefit cost ratio (2.23) on account of its
significantly increased plant height, number of leaves/plant, gross weight of plant, average
weight of curd and yield of cauliflower compared to other treatments.
Bahadur et al. (2006) found combined use of organic amendments coupled with
seedling inoculation in either PSM or VAM registering head yield at par to control
(conventional fertilization) in Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis cv. Solan Band Sarson).
In comparison to conventional fertilization, the vitamin C content in head was noticed to be
43.8 % more in farmyard manure (20 t/ha), 36.5 % more in digested sludge (20 t/ha) and 22.6
% more through combined use of both the organic manures i.e. farmyard manure and
digested sludge (10 t/ha each).
Bhardwaj et al. (2007) observed good growth in growth parameters like plant height
(44.77 cm), diameter of main stem (2.93 cm), plant spread (66.80 cm) and number of fully
opened leaves per plant (20.12) as well as yield parameters viz. average weight of curd
(269.24 g), average size of curd (18.93 cm) and yield of curd (139.53 q/ha) through pre-
planting application with Azotobacter and 75 % RDN (150 kg/ha) and 60 kg/ha each of P and
K in broccoli.
9
Sable and Bhamare (2007) studied quality attributes of cauliflower through an
experiment conducted during Rabi season of 2004-05 involving three levels (0, 75 and 100
%) of recommended dose of nitrogen (120 kg/ha) combined with four different strategies of
biofertilizers i.e. no inoculation, Azospirillum, Azotobacter and Azotobacter + Azospirillum
and observed that 75 % nitrogen + (Azotobacter + Azospirillum) exhibited significant
increase in ascorbic acid content in curds (87mg/100g), protein content in curds (18.62 %),
total nitrogen content in plant (2.98 %) and compactness of curds (97.39 %).
Sood and Vidyasagar (2007) who undertook experimentation of biofertilizers and
inorganic nitrogen fertilizer on the performance of cabbage at Palampur (HP) during 2002-03
and 2003-04 reported that application of 80 % N (RD) + Azospirillum to soil or seed was
superior among the treatment combinations in terms of marketable yield. Azotobacter or
Azospirillum reduced the N requirement by up to 20 % of the recommended rate. According
to them, N at 80 % of the recommended rate + Azotobacter also resulted in the highest N
uptake.
Kumar et al. (2008) laid out field experiments for two years at Horticultural Research
Centre of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut,
during the rabi season, 2005-06 and 2006-07 to study the response of different integrated
nutrient managements on the growth parameters in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.var.
capitata) and reported treatment combination of 80 kg N + 80 kg P205 + 60 kg K20 + 20 kg
ZnSO4 + VC 5 t/ha followed by 100 kg N + 80 kg P2O5 + 60 kg K20 + 20 kg ZnSO4 + FYM
10 t/ha as the best in respect to higher values for growth attributing parameters in cabbage.
Khare and Singh (2008) investigated twelve treatment combinations comprising three
cultures i.e. no biofertilizer, Azospirillum, Azotobacter and four levels viz. 0 %, 50 %, 75 %
and 100 % of recommended dose (RD) of nitrogen (135 kg N/ha), on growth and yield of
cabbage cv. Golden Acre laid out in factorial randomized block design having three
replications. According to their findings, application of 75 % of N (RD) in combination with
Azotobacter significantly increased the growth parameters (numbers of unfolded leaf, leaf
area and leaf area index), yield attributes (number of folded leaf, weight and diameter of
head) and yield of cabbage (341.66 q/ha).
Thapliyal et al. (2008) conducted field experiment to study the efficacy of
biocomposts on the yield and quality of cabbage. Farm yard manure (FYM) and
10
vermicompost (VC) were inoculated with biological control agents Pseudomonas fluorescens
and Trichoderma harzianum (1%) ten days before transplanting of the seedlings. The
inoculated/un-inoculated organic manures were incorporated treatment-wise in the soil. In
some treatments (treatment combinations containing FYM, urea and bio-agents)
recommended 120 kg N was supplied through 75 % in the form of FYM and the remaining
25 % N in the form of Urea. The highest yield of heads (415.83 q/ha) was obtained in the
treatment where 75 % of the recommended N was supplied through FYM inoculated with P.
fluorescens and 25 % of balance N through urea. The above treatment also showed the
maximum ascorbic acid, chlorophyll content along with the highest rate of photosynthesis. In
general, T. harzianum-inoculated biocompost showed better control of Rhizoctonia solani.
Sharma et al. (2008) working with broccoli at Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
concluded that integration of Azotobacter with recommended practice (100 % NPK+ 20 t/ha
of cow manure) produced the highest marketable head yield over the recommended practice.
Moreover, this treatment combination also resulted in maximum leaf width, apical and lateral
curd weight along with total yield per plant in both the years with maximum net returns with
a benefit cost ratio of 3.49.
Ouda and Mahadeen (2008) recorded highest yield (40.05 t/ha) of broccoli (Brassica
oleracea L. var. italica) with combined application of inorganic fertilizers and organic
manure at 60 kg and 60 tonne per hectare, respectively. Head number per plant, chlorophyll
content and head diameter were recorded higher when a combination of organic and
inorganic fertilizers was added compared to their solo application.
Supe and Marbhal (2008) reported that application of 50 % N through organic
sources was found significantly superior for average weight of head, average weight of
leaves, number of leaves per plant, girth of head, days required for harvesting over inorganic
source @ 100:50:50 NPK kg/ha. Statistically similar results were obtained with combination
of 50 % nitrogen (through organic sources) and increased dose of NPK (125:62.5:62.5
kg/ha).
Devi and Roy (2008) critically examined the influence of different sources of plant
nutrients in cabbage using Pride of India variety through an experiment conducted in Imphal,
Manipur, India, during Rabi seasons of 2003-04 and 2004-05. They revealed that inorganic
fertilizers and organic manure along with biofertilizer inoculation of seedlings significantly
11
increased the yield over inorganic fertilizer + organic manure as well as over the control i.e.
absolute synthetic fertilization (NPK). The treatment 120 N, 100 P and 120 K kg/ha + 25t
FYM/ha + Azotobacter 2kg/ha + Phosphotika 2Kg/ha recorded maximum of yielding
parameters like diameter (15.37 cm and 14.69 cm for polar diameter and equatorial diameter,
respectively) and consequently the yield (34.11 t/ha) and net profit as well. As application of
60 N, 100 P, 120 K kg/ha + 25 t FYM/ha + Azotobacter 2 kg/ha + Phosphotika 2 kg/ha
yielded at par with N 120 kg/ha, P 100 kg/ha, K 120 kg/ha + 25 t FYM/ha (without
biofertilizers), it showed that biofertilizers could result in a net saving of 50 % of nitrogen.
Akbar et al. (2009) working with cabbage at Meerut (UP) recorded maximum height
of plant, plant spread, largest size of head, and highest yield of heads per plant and per
hectare through application of vermicompost @ 10 t/ha, while the number of leaves/plant and
number of wrapper leaves/head were maximum with its application @ 5 t/ha. Similarly,
inoculation with Azotobacter @ 10 kg/ha registered maximum plant height, maximum
number of leaves per plant, number of wrapper leaves per head as well as diameter of head
while the length of head and head yield per plant were maximum with Azotobacter @ 5
kg/ha.
Padamwar and Dakore (2009) found application of vermicompost (5 t/ha) and
Azotobacter (10 kg/ha) to be most beneficial in increasing the yield and quality of
cauliflower.
Sharma et al. (2009) registered higher marketable curd yield (9 %) along with
maximum net returns and benefit cost ratio of 3.99 when recommended chemical fertilizers
(NPK) were combined with Azotobacter and PSB vis-a-vis NPK alone.
Kakade et al. (2009) embedded eighteen treatment combinations, comprising of three
nitrogen levels viz. control (N1), 100 kg/ha (N2), 150 kg/ha (N3), three bio-fertilizer
(Azotobacter) levels viz. no biofertilizer (control) (B1), 1.25 kg/ha (B2), 2.50 kg/ha (B3) and
two FYM’s levels viz. no FYM (control) (O1) and FYM 10 t/ha (O2) in a Factorial
Randomized Block Design with three replications to study their effect on growth and yield of
cabbage cv. Pride of India. Days to 50 % maturity, number of unfolded leaves, number of
days required for head formation, polar diameter, fresh weight of head, dry weight of head
and yield were recorded maximum with application of nitrogen @ 150 kg/ha whereas, the
parameters that registered lower values with higher dose of nitrogen were; number of days
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required for head formation, stalk length and number of splitting head. Minimum number of
days required for head formation, days to 50 % maturity, stalk length was observed with
Azotobacter @ 2.50 kg/ha while, number of unfolded leaves, polar diameter, fresh weight of
head, dry weight of head and yield per plot were maximum in this treatment. The highest
number of splitting head, number unfolded leaves, polar diameter, fresh weight of head, dry
weight of head and yield per plot were noticed in FYM @ 10 t/ha. Significantly minimum
number of days required for head formation, days to 50 % maturity, stalk length, number of
days required for head formation were observed in FYM @ 10 t/ha. The interaction effects of
nitrogen x Biofertilizer (N x B), Nitrogen x FYM (N x O), Biofertilizer x FYM (B x O) and
Nitrogen x Biofertilizer x FYM (N x B x O) for the various characters studied were not
significant.
Chaurasia et al. (2009) at Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi during
Rabi season of 2004 and 2005 experimented with eight sets of nutrition (organic/inorganic)
i.e. control NPK @ 100:50:50 kg/ha, Treated Sewage Sludge @ 10 t/ha, Pressmud @ 10 t/ha,
FYM @ 20 t/ha, 50 % of NPK + Sewage Sludge @ 5 t/ha, 50 % of NPK + Press mud @ 5
t/ha & 50 % of NPK + FYM @ 10 t/ha at three spacing (45 x 30 cm , 45 x 45 cm and 45 x
60 cm) with broccoli cultivar ‘Fiesta’. Their results revealed maximum curd yield, maximum
net profit and B: C ratio and minimum loss in weight and spoilage with application of
Pressmud alone or in combination with 50 % NPK (60:30:30 kg/ha) planted at 45 x 60 cm
spacing during both the years of experimentations.
Dalal et al. (2010) during 2008-2009 at Horticulture Nursery, College of Agriculture,
Gwalior (MP) revealed an enhancement in the growth and yield attributes of cabbage when
nitrogen was sourced from both organic and inorganic sources. They observed highest
growth and yield attributes like plant height, plant spread, number of leaves per plant, leaf
area, weight and volume, diameter of head and yield of heads (383.20 q/ha) under the
treatment which received 50 % N through urea and another 50 % N through vermicompost.
The effect of vermicompost alone or in combination with nitrogen was at par with use of
poultry manure. The treatments found next in order were; 50 % N through urea and 50 %
through poultry manure and 50 % N through urea + 25 % through vermicompost + 25 %
through poultry manure.
Investigations by Sarkar et al. (2010) conducted in West Bengal, India, during 2008-
09 showed that the nitrogen (N) @ 0, 60, 80 and 100 kg/ha along with or without
13
Azotobacter application had significant impact on the growth, yield and yield attributing
characters of cabbage cv. Golden Acre. In relation to the N application, all the attributes
recorded in the experiment were significantly influenced, except the number of outer leaves
and, among the different N rates, the 100 kg N/ha rate was superior, followed by the 80 kg
N/ha. Azotobacter inoculated cabbage performed better than un-inoculated plants and
statistical differences were noted in this respect as well, except for the number of outer
leaves. Plants inoculated with Azotobacter recorded a head yield of 31.77 t/ha, which was
19.66 % higher over the un-inoculated plants. Interactions of the different N rates and
Azotobacter had significant influence only on head weight and head yield of cabbage. It was
concluded that the application of 100 kg N/ha through inorganic source combined with
Azotobacter inoculation was the best to obtain highest head yield of cabbage.
Padamwar and Dakore (2010) while studying impact of vermicompost, farmyard
manure (FYM) and biofertilizers on the nutritional quality of cole crops found significant
increases in percentage dry matter, protein, carbohydrate, vitamin C and calcium contents in
all the cole crops due to application of vermicompost fertilizers.
Chatterjee (2010) studied different physiological attributes of cabbage viz.
chlorophyll content of leaves; leaf area indexes and dry matter accumulation as well as yield
attributes with 14 different treatment combination (organic including biofertilizers and
inorganic) at Cooch Behar, W. Bengal and revealed that higher amount of organic manure (8
and 16 t/ha FYM and 2.5 and 5 t/ha VC) and reduced levels of inorganic fertilizers (75 %
RDF) not only influenced the physiological attributes significantly but also yield attributes
and head yield of cabbage as compared to sole application of recommended inorganic
fertilizers (150:80:75 kg NPK/ha). Vermicompost emerged as better organic nutrient source
over farmyard manure. Inoculation with biofertilizer exerted more positive result over un-
inoculated treatments and benefits of biofertilizer application were more in presence of
vermicompost as compared to farmyard manure. The desirable physiological traits such as
chlorophyll content, leaf area index and dry matter content along with head weight and head
yield were recorded higher for the plants grown with the application of 75 % of
recommended inorganic fertilizers along with vermicompost (5 t/ha) in presence of
biofertilizers.
Gupta et al. (2010) integrated biofertilizers (Azospirillum and Azotobacter) and
nitrogen @ 50, 75 and 100 % of recommended dose (100:50:50 kg NPK/ha) to study the role
14
of INM on growth, vegetable yield and quality of Knol khol at vegetable farm, Chatha,
Jammu during 2006-07 and 2007-08. As per their illustration, both the bacterial inoculants
(Azospirillum and Azotobacter) responded to all levels of nitrogen with an increase in
growth, yield and quality parameters as compared to control i.e. RDF. However, better
results were obtained by the application of 75 % of chemical nitrogen along with both the
inoculants thereby resulting a saving of 25 % chemical nitrogen application during both the
years of study. However, the application of Azospirillum along with 75 % chemical nitrogen
proved better than Azotobacter.
Sarma et al. (2011) recorded maximum root length (13.55 cm), ascorbic acid (45.18
mg/100 g) and harvested 29.39 tonnes of cabbage head per hectare with maximum benefit:
cost ratio (3.04 ) through the application of Azotobacter + cow dung @ 3 t/ha + rock
phosphate @ 0.375 t/ha + Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB).
Sarangthem et al. (2011) obtained significantly highest yield of cabbage (17.89 t/ha)
with the combined application of vermicompost @ 3 t/ha and Azospirillum vis-a-vis sole
application of FYM @ 3 t/ha. The concentration of nutrient (NPK) in shoot and root of
cabbage were also higher in the treatment receiving vermicompost @ 3 t/ha along with
Azospirillum as compared to FYM treatments.
Wani et al. (2011) assessed twelve treatment combinations involving organic and
inorganic on cauliflower cv. Snowball-16 during Rabi season of 2004-05. Among the organic
manures, poultry manure in combination with chemical fertilizers proved superior to sheep
manure, FYM, pea straw and mixture of organic manures. Combined application of organic
manures and inorganic fertilizers gave early crop as compared to their sole application. The
plants supplied with 50 % poultry manure (3 t/ha) + 50 % RD of inorganic fertilizers
(75:30:30 NPK kg/ha) took minimum of 85 days to curd maturity. The maximum average
number of leaves/plant (78.56), plant spread (19.90 cm), total plant weight (2.052 kg), curd
size (152.20 cm2), net curd weight (0.720 kg) and curd yield (325.10 q/ha) were recorded in
the treatment combination of 50 % PM+50 % RDF. The treatment combination of 50 %
PM+50 % RDF also exhibited highest contents of vitamin C (72.40 mg/100 g), protein
(24.95 %) and dry matter (9.64 %) in the curd. The uptake of nutrients (NPK) by the
cauliflower plants significantly increased with individual and combined application of
organic manures and/or inorganic fertilizers over control. The maximum gross income of Rs
15
2, 27,570/- and net income Rs 1,78,096/- per hectare with highest benefit cost ratio (3.59)
was obtained by the treatment combination of 50 % PM+50 % RDF.
Chatterjee et al. (2012) revealed that cabbage head yield and its shelf life; TSS,
vitamin A and vitamin C contents were significantly influenced by the application of organic
manures and biofertilizers. Vermicompost emerged as better organic nutrient source over
farmyard manure. Inoculation with Azophos, a commercial biofertilizer preparation
containing the Azotobacter and PSB exerted more positive result over un-inoculated
treatments and benefits of biofertilizer application were more in presence of vermicompost as
compared to farmyard manure.
Bashyal (2011) at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal during 2007-2008 assessed the response
of cauliflower cv. Kathmandu Local to different levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120
kg/ha) alone and in combinations of 2 kg of free living nitrogen fixing bacteria (Azospirillum
and Azotobacter) and observed significantly increased morphological, yield and quality
characters as compared to application of nitrogen without biofertilizers. The maximum stem
height, stem diameter, curd height, curd diameter, fresh curd weight and curd yield were
recorded at 120 kg nitrogen and 2 kg biofertilizers. However, cauliflower curd yield obtained
at 120 kg nitrogen/ha (18.3 t/ha) did not significantly differ from the curd yield recorded at
60 kg nitrogen and 2 kg biofertilizers/ha, demonstrating thereby a saving of 60 kg (50%)
nitrogen/ha without significantly affecting yield.
Merentola et al. (2012) laid out trial at Experimental Farm of School of Agricultural
Sciences and Rural Development, Nagaland University, to study the effect of INM on
growth, yield and quality of cabbage under foothill conditions of Nagaland. Their results
revealed that application of fertilizers, organic manures and biofertilizers either alone or in
combination significantly increased the growth, yield and quality of cabbage as compared to
control. The maximum head yield (56.37 t/ha) was recorded with 50 % NPK + 50 % FYM +
biofertilizers which was significantly superior over other treatments except 100 % NPK, 50
% NPK+50 % Pig manure + biofertilizers and 50 % NPK + 50 % vermicompost +
biofertilizers, where values of head yield were 49.38 t/ha, 50.56 t/ha and 53.64 t/ha,
respectively. This treatments i.e. 50 % NPK + 50 % FYM + biofertilizers also produced the
highest net return of Rs 1,69,698/- with benefit cost ratio of 3.00, followed by 50 % NPK +
50 % Pig manure + biofertilizers and 100 % NPK. Through these results, they suggested that
16
the optimum production of cabbage can be obtained with integrated application of 50 % NPK
+ 50 % FYM + Biofertilizers or 50 % NPK + 50 % Pig manure + Biofertilizers.
Yadav et al. (2012) cultivated cabbage cv. Pride of India under 17 treatment
combinations viz. four levels of nitrogen (control, 100, 125 and 150 kg/ha) alone and in
combinations of 3 biofertilizers (Azotobacter, Azospirillium and PSB) and an absolute
control, laid out in simple RBD with three replications at Department of Vegetable Science,
College of Horticulture & Forestry, Jhalawar (Rajasthan). The treatment (150 kg N + PSB)
recorded maximum plant height (24.64 cm), plant spread (42.87 cm), number of open leaves
(20.67), leaf area (247.43 cm2), maximum days taken to head maturity (110.00), diameter of
stem (17.51mm) and head yield (432.92 q/ha) as compared to control (recommended P & K)
and absolute control. Integration of highest level of nitrogen i.e. 150 kg N with Azospirillium
and Azotobacter was observed to be statistically equally effective to that with PSB in term of
growth and yield parameters.
Hasan and Solaiman (2012) evaluated the response of three varieties of cabbage
(Atlas 70, Keifu 65, Autumn 60) to cow dung, poultry manure and inorganic fertilizer and
found interaction between variety Atlas 70 x Poultry manure @ 15 t/ha representing
maximum whole plant weight (2.56 kg/plant), gross yield (62.14 t/ha), marketable yield
(61.52 t/ha) and highest net return with a benefit cost ratio of 3.31.
Upadhyay et al. (2012) in a trial with biofertilizers, organic manures and inorganic
fertilizers on dry matter partitioning, yield and quality traits in cabbage reported that
treatments comprising recommended fertilizers package (N150:P60:K80 kg/ha) coupled with
seedling inoculation with any of the biofertilizers had relatively higher dry matter in head,
higher number of non-wrapper leaves and head yield (40.81 t/ha). They further revealed that
the protein content was noticed maximum with sole application of vermicompost (17.4 %) or
digested sludge (17.3 %) while significantly higher ascorbic acid content (vitamin C) in head
was registered with the use of either FYM or pressmud along with PSM or VAM (14.25-
15.48 mg/100 g).
Rai et al. (2013) observed maximum gross weight of the plant as well as net weight
of the cabbage head through combined application of 75 % recommended dose of NPK + VC
@ 3 t/ha. As far quality attributes were concerned, excepting total chlorophyll content, the
17
attributes viz. total protein, total starch, and ascorbic acid were also found to be higher with
this treatment.
Akhter et al. (2013) reported the ability of vermicompost (VC) to efficiently increase
the growth, yield and nutrient uptake of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) and to
improve soil health through an investigation conducted during 2007-2008 in Grey Terrace
Soil (Inceptisol) of Bangladesh. They concluded that leaf number, circumference and curd
yield of cauliflower were significantly higher when NPKSZnB fertilizers (100 %
recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (RDCF)) were used together with 1.5 t/ha VC but
were statistically identical to 100 % RDCF + 1.5 t/ha aerobic compost (AC), NPKSZnB (80
% RDCF) + 3 t/ha VC and 80 % RDCF + 3 t/ha AC. VC performed better than AC alone or
in combination with chemical fertilizers. In this case, enhanced cauliflower yield was
attributed to the elevated levels of NPKSZnB in VC. There was a considerable increase in
nutrient uptake by VC-treated cauliflower. The residual effect of VC showed an increase in
available nutrients in post-harvest soil. VC (1.5 t/ha) + 100 % RDCF favours higher curd
yield of cauliflower but VC (3 t/ha) + 80 % RDCF may be economically and
environmentally suitable since it contains 20 % less chemical fertilizer and 1.5 t/ha more
organic manure. Hence, 3 t/ha VC + 80 % RDCF was recommended for cauliflower
cultivation in Grey Terrace Soils of Bangladesh.
Sharma et al. (2013) conducted field experiments on cabbage crop using Azotobacter,
Azospirillium and VAM at R.B.S. College, Research Farm Bichpuri, Agra, Uttar Pradesh and
reported that Azospirillium significantly enhanced the total head yield of cabbage to the
extent of 7.06 % than Azotobacter. The 4 kg/ha dose of each bio-fertilizer showed significant
favourable effect on production than 2 kg/ha dose of each biofertilizer and even than 6 kg/ha
dose of Azotobacter and Azosprillium.
Talat et al. (2014) tested twenty four treatment combinations comprising four levels
of nitrogen (0, 100, 150, 200 kg/ha) as main plot treatments, 3 organics {(FYM @ 10 t/ha,
vermicompost (VC) @ 5 t/ha and no manure)}and Azospirillum (inoculated and un-
inoculated) as sub plot treatment in spilt plot during 2010-2011 at SKUAST-K, Shalimar
(J&K ) and found VC @ 5 t/ha + 200 kg N/ha + Azospirillum the superior most among all the
treatments including control and sole applications, for all the quality parameters of cabbage
viz. Crude protein (3.42 %) , Vitamin A (58.22 mg/ 100 g), Vitamin C (155.79 mg/ 100 g ),
Reducing sugars (2.180 mg/ 100 g), TSS (3.36 0Brix) and Chlorophyll content (0.27 mg/ g),
18
closely followed at par in performance by VC 5 t/ha + 100 kg N/ha + Azospirillum and VC 5
t/ha + 150 kg N/ha+ Azospirillum, for all the observed quality parameters.
Shree et al. (2014) experimented with cauliflower cv. Poosi and different sources of
nutrients including organic, inorganic and biofertilizers alone and in combinations applied
following the proper procedures as per treatment and recorded the maximum plant height
(66.75 cm), plant spread (58.64 cm), curd diameter (16.09 cm), depth of curd (11.76 cm),
curd volume (702.00 cc), weight of curd (568 gm), yield per hectare (252.48 q) and ascorbic
acid (63.19 mg/100 gm) through an integrated application of 50% NPK (recommended dose)
+ FYM @ 5.0 t/ha + poultry manure @ 2.0 t/ha + Azospirillum.
2.2. EFFECT OF ORGANIC MANURES, INORGANIC FERTILIZERS AND
PGPR ON PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL
PROPERTIES OF SOIL
Soil health is one of the key factors which decide the yield. Organic manures such as
farm yard manure, vermicompost, farm waste compost and poultry manure etc. are
indispensable and are important components of INM system for maintaining soil fertility and
yield stability.
According to Roe et al. (1997), the organic composts create less environmental
pollution than chemical composts due to their positive biological effect and modification of
physical and chemical characteristics of the soil because their nutrients are released slowly to
be used by the plant. Zink and Allen (1998) recognized the use of organic amendments such
as traditional thermophilic composts as an effective means for improving soil aggregation,
structure and fertility, increasing microbial diversity and populations, improving the
moisture-holding capacity of soils, increasing the soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) and
increasing crop yields.
Maheswarappa et al. (1999) reported increased amounts of organic carbon,
improvements in pH, decreased bulk density, improved soil porosities and water-holding
capacities, increased microbial populations and dehydrogenase activity of soils in response to
vermicompost treatments while Reddy and Reddy (1999) noted significant increases in
micronutrients in field soils after vermicompost applications compared to those in soils
treated with animal manures.
19
Vermicompost has also been shown to have high levels of total and available
nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium (NPK) and micro nutrients, microbial and enzyme
activities and growth regulators (Parthasarathi and Ranganathan 1999; Chaoui et al., 2003) as
well as beneficial effect on the growth of a variety of plants (Atiyeh et al., 2002).
According to (Senthilkumaran and Vadivel, 2002) organic acids released during
decomposition of organic manure controls certain fungal pathogens and nematode
infestation.
Bhardwaj et al. (2002) reported that the application of organics including
biofertilizers improved the physico-chemical and biological properties of the soils. The
microbial population varied between 4.9 × 107 to 6.6 × 10
7 cfu/g soils with a predominance
of bacterial count under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh.
Chaudhary et al. (2003) grew cabbage cv. Golden Acre under the organic manures
viz. vermicompost (100 and 200 g/plant) and FYM (250 and 500 g/plant) as a solo or
compound application and analyzed the soil properties of each treatment plot. They observed
that soil bulk density had decreased with all the organic treatments and the lowest value was
obtained through VC @ 200 g/plant + FYM @ 250 g/plant. The highest soil organic carbon
was obtained with VC @ 100 g/plant + FYM at 500 g/plant. The maximum available N was
observed in VC @ 200 g/plant + FYM @ 250 g/plant, while maximum K was at VC @ 100
g/plant + FYM @ 500 g/plant.
Choudhury et al. (2004) conducted a field experiment on cauliflower during 2002-03,
in Jorhat, Assam, India and reported that the organic carbon and available N status increased
significantly with conjunctive use of inorganic fertilizers, biofertilizers and FYM. Soil
available nutrients like N, P2O5 and K2O also increased significantly with the application of
various organic and microbial sources of nutrients in combination with fertilizers over the
fertilizer alone. The native population of PSB in soil was more than that of Azotobacter.
Celik et al. (2004) revealed that the compost and manure-treated plots observed
significantly decreased soil bulk density and increased soil organic matter concentration
compared with other treatments. Compost and manure treatments increased available water
content of soils by 86 and 56 %, respectively. Mycorrhizal inoculation + compost were more
effective in improving soil physical properties than the inorganic treatment.
20
Selvi et al. (2004) reported that application of FYM along with chemical fertilizers
favoured the microbial population in the soil, whereas, sole application of nitrogenous
fertilizers have detrimental effect on soil micro flora.
Lee et al. (2006) analyzed the effects of swine manure compost applied at low,
medium, and high rates vis-a-vis chemical fertilizers on soil health indicators viz. bulk
density, aggregate stability, organic carbon content, soil pH, available N, P and K,
extractable Cu and Zn and microbial biomass and noted manure compost improving the soil
quality.
Mondol et al. (2007) compared organic manures (cow dung, poultry manure and
compost) and inorganic fertilizer on soil properties and yield of cabbage during rabi season in
2003-2004 and 2004-2005 in Grey Terrace Soils, Gazipur, Bangladesh and recorded highest
bulk density, particle density and infiltration in the control plot (inorganic) but the reverse
situation was observed in case of porosity and field capacity. The bulk density, particle
density and infiltration were decreased but increased tendency was observed with porosity
and field capacity due to the application of cow dung, poultry manure and compost. Weber et
al. (2007) quoting from several long-term studies have also reported that the addition of
compost improves soil physical properties by decreasing bulk density and increasing the soil
water holding capacity.
Chan et al. (2008) monitored the changes in soil P concentration under two compost
treatments relative to conventional farmer’s practice and observed increased soil organic
carbon and soil quality including soil structural stability, exchangeable cations and soil
biological properties through compost treatments. Importantly, the compost treatment was
effective in reducing the rate of accumulation of extractable soil P compared with the
conventional vegetable farming practice.
Ullah et al. (2008) recorded higher organic matter content and availability of N, P, K
and S in soils supplemented with organic matter whereas, soil pH was increased by chemical
application than organic. Dass et al. (2008) also noted improved status of organic carbon and
available N and P due to treatment with cow manure and vermicompost.
Sharma et al. (2008) investigated the response of integrated nutrient management
using organic manure and Azotobacter along with the synthetic fertilizers on soil properties
21
in broccoli and concluded that an application of 100 % NPK + Azotobacter + 20 t/ha cow
manure resulted in the highest increase in the contents of organic carbon and available
nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium by 36, 32 and 19 %, respectively, over their initial
status in the soil. About 31.0, 8.4 and 12.5 kg/ha of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium,
respectively can be saved in broccoli production if cow manure at 20 t/ha and Azotobacter
are used in combination with synthetic fertilizers.
Sharma et al. (2009) conducted an experiment to study the influence of biofertilizers
alone or in combination with chemical fertilizers in cauliflower nutrient uptake and residual
soil fertility and concluded that the highest nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium uptake was
recorded with combined inoculation of Azotobacter and PSB. The maximum soil fertility
build up was observed in treatment combination of bio-inoculants integrated with
recommended dose of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which was to the tune of about
17.10 and 15.00 Kg NPK/ha over the initial soil status.
Gopinath et al. (2009) found that both composted farm yard manure (FYMC) and
(FYMC+ Poultry manure + Vermicompost + Biofertilizers) enhanced soil pH (7.1) and
oxidizable organic carbon (1.2-1.3%) compared with (FYMC+NPK) and un-amended control
after a two-year transition period in capsicum.
Esawy et al. (2009) conducted experiment to evaluate the effect of three compost
types (plant residues, animal residues and mixed) in combination with nitrogen fertilizers on
soil properties. The study demonstrated that the nitrogen and phosphorus content of the soil
significantly increased, as did the soil organic matter, with the increase of organic nitrogen
(plant compost, animal compost and mixed compost) applied. The experimental results
confirmed that the combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers could increase soil
fertility.
Adeleye et al. (2010) analyzed the effect of poultry manure (0 t/ha and 10 t/ha) on
physico-chemical properties of soil in Ondo, Nigeria. It was indicated that poultry manure
application improved soil physical properties; it reduced soil bulk density, temperature and
also increased total porosity and soil moisture retention capacity. It also, improved soil
organic matter, total N, available P, exchangeable Mg, Ca, K and lowered exchange acidity.
Therefore, the use of poultry manure in crop production was recommended as it will ensure
stability of soil structure; improve soil organic matter status and nutrients availability.
22
Sur et al. (2010) while working out the status of the availability of N, P, K and
cationic micronutrients in soils in relation to ‘Green Express’ cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.
var. capitata) indicated the adoption of INM practices, in general, helped to build up soil
nutrient status with respect to N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn contents. The treatment receiving
recommended levels of N, P and K, 4 t/ha organic manures and 0.5 kg/ha Zn as Zn-EDTA
proved superior in augmenting soil fertility. However, the highest organic carbon content
(0.88 %) was observed in the treatment where 4 t/ha organic manure was applied along with
recommended levels of NPK and zinc at 0.5 kg/ha. The amount of cationic micronutrients
(Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) in soil increased in the treatments receiving organic manure @ 4 t/ha +
Zn at 0.5 kg/ha as Zn-EDTA and organic manure at 10 t/ha + Zn at 0.5 kg/ha + NPK as basal
application.
Incorporation of organic fertilizers can also increase microbial activity in soils
between 16 % and 20 % as compared to inorganic fertilizers (Dinesh et al. 2010; Gonzalez et
al. 2010). Organic fertilizers typically increase soil microbial biomass through the supply of
carbon rich organic compounds to the generally carbon limited microbial communities in
arable soils (Knapp et al. 2010). However, stimulation of soil microbial processes and
increase of crop yields as compared to inorganic fertilization has often been associated to the
increase in organic matter and soil fertility after long-term repeated application of organic
fertilizers (Herencia et al. 2008; Diacono and Montemurro, 2010).
Liu et al. (2010) conducted a long-term fertilizer and organic manures field
experimentation, evaluating six treatment combinations viz. unfertilized control (CK),
nitrogen fertilizer annually (N), nitrogen and phosphorus (P) fertilizers annually (NP), straw
plus N added annually and P fertilizer added every second year (NP+S), farm yard manure
added annually (FYM), and farm yard manure plus N and P fertilizers added annually
(NP+FYM), on soil chemical properties and some microbiological properties of arable soils
in Pingliang, Gansu, China. In accordance to their findings; compared with the CK treatment,
the average soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) content were 2.0 and 3.1 %,
1.9 and 13.3 %, 32.7 and 24.5 %, 23.0 and 19.4 %, and 39.9 and 27.6 % larger, respectively,
for N, NP, FYM, NP+S and NP+FYM. The N only resulted in not only lowering of pH but
also deficient of both P and K in the soil. Soil available K declined rapidly without straw or
manure additions. The microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and microbial biomass nitrogen
(MBN) contents increased with the application of nitrogen and phosphorus inorganic
23
fertilizers. However, there was greater increase of these parameters when organic manure
was applied along with inorganic fertilizers. Organic manure application also increased soil
dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatases, β-glucosidasen and urease activity significantly.
According to Citak and Sonmez (2011) chemical fertilizer, blood meal and chicken
manure application on cabbage for three successive seasons gave rise to a decrease in soil
pH, whereas farm yard manure (FM) caused soil pH to increase. Soil EC levels were
influenced by the applications of all the three manures to some extent. However, chemical
fertilizer brought out the highest soil EC level in the each season. Farmyard manure (FM)
application had positive effects on soil organic matter (SOM) more than the other manures.
The evaluation of different organic manures including biofertilizers and inorganic
fertilizers for their effect on soil properties by Gopinath and Mina (2011) revealed that
application of farmyard manure @ 20 t/ha + biofertilizers resulted in the lowest soil bulk
density (1.19 mg/m3) compared to other treatments. The soil pH increased in all the
treatments compared to control. Similarly, soil organic carbon was significantly higher in all
the treatments (1.21-1.30 %) except in poultry manure 5 t/ha + biofertilizers compared to
control (1.06 %). Application of farmyard manure 10 t/ha + recommended NPK, however,
recorded significantly higher available N than plots under organic manures. Application of
farmyard manure 10 t/ha + recommended NPK being at par with application of farmyard
manure 10 t/ha + poultry manure and vermicompost each 1.5 t/ha + biofertilizers registered
significantly higher available P and K contents in soil compared to other treatments.
Ceronio et al. (2012) analyzed soil properties after growing cabbage for two years
(2005 and 2006) under different organic regimes viz. chicken manure, kraal manure and
compost and found their significant influence on chemical status of the soil. Of the three
manures, compost significantly affected most of the chemical properties of the soil,
increasing the phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, calcium, total carbon and total cations content
of the soil. Increased soil pH and decreased acid saturation was also noticed. They concluded
that though two years was a relatively short period, yet compost and kraal manure seamed to
improve the chemical properties of soil more than chicken manure.
24
Chapter-3
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present investigation entitled “Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on
Growth, Yield and Quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.var capitata)’’ was carried out
at the Experimental Farm of the Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. Y S Parmar
University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh during Rabi season
of 2014-2015.
3.1 EXPERIMENTAL SITE
3.1.1 Location and Climate
The Experimental Farm is situated at 30o51’ N latitude and 77°11’ E longitude at an
elevation of 1270 m (a. m. s. l) at Nauni, on Rajgarh road, about 14 km away from the Solan
city (HP). The place is characterized by mild summers and cool winters. May and June are
the hottest months, while December and January are the coldest. Agro-climatically, the
location represents mid hill zone of HP and is characterized by sub-temperate and semi-
humid climate with moderate rainfall (1000-1300 mm).
Meteorological data (rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature, relative
humidity) as recorded at the meteorological observatory of the Department of Environment
Science, Dr. Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP) during
cropping period (August 2014-Febuaury 2015) are presented graphically through figure 3.1.
In the cropping season mean temperature varied from 9.85 to 23.70 °C while relative
humidity ranged from 58 to 72 per cent with no rainfall (November 2014) to maximum
129.40 mm rainfall (September 2014).
3.1.2 Characteristics of Soil
Before laying out the experiment, random soil samples were collected from the
different spots of the experimental field at 0-15 cm depth and the composite sample was
prepared which was analyzed for various physico-chemical properties of the soil. The
methods employed and results obtained for important physico-chemical characteristics
(initial) of experimental area have been summarized in Table 3.1
25
Fig. 3.1 Graphical representation of monthly data pertaining to the temperature,
rainfall and relative humidity during the crop season (Aug., 2014–Feb., 2015)
Source: Meteorological Observatory, Department of Environmental Science, Dr. Y S
Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P) 173230
Table 3.1: Physico-chemical properties of soil before planting of crop
Particulars Value
obtained
Method employed Soil
status
A.Mechanical analysis (%)
1. Sand
2. Silt
3. Clay
42.95
32.07
23.98
(International pipette method)
(Piper, 1966)
Sandy
Loam
B. Chemical analysis
1. Soil pH 6.87 Digital pH Meter Neutral
2. Soil EC 0.31 Digital conductivity meter Normal
3 Organic carbon (%) 1.53 Walkley and Black, 1934 High
4.AvailableN (kg/ha) 259.23 Alkaline potassium permanganate
method
(Subbiah and Asija, 1956)
Low
5.Available P (kg/ha) 23.14 Olsen method (Olsen et al.,1954) High
6.AvailableK (kg/ha) 391.62 Normal neutral ammonium acetate
method (Merwin and Peech,1951) High
C. Microbiological analysis
Total microbial count
NA (105 cfu/g soil)
134.43 (Subba Rao, 1999)
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Rainfall ( mm)
Mean Temperature (Degree
Celcius)
Relative Humidity (%)
26
3.2 EXPERIMENTAL MATERIALS
3.2.1 Planting Materials
Cabbage cultivar ‘Pusa Mukta’ was used in the present study. It is an early variety
ready within 80-90 days with medium sized, compact round heads, light green in colour and
resistant to black rot. Average head yield is 300 q/ha. It is suitable for growing in Zone I, II
and III of Himachal Pradesh. For this experiment, the seeds of ‘Pusa Mukta’ were procured
from the IARI, Regional Research Station, Katrain, Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh.
3.2.2 Organic Manures
i) Vermicompost (VC)
Vermicompost - a nutrient-rich, microbiologically active organic amendment was
procured from the Department of Soil Science and Water Management, UHF, Nauni, Solan.
The nitrogen content of vermicompost used in the experiment was 1 %.
ii) Enriched Compost (EC)
For the present study, enriched compost was prepared in a trench (3 m x 1 m x 1m)
by decomposing different vegetative farm wastes. A layer of farm refuse (about 30 cm
thickness) was spread over thin layer of slurry of cow dung at the surface of the trench. The
slurry of cow dung was again sprinkled onto the layer of refuse. Afterwards, enrichment with
nitrogen and phosphorus was done in the form of urea @ 200 g and single super phosphate
(SSP) @ 400 g per layer. Four layer of farm wastes were laid out in the pit and heap was
raised to a height of about 50 cm above the ground level and then top was plastered with a
thin layer of soil. Compost in making was turned twice (at bi-monthly interval) to facilitate
aeration. The compost was ready for use in six months. The nitrogen content of enriched
compost used in the experiment was found to be 0.5 %.
3.2.3 Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) – Bacillus pumilus
The indigenous isolate of PGPR (Bacillus pumilus) which was isolated from
rhizosphere of cauliflower in the sub-temperate location of Himachal Pradesh by the
Department of Basic Sciences, UHF, Nauni was used in the present study. Bacillus pumilus
has been characterized with special reference to their plant growth promoting abilities like P-
solubilization, nitrogen fixation, production of indole acetic acid, Hydrogen cyanide (HCN),
27
siderophore formation and production of diffusible and volatile compounds that inhibited the
growth of soil borne phytopathogens namely Fusarium sp., Rhizoctonia solani, and Pythium
sp.
3.2.4 Inorganic fertilizers
Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) were used as inorganic fertilizers in
the form of urea, single super phosphate (SSP) and muriate of potash (MOP), respectively.
3.2.5 Treatments
The treatments comprised of 15 combinations of inorganic (N, P and K), organic (VC,
EC and FYM) and PGPR as detailed below:
Table 3.2: Details of treatments used for the study
Treatment
code
Treatment Details
T1 RPF= ( RDF : 125 N: 110 P: 50 K kg/ha) + FYM 20 t/ha))
T2 75 % NP + VC @ 2.5 t/ha
T3 50 % NP + VC @ 2.5 t/ha
T4 75 % NP + EC @ 2.5 t/ha
T5 50 % NP + EC @ 2.5 t/ha
T6 75 % NP + PGPR
T7 50 % NP + PGPR
T8 75 % NP + VC @ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR
T9 50 % NP + VC @ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR
T10 75 % NP + EC @ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR
T11 50 % NP + EC @ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR
T12 75 % NP + VC and EC @ 2.5 t/ha
T13 50 % NP + VC and EC @ 2.5 t/ha
T14 75 % NP + VC and EC @ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR
T15 50 % NP + VC and EC @ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR
RPF = Recommended Package of Fertilization
RDF = Recommended Dose of inorganic Fertilizers
• The chemical fertilizers nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium were applied as per
treatment through - urea (46 % N), single super phosphate (16 % P) and muriate of
potash (60 % K), respectively.
28
• Full dose of FYM and muriate of Potash was given to all the treatment plots as basal
dressing.
• Single super phosphate was also be applied as basal dressing as per treatment.
• Nitrogen was given in three split doses - first dose was given at the time of field
preparation, second after one month of transplanting and third during head initiation.
• PGPR was inoculated through seed inoculation and seedling dip before transplanting
as per treatment.
3.2.6 Experimental Layout
The field was divided into fourty five beds and the allocation of the treatment was
done randomly using random number table. The details of the experimental layout are given
below:
• Design : Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD)
• No. of treatments : 15
• Replication (s) : 3
• Variety : Pusa Mukta
• Plot Size : 2.7 x 1.8 m
• Spacing : 45 x 30 cm
• Date of Transplanting : 30th September, 2014
3.2.7 Nursery sowing and raising of seedlings
The seeds of cultivar ‘Pusa Mukta’ were sown at the experimental farm in 3 x 1 x
0.15 m seedbeds. The soil of seedbed was prepared to obtain good tilth to provide a feasible
condition for vigorous growth of young seedlings. Weeds, stubbles and dried roots of
previous crops were removed. Well decomposed FYM was applied to the prepared seed bed
at the rate of 5 kg/m2. The seeds were sown in two separate nursery beds on August 30, 2014;
in one it was untreated seed while in other seeds inoculated with bacterium (Bacillus
pumilus) were sown as per treatments.
3.2.8 Field preparation
The field was ploughed thoroughly by tractor followed by planking, 15 days prior to
actual date of transplanting. Stones, pebbles and residues of previous crop were removed
manually. The experimental plot was partitioned into the unit plots (2.7 x 1.8 m) in
29
accordance with the experimental design and organic and inorganic fertilizers were applied as
per treatments of each unit plot.
3.2.9 Transplanting of seedlings in the main field and intercultural operations
Healthy and uniform sized seedlings were transplanted in each plot at 45 x 30 cm
spacing accommodating 36 seedlings per plot. The seedlings were uprooted carefully from
the seedbed to avoid any damage to the root system. To minimize the roots damage of the
seedlings, the seedbeds were watered one hour before uprooting the seedlings. Transplanting
was done in the afternoon after giving seedling roots a bacterium (Bacillus pumilus) dip for
½ to 1 hours as per treatment. A considerable number of seedlings were also planted in the
border of the experimental plots for gap filling if necessary later on.
Various intercultural operation viz. irrigation and drainage, gap filling, weeding, top
dressing and plant protection were undertaken as per standard cultural practices
recommended in the package of practices of vegetable crops published by directorate of
extension education, UHF, Nauni (Anonymous, 2013).
3.3 OBSERVATIONS RECORDED
Observations with respect to following characters were recorded on ten plants marked
at random in each plot and their means were worked out for statistical analysis. The plants in
outer rows were excluded from random selection to avoid the border effect.
3.3.1 GROWTH AND YIELD PARAMETERS
3.3.1.1 Plant height (cm)
The height of the plant was measured from the ground level to the top of the head
surface with the help of measuring scale.
3.3.1.2 Plant spread (cm)
The spread of the plant was recorded as the distance between two outer most leaves
of the plants and their average was taken.
3.3.1.3 Stalk length (cm)
Length of stalk was measured from ground level to the first non wrapper leaf.
30
3.3.1.4 Number of days to 50 % head maturity
It was recorded as number of days taken from date of transplanting to the date when
marketable size heads of 50 % plant in a plot/treatment were harvested.
3.3.1.5 Polar diameter (cm)
Polar diameter in centimeter was measured after cutting the head into 2 halves
longitudinally.
3.3.1.6 Equatorial diameter (cm)
Equatorial diameter in centimeter was measured after cutting the head into 2 halves
transversally.
3.3.1.7 Head shape index
It was calculated as ratio of polar diameter to equatorial diameter of head.
3.3.1.8 Gross head weight (g)
Weight of the heads along with non wrapper leaves and stalk was recorded at harvest
in grams.
3.3.1.9 Net head weight (g)
Weight of the same heads without non wrapper leaves and stalks was recorded in
grams.
3.3.1.10 Harvet index (%)
It was calculated as ratio of net head weight to gross head weight and expressed in
per cent.
3.3.1.11 Yield per plot (kg)
Yield per plot was calculated by pooling the net head weight of all the heads in a
plot.
3.3.1.12 Yield per hectare (q)
On the basis of yield obtained from per plot in kilogram, yield per hectare was
calculated in quintals.
31
3.3.2 QUALITY PARAMETERS
3.3.2.1 Ascorbic acid (mg/100 g)
Ascorbic acid content of head was determined as per the method suggested by
Ranganna (1986) using 2, 6 – dichorophenol indophenol dye and expressed as mg/100 g of
samples.
3.3.2.2 Protein (%)
Protein content in cabbage head was calculated from nitrogen content of head
multiplied by the factor 6.25.
3.3.3 SOIL PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
At the completion of experiment, the soil samples from each plot were drawn and
analyzed for various soil properties. The details of methods adopted for different physico-
chemical properties are as under:
3.3.3.1 Organic Carbon (%)
Organic carbon (OC) was determined by chromic acid titration method of Walkley
and Black (1934).
3.3.3.2 Electrical conductivity (dSm -1
)
Electrical conductivity was determined by using the supernatant extract of suspension
mixture employing a conductivity meter (Jackson, 1973).
3.3.3.3 Available N (kg/ha)
Available N was determined by alkaline potassium permanganate method of
Subbiah and Asija (1956).
3.3.3.4 Available P and K (kg/ha)
0.5 N NaHCO3 at 8.5 pH was used to extract available P (Olsen et al., 1954) and
determined by spectrophotometrically. Available K was extracted by normal neutral
ammonium acetate (Merwin and Peech, 1951) and determined on flame photometer.
32
3.3.4 MICROBIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS
3.3.4.1 Total microbial count in soil (cfu/g soil)
The soil was analyzed for total bacterial counts at the initiation and end of the
experiments. One gram soil mixture was taken in 9 ml of sterilized water blank and the soil
suspension was diluted in 10 fold series, then microbial count was determined by standard
pour plate technique on different media as described by (Subba Rao, 1999). The population
was expressed as colony forming units (cfu/g soil).
Plate 1. Two months old cabbage crop under INM experimentation at Experimental
Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, UHF, Nauni
3.3.4.2 Soil microbial activity (CO2 evolution method)
Soil microbial activity was determined by the CO2 evolution method described by
Parmer and Schmidt (1964). In this method 100 g of soil was taken in one litre of flask, then
33
water was added in order to maintain 30-35 % moisture. A test tube containing 15 ml of 1N
NaOH was suspended in flask. The flask was incubated at 30 ± 2o
C with appropriate control
and then withdrew the test tube at different time interval (12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h). To this
1 ml of 50 % BaCl2 was added and this was titrated against 1 N HCl with phenolphthalein as
indicator. The results were expressed as mg CO2/g soil.
CO2 Evolution (mg CO2/g soil) = (B-V) N E
Where,
B = Volume of HCl used for blank
V = Volume of HCl used for sample
N = Normality of acid
E = 22 (equivalent weight of CO2).
3.4 ECONOMICS OF TREATMENTS
The economics of treatments is the most important consideration for making any
recommendation to the farmer for its adoption. The prices of inputs that were prevailing at
the time of their use were considered for working out the cost of cultivation. Gross return
was worked out on the basis of market price of the produce at the time when the produce was
ready for sale.
Net return (Rs/ha) was calculated by deducting cost of cultivation (Rs/ha) from gross
income. Benefit cost ratio was worked out as follows.
Net returns (Rs/ha)
B: C ratio = ______________________________________
Cost of cultivation (Rs/ha)
3.5 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
The data recorded on various parameters were analyzed as per RBD design as
suggested by Gomez and Gomez (1984). The results have been interpreted on the basis of ‘F’
test value and critical difference (CD) was calculated at 5 % level of significance
34
The analysis of variance was calculated as follows:
Source of
variation
Df Sum of
Square
Mean Sum of
Square
Variance Ratio
(“F” Value
Replication (r) (r-1) Sr Sr/(r-1) = Mr Mr/Me
Treatment (t) (t-1) St St/(t-1) = Mt Mt/Me
Error (r-1) (t-1) Se Se/(r-1)(t-1) = Me
Where,
r = Number of replications
t = Number of treatments
Me = Error variance
Df = Degree of freedom
The standard error of mean (SEm) and critical difference (C.D.) for comparing the
mean of any two treatments were computed as follows:
SEm = (Me/r)1/2
SE (d) = (2 Me/r)1/2
CD = SE (d) “t” value at error degree of freedom
35
Chapter-4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The present investigation, “Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth,
Yield and Quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.var capitata)’’ was conducted at
experimental farm of the Department of Vegetable Science, Dr Y S Parmar University of
Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, (HP) during Rabi season of 2014-15. Data on
different parameters were analyzed statistically and significance of result was verified. The
results obtained with respect to the various plant and soil characteristics have been presented
and discussed with possible explanations and evidence in this chapter with a view to find out
the cause and effect relationship among different treatments, for sorting out the information
of practical value.
4.1 GROWTH AND YIELD CHARACTERS
The analysis of variance (Appendix-II) showed significant differences among
treatments for all the growth and yield parameters (plant height, plant spread, stalk length,
polar and equatorial diameter, head index, net head weight, gross head weight, yield per plot
and yield per hectare) except number of days to 50 % head maturity.
4.1.1 Plant height (cm)
Plant height was significantly affected by different manure and fertilizer
combinations under the present study. Perusal of data in Table 4.1 exhibited tallest plant
(26.59 cm) by the treatment comprising bacterium inoculated plants along with 75 %
recommended N and P (T6). The other treatments viz. T1 (26.45 cm), T14 (26.00 cm), T10
(25.92 cm), T15 (25.75 cm) and T2 (25.72 cm) were also statistically at par to the former (T6).
In general, majority of plots that were supplied with 75 % NP in integration of organic
manures (VC or EC) with or without bacterium inoculation recorded statistically similar
plant height as to that was recorded for T1 (100 % NPK along with FYM @ 20 t/ha) which is
a recommended package of fertilization (RPF) for cabbage cultivation in the State.
The enhancement of plant height with higher application of inorganic (100 % or 75
%) may be due to the direct effect of higher amount of inorganic nitrogen, which is an
36
integral part of protein and chlorophyll molecules which might have increased the foliage of
the plant and thereby enhanced the photosynthesis. It may also be due to the cell elongation
by the presence of nitrogenous compounds. Nitrogen being a constituent of amino acids,
nucleotides, nucleic acids, a number of co-enzymes, auxins, cytokinins and alkaloids, induces
cell elongation, cell enlargement and cell division. This increase in nitrogen may further also
be ascribed to increased activities of beneficial micro organisms due to better organic pool in
soil on account of organic manures (VC and EC) and plant bio-inoculation, which resulted in
production of growth promoting substances and improved nutrient availability for longer
period throughout the crop growth and resulted in better photosynthetic activities and
ultimately high biomass production (Kumar and Dhar, 2010). The results of present
investigation in terms of plant height are in concordance with the findings reported earlier by
Meena and Paliwal (2003) in cabbage, Patil et al. (2003) in knol khol, Bhardwaj et al. (2007)
in broccoli and Sharma et al. (2009) in cauliflower.
4.1.2 Plant spread (cm)
The highest plant spread (63.35 cm) was observed in the treatment plot that was
fertilized with 125 N: 110 P: 50 K kg/ha + FYM 20 t/ha (RPF) i.e. T1 followed by 61.09cm
height through T2 (75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha) as evident from Table 4.1. All the remaining
treatments recorded significantly lower plant spread. However, the treatments that received
75 % of recommended N and P recorded significantly higher plant spread vis-a-vis those
were given inorganic (N and P) @ 50 % of recommended dose.
Lower plant spread is beneficial since more plants can be accomodated in a given
plot. The higher plant spread at higher application of inorganic nutrient (100 or 75 %) may be
due to the direct availability of adequate supply of the three major nutrients viz. NPK which
are expected to regulate plant physiological functions and morphological responses
favourably. The integration of organic manures or bio-inoculant might have supplemented
the cause with their ability to increase the photosynthetic capacity and secretion of beneficial
growth promoting substances like IAA, GA, kinetin, riboflavin and thiamine, which can
result in better plant growth (Malik et al., 2005). The results in respect of this character are in
complete agreement with the findings of Bhagavantagoudra and Rokhade (2002), Sharma
and Chandra (2002) and Choudhary and Choudhary (2005) for cole crops.
37
4.1.3 Stalk length (cm)
As per the values recorded in Table 4.1, the maximum stalk length (4.69 cm) was
exhibited through 75 % NP + VC @ 2.5 t/ha (T2) while the minimum (3.42 cm) through 50
% NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR (T9). In general, higher inorganic composition (100 % or 75
% NP) registered more stalk length compared to reduced (50 %) application of NP.
Table 4.1. Effect of different treatments on plant height, plant spread and stalk length
of cabbage
Treatment
Code
Treatments Plant
height
(cm)
Plant
spread
(cm)
Stalk
length
(cm)
T1 RPF = (RDF (125 N: 110 P: 50 K kg/ha)
+ FYM 20 t/ha)) 26.45 63.35 4.56
T2 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 25.72 61.09 4.69
T3 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 24.36 52.90 4.55
T4 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 25.16 59.98 4.58
T5 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 24.33 53.10 4.25
T6 75 % NP + PGPR 26.59 59.32 4.28
T7 50 % NP + PGPR 24.97 53.06 3.62
T8 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 25.11 58.74 3.53
T9 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 24.22 51.50 3.42
T10 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 25.92 58.42 4.20
T11 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 25.30 54.53 4.02
T12 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 25.20 60.02 4.40
T13 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 24.85 52.81 4.36
T14 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 26.00 57.64 4.29
T15 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 25.75 52.02 3.70
Mean 25.32 56.56 4.16
C.D(0.05) 1.20 2.58 0.45
The higher stalk length at higher inorganic nutrient levels could be ascribed to
availability of more nitrogen through urea, which accelerated the growth of crop plants,
while lower initial fertility due to reduced application of inorganics and slower release of
nutrients by organics resulted in slow growth initially, thereby smaller stalk length. Idnani
and Thuan (2007) during their experimentation on cauliflower observed that the stalk length
increases significantly with highest dose of N (75 kg) through urea in integration with
organic manure.
38
4.1.4 Number of days taken to 50 % head maturity
The number of days taken to 50 % head maturity (Table 4.2) did not differ
significantly due to different organic, inorganic or bio-inoculated combinations. Overall, at
least 50 % matured heads were harvested from each treatment plot from 79th
to 86th
days
(within 8 days) from transplanting of seedlings i.e. September 30th
, 2014.
Contrary to this, however, several other studies advocated significantly favourable
influence on maturity time in vegetables including cole crops. Chaubey et al. (2006) in his
study on cabbage observed that higher fertility level favoured the maturity time whereas, the
process of growth and development was slower at lower fertility level.
Table 4.2. Effect of different treatments on number of days to 50 % head maturity,
polar and equatorial diameter of cabbage
Treatment
code
Treatments Number
of days to
50% head
maturity
Polar
diameter
(cm)
Equatorial
diameter
(cm)
T1 RPF = (RDF (125 N: 110 P: 50 K kg/ha)
+ FYM 20 t/ha)) 80.66 11.29 13.21
T2 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 80.00 11.46 13.00
T3 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 80.66 11.17 13.16
T4 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 79.00 11.51 13.05
T5 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 83.66 11.00 12.79
T6 75 % NP + PGPR 80.00 11.26 12.97
T7 50 % NP + PGPR 81.66 11.27 12.98
T8 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 83.66 11.03 12.92
T9 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 85.66 11.09 12.44
T10 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 84.00 11.03 12.83
T11 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 86.00 10.94 12.69
T12 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 79.66 11.09 12.98
T13 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 80.66 11.30 13.13
T14 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 81.33 12.19 13.50
T15 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 81.33 11.11 12.53
Mean 81.86 11.24 12.94
C.D(0.05) NS 0.24 0.24
4.1.5 Polar and equatorial diameter of head (cm)
The size of heads formed and their shape are an important cultivar trait in cabbage
determined by genetics, but these traits can be greatly influenced by cultivation conditions
including fertilization (Acar and Paksoy, 2006; Cervenski et al., 2011).
39
The size of cabbage head was significantly influenced by combined organic and
inorganic sources of nutrients as depicted in Table 4.2. The significantly maximum polar
diameter (12.19 cm) of cabbage head was recorded in T14 (bio-inoculated plant population
fertilized with 75 % NP and organic mixtures of VC and EC @ 2.5 t/ha). The treatment
combinations viz. T4, T2, T13 and T7 were next better treatments which measured significantly
lower diameters of 11.51 cm, 11.46 cm, 11.30 cm and 11.27 cm, respectively. However,
these treatments were at par with RPF (100 % NPK + 20 t/ha FYM) which recorded 11.29 cm
diameter.
As far the equatorial diameter was concerned, the same treatment (T14) which
registered the highest polar diameter also measured significantly maximum (13.50 cm)
equatorially.
4.1.6 Head shape index
The optimum head shape of any round variety like Pusa Mukta is represented by a
polar : equatorial ratio of 1.0. Changes in head shape due to any kind of abiotic stress during
development may affect the relative marketability of such heads. In our study, the mean head
shape index ranged from 0.85 to 0.90 (Table 4.3) and the most appreciably closer i.e. 0.90 to
a characteristic round variety like Pusa Mukta as above was recorded by the same integrated
combination i.e. T14 (75 % NP + VC and EC @ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR) which also registered
highest polar and equatorial diameters as well.
The enhancement in head size with integration of inorganic (75 % NP) and organic
manures (VC and EC) to PGPR inoculated plant population might be due to better
solubilization of insoluble or fixed P by the bacteria and uptake of soluble P by the plant (Wu
et al., 2005). Bahadur et al. (2006, 2009) have also noticed improvement in head yield of
Chinese cabbage and lettuce with seedling inoculation in PSM or VAM. They explained that
since the phosphorus is associated with several vital biochemical functions of the plant, such
as utilization of sugar and starch, photosynthesis and root growth, therefore, the positive
influence of PSM or VAM might be due to better mobilization and supply of available P for
crop growth and other attributes.
40
4.1.7 Gross and Net head weight (g)
The perusal of data in Table 4.3 indicates that the gross and net head weight were
markedly influenced by application of different treatments. The heaviest gross weight heads
(1,580 g) were harvested from the plant grown under the organic, inorganic and bio-
inoculated combination T14 (75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR) which was at par
with gross weight (1485 g) recorded in T15 (50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR).
A cursory glance of net head weight registered by different treatments also indicated
that the same treatments i.e. T14 & T15 which registered the highest gross head weight also
accounted for the maximum net head weight of 1,050 and 959 g, respectively. Overall, per
cent increase in net head weight over the RPF (100 % NPK + FYM @ 20t/ha), which
weighed 836.33 g/head, were 25.54 and 14.66 per cent, respectively.
Table 4.3 Effect of different treatments on head shape index, gross head weight and
net head weight of cabbage
Treatment
code
Treatments Head
shape
Index
Gross head
weight (g)
Net head
weight (g)
T1 RPF = (RDF (125 N: 110 P: 50 K kg/ha)
+ FYM 20 t/ha)) 0.85 1,346.66 836.33
T2 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 0.88 1,420.33 904.66
T3 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 0.84 1,374.33 854.66
T4 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 0.87 1,313.00 788.00
T5 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 0.85 1,237.33 725.33
T6 75 % NP + PGPR 0.86 1,423.00 905.66
T7 50 % NP + PGPR 0.86 1,403.00 879.66
T8 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 0.86 1,370.00 858.33
T9 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 0.88 1,335.33 827.00
T10 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 0.85 1,343.66 836.33
T11 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 0.85 1,286.66 773.33
T12 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 0.85 1,388.66 884.33
T13 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 0.85 1,280.00 789.66
T14 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 0.90 1,580.00 1,050.00
T15 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 0.88 1,485.00 959.00
Mean 0.86 1372.46 858.15
C.D(0.05) 0.01 133.36 96.49
4.1.8 Harvest index (%)
The values for harvest index have been given in Table 4.4, which ranged from 58.68
to 66.45 %. The highest harvesting index (66.45 %) was recorded by the treatment T14 (75%
41
NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR) followed by harvest indices of 64.57 (T15) and 63.69 %
(T12) and these were at par with T14.
4.1.9 Yield per plot (kg)
The highest yield (30.32 kg) from a plot area (4.86 m2) was obtained with application
of T14 (75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR) as observed through Table 4.4. Another
treatment that significantly surpassed recommended package of fertilization (T1) was T15 (50
% NP + VC and EC @ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR) with 25.56 kg per plot.
Table 4.4 Effect of different treatments on harvesting index, yield per plot and yield
per hectare of cabbage
Treatment
code
Treatments Harvesting
Index (%)
Yield
per
plot
(kg)
Yield Per
hectare
(q)
T1 RPF = (RDF (125 N: 110 P: 50 K kg/ha)
+ FYM 20 t/ha)) 62.11 22.56 394.62
T2 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 63.22 24.41 427.04
T3 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 62.20 23.07 403.48
T4 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 60.06 21.27 372.00
T5 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 58.68 19.58 342.44
T6 75 % NP + PGPR 63.59 24.44 427.56
T7 50 % NP + PGPR 62.70 23.74 415.32
T8 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 62.64 23.17 405.23
T9 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 61.83 22.32 390.37
T10 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 62.23 22.57 394.80
T11 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 60.02 20.87 365.12
T12 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 63.69 23.87 417.54
T13 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 61.70 21.31 372.76
T14 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 66.45 30.32 530.34
T15 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 64.57 25.56 447.09
Mean 62.37 23.27 407.04
C.D(0.05) 3.15 2.60 45.54
4.1.10 Yield per hectare (q)
Perusal of mean data in Table 4.4 revealed that ‘in general’ the treatment that
received 75 % NP observed better yield potential as compared to 50 % application of
recommended NP, irrespective of integration with organics (VC and EC) or bacterium
inoculation. Though the yield mark of 394.62 q/ha achieved through recommended package
of fertilization (RPF) i.e. T1 was surpassed by eight of the treatments that received 75 or 50
42
% of inorganic (NP) in integration of organic manures alone or with plants bio-inoculation,
yet only two treatments i.e. T14 & T15 with an yield of 530.34 and 447.09 q/ha, respectively
excelled the former i.e. T1, significantly.
Overall perusal of data in Tables 4.3 & 4.4 elucidated that application of 75 % of
recommended inorganic fertilizers (NP) along with organic manures (VC and EC) to the
PGPR inoculated plant population (T14) exerted the highest positive influence on yield and
yielding attributes which significantly surpassed the recommended package (RPF)
comprising 100 % inorganic along with 20 t/ha FYM (T1). The treatment T14 (75 % NP + VC
and EC @ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR) recorded the maximum gross head weight (1580 g), net head
weight (1050 g), harvest index (66.45 %), head yield per plot (30.32 kg) and head yield per
hectare (530.34 q) which were significantly higher than the RPF (T1). Overall, this treatment
recorded about 34.39 per cent greater yield per hectare over RPF. The other yield attributes
viz. size of head and shape index were also observed to be the maximum through this
combination of different sources of nutrients.
The findings suggested that, reduction of 25 % recommended inorganic is possible if
FYM is substituted by VC and EC with PGPR inoculation of plants. Kanwar and Paliyal
(2005) were able to execute a net saving of 50 % of synthetic fertilizer by substituting
vermicompost for FYM along with 100 % NPK. Chatterjee (2010) revealed that higher
amount of organic manures (8 and 16 t/ha FYM and 2.5 and 5 t/ha VC) and reduced levels of
inorganic fertilizers (75 % RDF) significantly influenced yield attributes and head yield of
cabbage as compared to sole application of recommended inorganic fertilizers (150:80:75 kg
NPK/ha) and vermicompost emerged as better organic nutrient source over farm yard
manure. Inoculation with biofertilizer exerted more positive result over un-inoculated
treatments and benefits of biofertilizer application were more in the presence of
vermicompost as compared to farm yard manure. Akhter et al. (2013) also reported that
growth and curd yield of cauliflower were significantly higher when 100 % recommended
dose of chemical fertilizer were used together with VC. The enhanced yield of cauliflower
might be attributed to the higher levels of macro and micro nutrients in the VC.
Vermicompost has also been shown to have high levels of total and available nitrogen,
phosphorous, potassium (NPK) and micro nutrients, microbial and enzyme activities and
growth regulators by Parthasarathi and Ranganathan (1999) and Chaoui et al. (2003). Sharma
et al. (2014) also concluded that increase in yield was much higher when equal amounts of
43
vermicompost was applied in place of farm yard manure under both conditions of pure
organic treatments and those of organic manures integrated with PGPR and chemical
fertilizers. They obtained the highest yield through vermicompost @ 20 t /ha + 75 % NPK +
PGPR, which resulted in net saving of 25% NPK fertilizers along with average increase of
9.46, 2.36 and 1.14 % in yield over the recommended practice of farmyard manure @ 20 t/ha
+ 100 % NPK in cauliflower, French bean and okra, respectively. Kannan et al. (2013) also
advocated the superiority of vermicompost over FYM in INM system in maize. Higher
yielding attributes and yield of heads through treatments supplemented with vermicompost
and enriched compost could be the result of regulated liberalization and balanced supply of
nutrients, tilting microbial dynamics in favour of growth and creation of salutary soil
environmental conditions for crop growth. In addition, besides better nutrient contents, it
could have increased the efficiency of added chemical fertilizers by its temporary
immobilization, which reduces leaching of plant nutrients (Das et al., 2006). Further, the
PGPR fixes small amounts of nitrogen and secretes beneficial growth promoting substances
like IAA, GA, kinetin, riboflavin, and thiamine, which can result in better plant growth
(Malik et al., 2005). The PGPR have the capacity to promote the plant growth by increase in
the root surface area or the general root architecture. This in turn releases higher amounts of
carbon in root exudates and promote increase in microbial activity which might have made
more nutrients available from the soil pool, influencing nutrients flux into plant roots, and the
plant is able to take up more available nutrients (Adesemoye et al., 2009). It is also well
known that efficiency of bioagents can be well exploited with the use of organic manures
with part supplement of inorganic fertilizers (Parr et al., 1992) which might have improved
the yield parameters by better availability and uptake of nutrients by plant roots. Also
biofertilizers are known to release the bioactive substances having similar effect that of
growth regulators besides enhancement of nutrient absorption (Patel et al., 1998). The
advantage on yields by following different combinations of treatments by the integrated use
of organic manures, biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers have also been reported in various
cole crops by different workers namely Manivanan and Singh (2004) in broccoli, Krezel and
Koota (2004) in Chinese cabbage, Choudhury et al. (2004) in cauliflower, Sharma et al.
(2005) in broccoli, Pandey et al. (2008) in broccoli, Feller and Fink; 2005 and Ranawat et al.,
2008 in broccoli, Sharma et al. (2009) in broccoli, Bhardwaj et al. (2007) and Ghuge et al.
(2007) in cabbage, Rai et al. (2013) in cabbage, Kumar et al. (2013) in broccoli, Chattarjee et
al. (2014) in cabbage, Sharma et al. (2014) in cauliflower-French bean-okra sequence and
Shree et al. (2014) in cauliflower.
44
4.2 QUALITY CHARACTERS
A judicious use of organic manures and bio-organics may be effective not only in
sustaining crop productivity and soil health but also in supplementing quality composition of
the crops. There are several reports which show that the combined and sole application of
organic manures and biofertilizers increase yield and influence quality attributes in
vegetables (Bahadur et al., 2006). In our investigations also, integration of organic and
inorganics alone or in the presence of PGPR inoculation of seed and seedling root dip had
significant effect on quality parameters viz. ascorbic acid content and protein of cabbage
(Table 4.5)
Table 4.5 Effect of different treatments on protein and ascorbic acid content of
cabbage
Treatment
code
Treatments Protein
(%)
Ascorbic Acid
(mg/100 g)
T1 RPF = (RDF (125 N: 110 P: 50 K kg/ha)
+ FYM 20 t/ha)) 17.29
11.61
T2 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 16.31 12.52
T3 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 15.91 15.43
T4 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 15.94 12.10
T5 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 14.96 15.07
T6 75 % NP + PGPR 16.98 12.83
T7 50 % NP + PGPR 16.00 15.80
T8 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 17.18 12.22
T9 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 16.50 14.90
T10 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 17.70 12.42
T11 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 17.54 15.52
T12 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 16.97 13.14
T13 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 14.93 15.36
T14 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 18.46 16.36
T15 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 18.05 16.13
Mean 16.71 14.09
CD(0.05) 1.27 2.36
4.2.1 Protein (%)
Protein content was found to be the highest (18.46 %) through treatment T14 (75 %
NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR) followed by statistically at par protein content in
treatments T15 (18.05 %), T10 (17.70 %), T11 (17.54 %) and T1 (17.29 %). Overall, plant
exposed to more N (100 or 75 %) had more protein content vis-a-vis to their counterpart
treatments receiving inorganics at 50 % of recommended dose. This could be ascribed to the
fact that when a plant is exposed with more nitrogen, it increases protein production and
45
reduces carbohydrates synthesis. The enhancement in protein content in T14 as above could
be the result of inoculation of plant with P-solubilising ability of rhizobacteria i.e. Bacillus
which might have increased P and NH4+
-N uptake, enhanced mineral uptake and gave
increased production of phytohormones such as IAA and gibberellins (Gadagi et al., 2004).
These results were similar to the study of Sable and Bhamare (2007) in cauliflower,
Upadhyay et al. (2012) in cabbage and Verma et al. (2014) in cabbage.
4.2.2 Ascorbic acid (mg/100 g)
Maximum ascorbic acid content (16.36 mg/100 g) was recorded through integration
of 75 % NP with 2.5 t/ha of combined VC and EC along with Bacillus inoculation (T14). In
general, all the integrated treatments comprising of 75 or 50 % inorganic (N and P) along
with organics (EC and VC) alone or in the presence of Bacillus inoculation registered higher
ascorbic acid vis-a-vis recommended package of fertilization (11.61 mg/100 g) which utilized
100 % recommended NPK (125:110:50 kg/ha) along with 20 t/ha FYM (T1). These findings
are in close agreement with those reported earlier by Mahendran and Kumar (1997) in
cabbage, Guo et al. (2004) in cabbage, Singh (2004) in cauliflower and Sable and Bhamare
(2007) in cauliflower, Rai et al. (2013) in cabbage and Verma et al. (2014) in cabbage.
The minimum ascorbic acid content was observed in plot where recommended dose
of NPK (125:110:50 kg/ha + 20 t/ha FYM) was given. The reason for decrease in ascorbic
acid content with chemical fertilization is that when a plant is exposed with more of N, it
increases protein production and reduces carbohydrate production. Since vitamin C is made
from carbohydrate, hence the synthesis of vitamin C might have reduced.
4.3 SOIL ANALYSIS
Sustainability of a cropping system is evaluated on the basis of crop yield as well as
nutrient status of the soil after harvest of the crop. The analysis of variance (Appendix-II)
revealed that, soil organic carbon, soil EC, available NPK and microbial counts after harvest
were significantly influenced by integration of nutrients from different sources i.e. organic
and inorganic
4.3.1 Soil Organic Carbon (%)
Organic carbon (OC) of soil acts as a sink and source of nutrients for microbial
population, which regulates the availability of different nutrients through microbial
transformation. The increase of organic carbon content was more pronounced in VC related
46
treatments and accordingly T14 consisting of 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR
recorded significantly highest organic carbon (2.22 %) among the treatments which was
45.09 % above the one recorded before experimentation (1.53 %). T8 (75 % NP + VC@ 2.5
t/ha + PGPR) and T2 (75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha), which recorded 1.93 and 1.81 % OC, were
the next best treatment in that order. Recommended package of fertilization (T1) observed
1.48 % content of organic carbon.
Many researchers have reported about increase in organic carbon content in soil with
application of vermicompost (Mascicandaro et al., 1997; Mitchell et al., 2007; Carey et al.,
2009). Kong et al. (2005) observed higher level of organic carbon content in recyclable crop
waste under organic farming system than conventional one and attributed it to increased
microbial activities in the root zone which decomposed organic manures and also fixed
unavailable form of mineral nutrients into available forms in soil thereby substantiated crop
requirements and improved organic carbon level and stabilized soil pH. Choudhary et al.
(2005) reported that the incorporation of biofertilizers and FYM with inorganic fertilizers
significantly improved the organic carbon content of the soil in tomato. Similar results were
also observed by Merentola et al. (2012) in cabbage.
Table 4.6 Effect of different treatments on organic carbon and electrical conductivity
of soil
Treatment
code
Treatments Soil organic
carbon (%)
Soil EC
(dSm-1
)
T1 RPF = (RDF (125 N: 110 P: 50 K kg/ha)
+ FYM 20 t/ha)) 1.48 0.65
T2 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 1.81 0.43
T3 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 1.69 0.32
T4 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 1.35 0.30
T5 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 1.28 0.57
T6 75 % NP + PGPR 1.66 1.33
T7 50 % NP + PGPR 1.18 0.45
T8 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 1.93 0.62
T9 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 1.73 1.46
T10 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 1.43 0.57
T11 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 1.42 0.54
T12 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 1.32 0.43
T13 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 1.24 0.35
T14 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 2.22 1.20
T15 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 1.62 0.56
Mean 1.55 0.65
C.D(0.05) 0.09 0.15
47
4.3.2 Soil EC (dSm-1
)
The measurement of electrical conductivity of soil is important as it renders
information about the concentration of soluble salts in the soil. Better estimate of soluble
salts can be obtained from the conductivity of a water extract of the soil. The conductivity of
a saturation extract is generally recommended for appraising soil salinity in relation to plant
growth. So to know the suitability of a soil for different crops, it is a must to have an idea of
salts in that soil. Here, in our study, the electrical conductivity of soil ranged from 0.30 to
1.46 for different treatments which was found to be within safer limit for the cultivation of
most of the crops.
4.3.3 Available nitrogen content in soil (kg/ha)
The data (Table 4.7) showed that there was significant gain in available N in soil due
to the integrated use of organic and chemical sources of fertilizers. Maximum available
nitrogen (364.04 kg/ha) was recorded in treatment plots supplemented with recommended
package of fertilization (RPF) i.e. 100 % RDF (120 N: 110 P: 50 K kg/ha) along with 20 t
FYM/ha (T1).
Table 4.7 Effect of different treatments on available post harvest NPK content in soil
Treatment
code
Treatments Available
Nitrogen
(kg/ha)
Available
Phosphorus
(kg/ha)
Available
Potassium
(kg/ha)
T1 RPF = (RDF (125 N: 110 P: 50 K kg/ha)
+ FYM 20 t/ha)) 364.04 53.76 404.06
T2 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 341.95 33.68 450.85
T3 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 280.19 26.40 479.67
T4 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 293.56 26.42 487.80
T5 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 274.91 30.50 477.14
T6 75 % NP + PGPR 284.74 26.88 471.34
T7 50 % NP + PGPR 282.41 30.16 443.18
T8 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 359.16 33.58 415.45
T9 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 309.37 31.44 492.29
T10 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 346.59 33.14 472.63
T11 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 320.18 30.90 446.89
T12 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 361.57 37.33 466.68
T13 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 326.27 32.85 457.18
T14 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 323.14 50.77 444.53
T15 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 321.73 45.54 455.85
Mean 319.32 34.89 457.70
C.D(0.05) 51.59 4.59 17.38
48
Similar result was also reported by Sharma et al. (2008) in broccoli, Merentola et al.
(2012) in cabbage and Vimera et al. (2012) in chilli who reported that application of 100 %
NPK fertilizers recorded maximum available NPK in soil after harvesting of respective crops.
Swain et al. (2013) who also noted maximum available nitrogen in the plots supplied with
100 % chemical fertilizers, explained that in chemical fertilizers, mineralization process was
faster and thereby has shown immediate release of N and its availability in the soil. A
majority of other nutrient modules; comprising reduced inorganic (NP) @ 75 or 50 % RDF
along with organics (VC and EC) with or without bio-inoculation of plants also recorded
available nitrogen at par with RPF (T1). Increase in available N through integration of
vermicompost and/or enriched composts with reduced inorganic composition with or without
bio-inoculation of plants could be attributed to the direct addition of nitrogen through these
manures and multiplication of soil microbes, which could convert organically bound N to
inorganic form to the available pool of the soil. Besides its better nutrient contents, the
organic manures could have increased the efficiency of added chemical fertilizer by its
temporary immobilization, which reduces leaching of plant nutrients (Das et al., 2006).
Savant and De Dutta (1982) reported that reserved nutrients were observed because of
fixation and accumulation of organic nutrient elements, which are promoted by application of
organic materials.
4.3.4 Available phosphorus content in soil (kg/ha)
The availability of phosphorus was also highest (53.76 kg/ha) through recommended
package of fertilization (RPF) utilizing 125 N: 100 P: 50 K kg/ha along with 20 t FYM/ha
(T1) as shown in Table 4.7. The integrated nutrient module of 75 % NP along with 2.5 t
mixture of VC and EC to the bacterium inoculated plants (T14) recorded 50.77 kg/ha of
phosphorus in soil at the end of cropping season which was statistically at par with T1 (RPF).
The favourable effect of combined application of inorganic and organic source of
nutrients in enhancing the P availability may be defined as the reduction in fixation of water
soluble P and increase in mineralization that enhanced the availability of P. The organic acids
and hydroxyl acids liberated during the decomposition of organic matter may form complex
or chelate Fe, Al, Mg and Ca and prevented them from reacting with phosphate (Sharma et
al. 2001).
49
4.3.5 Available Potassium content in soil (kg/ha)
Significant differences were observed on analyzing the data regarding available K
content after final harvest of the crop as shown in Table 4.7. With respect to potassium, all
the treatment combinations supplied with reduced amount of inorganic i.e. NP (75 or 50 %)
but integrated with VC, EC or both with or without Bacillus inoculation of plants registered
significantly higher availability of potassium vis-a-vis RPF (T1).
The beneficial effect of vermicompost and enriched compost on available K may be
ascribed to the direct potassium addition to the potassium pool of the soil besides the
reduction in potassium fixation and its release due to interaction of organic matter with clay
particles. The beneficial effects of integration of organic manures + bio-inoculants +
chemical fertilizers in promoting inherent fertility status of soil was earlier reported by
Parmar et al. (2006) in cauliflower.
4.4 MICROBIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
4.4.1 Total Microbial Count (cfu/g)
The bacterial population was significantly enhanced by the application of combined
use of organic, inorganic fertilizers and PGPR after harvest of crop over RPF (Table 4.8). The
soil receiving 75 % NP + VC and EC @ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR (T14) recorded maximum microbial
count (266 × 105
cfu/g soil) while minimum (140 × 105
cfu/g) microbial count was noted in
recommended package of fertilization (T1).
Table 4.8. Effect of different treatments on total microbial counts in cabbage
rhizosphere
Treatment
code
Treatments Total Microbial count
× 105 cfu/g soil
T1 RPF = (RDF (125 N: 110 P: 50 K kg/ha) + FYM 20 t/ha)) 140
T2 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 245
T3 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 155
T4 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 235
T5 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 206
T6 75 % NP + PGPR 257
T7 50 % NP + PGPR 178
T8 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 258
T9 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 252
T10 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 237
T11 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 220
T12 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 216
T13 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 201
T14 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 266
T15 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 261
Mean 221
C.D(0.05) 26.10
50
In general, the population of microbes increased remarkably across all the treatments
comprising of reduced content of inorganic (75 or 50 %) and VC and EC with or without
PGPR. It could be explained that higher concentration of exchangeable and soluble Al3+
ion
under the higher chemical fertilizer treatment might have created a deleterious impact of soil
acidity on microorganisms, which in turn reduced the microbial population under the higher
chemical fertilizer treatment (Brady and Weil, 2002). On the other hand, the composts, are
materials with high organic carbon which might have increased porosity, drainage, and water
holding capacity (Edwards and Burrows, 1988) which have enhanced the congenial
conditions to harbour more microbes. Similar improvement in biological properties of soil
with organic nutrition has already been reported by Dubey and Agrawal (1999) and Saini et
al. (2005) also.
4.4.2 Total Microbial Activity (CO2 evolution/g of soil)
The rate of CO2 evolution in treatment comprising different levels of NP + organic
manures + PGPR increased up to 24 h and then followed a sudden decrease and remained in
decreasing trend with increase in incubation period (Table 4.9 and Figure 2) . However, the
rate of CO2 evolution was the maximum under treatment T14 and minimum was recorded with
T1 after 24 h of incubation period.
Table 4.9 Effect of different treatments on total microbial activity in cabbage
rhizosphere
Treatment
code
Treatments Total Microbial Activity
(CO2 evolution/g soil)
12
hours
24
hours
48
hours
72
hours
T1 RPF = (RDF (125 N: 110 P: 50 K kg/ha)
+ FYM 20 t/ha))
0.24 0.32 0.19 0.15
T2 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 0.28 0.39 0.21 0.18
T3 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 0.37 0.48 0.29 0.21
T4 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 0.33 0.45 0.25 0.19
T5 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 0.35 0.42 0.28 0.20
T6 75 % NP + PGPR 0.44 0.53 0.36 0.25
T7 50 % NP + PGPR 0.39 0.46 0.31 0.24
T8 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 0.61 0.69 0.48 0.36
T9 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 0.52 0.61 0.44 0.31
T10 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 0.50 0.58 0.42 0.32
T11 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 0.39 0.46 0.31 0.26
T12 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 0.70 0.76 0.54 0.44
T13 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 0.66 0.71 0.61 0.41
T14 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 0.85 0.89 0.68 0.58
T15 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 0.74 0.78 0.58 0.48
51
Figure 2. Effect of different treatments on Total microbial activity
This might be ascribed to increase in microbial population by conjoint application of
bacterium with chemical fertilizers and organic manures. The results are further in
conformation with those of Islam and Weil (2002) and Kaushal et al. (2013).
4.5 ECONOMICS
The adoption of technology in modern agriculture can only be feasible and
acceptable to farmers if it is economically viable. The treatment-wise cost of cultivation and
return analysis (B: C ratio) has been depicted through Appendix-III and Table 4.10,
respectively.
The economic analysis showed that the highest net return of Rs 3,89,992/-ha was
obtained from treatment T14 (75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR) which also recorded
highest benefit cost ratio of 2.77. The high profitability in T14 was on account of the highest
yield (530.34 q/ha) recorded by this treatment after incurring Rs. 1,40,348/- towards cost of
cultivation. Sharma et al. (2014) observed highest annual net returns in cauliflower, French
bean and okra cropping sequence through treatment comprising of vermicompost @ 20 t/ha +
75% of recommended dose of NPK + PGPR over the recommended practice (100% NPK +
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1
12 hours 24 hours 48 hours 72 hours
CO
2ev
olu
tio
n/g
so
il
Incubation period
T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
T8
T9
T10
T11
T12
T13
T14
T15
52
20 t FYM/ha). Similar returns through conjoint use of organic manures, PGPR/bio-fertilizers
and chemical fertilizers has also been reported by Tekasangla et al. (2015) in cauliflower,
Merentola et al. (2012) in cabbage, Chumyani et al. (2012) in tomato and Vimera et al.
(2012) in king chilli.
Table 4.10 Effect of different treatments on economics of cabbage
Treatment
code
Treatments Yield
(q/ha)
*Gross
return
(Rs/ha)
Cost of
cultivation
(Rs/ha)
Net
return
(Rs/ha)
B:C
ratio
T1 RPF = (RDF (125 N: 110 P: 50 K kg/ha)
+ FYM 20 t/ha)) 394.62 394620 115136 279484 2.42
T2 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 427.04 427040 151599 275441 1.81
T3 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha 403.48 403480 149560 253920 1.69
T4 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 372.80 372800 121599 251201 2.06
T5 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha 342.44 342440 119560 222880 1.86
T6 75 % NP + PGPR 427.56 427560 116849 310711 2.65
T7 50 % NP + PGPR 415.32 415320 114810 300510 2.61
T8 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 405.23 405230 155349 249881 1.60
T9 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 390.37 390370 153310 237060 1.54
T10 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 394.80 394800 125349 269451 2.14
T11 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 365.12 365120 123310 241810 1.96
T12 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 417.54 417540 136599 280941 2.05
T13 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha 372.76 372760 134560 238200 1.77
T14 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 530.34 530340 140348 389992 2.77
T15 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR 447.09 447090 138310 308780 2.23
* The gross return were worked out on the basis of sale price of Rs. 10/- kg fixed by the
University
53
Chapter-5
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
The present investigation entitled “Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on
Growth, Yield and Quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.)’’ was
conducted at the experimental farm of the Department of the Vegetable Science, Dr. Y S
Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP) during Rabi season of
2014-15.
The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three
replications comprising of 15 treatment combinations of inorganic fertilizer, organic manures
and PGPR to know their effect on growth, yield and quality of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.
var. capitata) under mid-hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. The treatments were T1: RPF =
(RDF (125 N: 110 P: 50 K kg/ha) + FYM 20 t/ha)), T2: 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha, T3: 50 %
NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha, T4: 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha, T5: 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha, T6: 75 %
NP + PGPR, T7: 50 % NP + PGPR, T8 : 75 % NP + VC @ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR, T9: 50 % NP +
VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR, T10: 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR, T11: 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha
+ PGPR, T12: 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha, T13: 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha, T14:
75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR and T15: 50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha +
PGPR. Seeds of cabbage cv. ‘Pusa Mukta’ were sown in the nursery on 30th
Aug., 2014 and
transplanting was done on 30th
Sep., 2014. The plot size was 2.7 m x 1.8 m and planting was
done at spacing of 45 cm x 30 cm.
The observations were recorded on plant height (cm), plant spread (cm), stalk length
(cm), number of days to 50 % head maturity, polar diameter (cm), equatorial diameter (cm),
head shape index, net head weight, gross head weight, harvesting index (%), yield per plot
(kg), yield per hectare (q), protein (%), ascorbic acid (mg/100 g), soil organic carbon (%),
soil electrical conductivity (dsm-1
), available N, P, K in soil. The benefit cost ratio of the
different INM treatments were also worked out.
The important findings of the experiment have been summarized below:
� Plant height was recorded maximum (26.59 cm) in T6 (75 % NP + PGPR) while
minimum (24.22 cm) was observed in T9 (50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR)
54
� Plant spread was maximum (63.35 cm) through recommended package of fertilization
(T1) and minimum (51.50 cm) was found in T9 (50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR)
� Maximum and minimum stalk length were observed in T2 (4.69 cm) and T9 (3.42 cm).
� Number of days taken to 50 % head maturity did not differ significantly and at least
50 % heads were harvested from 79th
to 86th
days from date of transplanting of
seedlings.
� Polar (12.19 cm) and equatorial diameter (13.50 cm) as well as head shape index
(0.90) were observed to be the maximum through an integrated combination
comprising 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR (T14).
� The yield attributes viz. gross head weight (1580 g), net head weight (1050 g) as well
as harvest index (66.45 %) were found to be maximum in T14 (75 % NP + VC and
EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR).
� The significantly highest yield (30.32 kg) from a plot area (4.86 m2) was obtained
with treatment module T14 (75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR). The only
other treatment that significantly surpassed the yield potential over the recommended
package (T1) was T15 (50 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR).
� On hectare basis, again T14 and T15 with an yield outlay of 530.34 and 447.09 q/ha,
respectively excelled significantly over the RPF (394.62 q/ha). Overall, the per cent
increase registered by these treatment were 34.39 and 13.29 per cent, respectively
over the RPF (100% NPK + FYM 20 t/ha).
� The quality attributes viz. protein (18.46 %) and ascorbic acid (16.36 mg/100 g) were
observed to be the best with integrated schedule comprising 75 % NP + VC and EC@
2.5 t/ha + PGPR (T14).
� Post harvest analysis of soil fertility revealed maximum available nitrogen (364.04
kg/ha) and phosphorus (53.76 kg/ha) in RPF receiving 100 % NPK along with 20 t
FYM (T1) while Potassium availability (492.29 kg/ha) was maximum through T9 (50
% NP + VC @ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR) vis-a-vis 404.06 kg/ha under recommended module
of fertilization (T1).
� Organic carbon was found to be more pronounced in vermicompost related treatment
and accordingly T14 comprising of 75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR
recorded maximum organic carbon (2.22 %) vis-a-vis RPF which noted 1.48 %
content.
� Electrical conductivity of soil ranged from 0.30 to 1.46 dSm-1
for different treatments
which was within safer limit for the cultivation of vegetable crops.
55
� The maximum microbial count (266 x 105
cfu/g soil) was observed in T14 while
recommended package schedule (T1) recorded the least i.e. 140 x 105 cfu/g soil).
Similarly, the rate of CO2 evolution was the maximum under treatment T14 and
minimum was recorded through recommended package i.e. T1.
CONCLUSION
All the treatments showed significant differences for most of the traits under study,
except for number of days taken to 50 % head maturity. T14 (75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5
t/ha + PGPR) was rated as the best treatment for majority of traits viz. head size (polar
diameter and equatorial diameter) and head shape, gross head and net head weight,
harvesting index and yield, protein and ascorbic acid content, soil organic carbon, total
microbial count and total microbial activity. Maximum net returns were also obtained
through T14 with the highest benefit cost ratio of 2.77.
Therefore, it can be concluded that above integrated combination of chemical
fertilizers, organic manures (VC and EC) and PGPR resulted in saving of 25 % fertilizers
(NP), better growth, higher yield and net returns besides enhanced soil health as evident by
post harvest soil fertility status which statistically matched with the recommended package
of fertilization which utilized 100 % NPK along with 20 t FYM.
Hence, the above treatment (75 % NP + VC and EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR) can be
suggested as a cost effective combination for getting higher yield with greater quality on
sustainable basis.
56
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Department of Vegetable ScienceDr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry
(Nauni) Solan (HP) 173230 India
Title of Thesis : Effect of integrated nutrient management ongrowth, yield and quality of cabbage(Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata)
Name of student : Yadav Ram PranvirsinghAdmission No. : H-13-65-MMajor Discipline : Vegetable ScienceMinor Discipline : Soil Science and Water ManagementDate of thesis submission : 2015Total Pages of the thesis : 69 + IIIName of Major Advisor : Dr A K Sharma
ABSTRACT
The present investigation entitled “Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yieldand quality of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata)” was carried out at the Experimental Farmof Department of Vegetable Science, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni,Solan, (HP) during Rabi season of the year 2014-15 with the objective to evolve integrated plantnutrient supply system for higher productivity of cabbage on sustainable basis. The experiment waslaid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications comprising fifteen treatmentsviz. T1: RPF = (RDF (125 N: 110 P: 50 K kg/ha) + FYM 20 t/ha)), T2: 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha, T3:50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha, T4: 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha, T5: 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha, T6: 75 % NP +PGPR, T7: 50 % NP + PGPR, T8: 75 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR, T9: 50 % NP + VC@ 2.5 t/ha +PGPR, T10: 75 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR, T11: 50 % NP + EC@ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR, T12: 75 % NP+ VC and EC @ 2.5 t/ha, T13: 50 % NP + VC and EC @ 2.5 t/ha, T14: 75 % NP + VC and EC @ 2.5t/ha + PGPR, T15: 50 % NP + VC and EC @ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR. The seedlings were transplanted at aspacing of 45 x 30 cm in 2.7 x 1.8 m size plots. Integrated use of fertilizers, manures and PGPRsignificantly influenced yield and plant growth attributes of cabbage crop. The conjoint use of 75 %recommended dose of NP + Vermicompost and Enriched compost @ 2.5 t/ha + PGPR (T14) resultedin significantly maximum gross head weight (1580 g), net head weight (1050 g), harvest index (66.45%) and head yield (530.34 q/ha). This treatment recorded 34.4 per cent increase in yield overrecommended practice (T1) along with highest net returns (Rs.3, 89,992/-) besides increase in qualityparameters (protein and ascorbic acid) and available primary nutrient contents. From presentinvestigation, it can be concluded that above integrated combination of chemical fertilizers, organicmanures (VC and EC) and PGPR resulted in saving of 25 % chemical fertilizers (NP), better growth,higher yield and net returns besides enhanced soil health as evident by post harvest soil fertility statuswhich statistically matched with the recommended package of fertilization which utilized 100 % NPKalong with 20 t FYM.
Signature of the Student Signature of Major AdvisorName: Yadav Ram Pranvirsingh Name: Dr AK SharmaDate : Date :
Head of the Department
i
APPENDIX-I
Agro-meteorological data during the research period from August 2014-February 2015
Month Rainfall
(mm)
Temperature (°C) Relative
Humidity (%) Maximum Minimum Mean
August 2014 83.80 28.80 18.60 23.70 72.00
September 2014 129.40 27.90 16.10 22.00 71.00
October 2014 15.70 25.70 10.30 18.00 60.00
November 2014 0.00 23.60 5.70 14.65 49.00
December 2014 75.60 19.70 2.40 11.05 58.00
January 2015 49.40 17.10 2.60 9.85 63.00
February 2015 67.00 19.60 5.70 12.65 59.00
Source: Meteorological Observatory, Department of Environmental Science, Dr. Y S
Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) 173230
ii
APPENDIX- II
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for various traits of Cabbage as affected by different
treatments
Source of
variation
Degree
of
freedom
Mean sum of square (MSS)
Plant
height
(cm)
Plant
spread
(cm)
Stalk
length
(cm)
Number of days to 50%
head maturity
Replication 2 1.70 6.66 0.21 11.4
Treatment 14 1.625 44.87 0.51 14.46
Error 28 0.51 2.36 0.07 10.28
Source of
variation
Degree
of
freedom
Mean sum of square (MSS)
Polar
diameter
(cm)
Equatorial
diameter
(cm)
Head
index
Gross head weight (g)
Replication 2 0.01 0.05 0.00 24699.96
Treatment 14 0.285 0.21 0.00 23500.22
Error 28 0.020 0.02 0.00 6293.15
Source of
variation
Degree
of
freedom
Mean sum of square (MSS)
Net
head
weight
(g)
Harvest
index
(%)
Yield per
plot (kg)
Yield per hectare (q)
Replication 2 10491.62 2.99 1.06 325.38
Treatment 14 19055.75 10.81 18.73 5729.51
Error 28 3294.64 3.51 2.39 733.95
Source of
variation
Degree
of
freedom
Mean sum of square (MSS)
Protein
(%)
Ascorbic
acid (mg/
100 g)
Soil organic
carbon (%)
Soil electrical conductivity
(dSm-1
)
Replication 2 1.21 0.19 0.007 0.018
Treatment 14 3.20 8.76 0.248 0.410
Error 28 0.49 1.97 0.003 0.008
Source of
variation
Degree
of
freedom
Mean sum of square (MSS)
Available
N in soil
(kg/ha)
Available
P in soil
(kg/ha)
Available
K in soil
(kg/ha)
Total microbial count
(cfu/g soil)
Replication 2 607.95 2.68 1.85 81.66
Treatment 14 3232.64 217.60 1857.29 4665.41
Error 28 960.96 7.53 121.72 243.57
iii
Appendix-III
Cost of cultivation of Cabbage as affected by different treatments
Treatment
code
Item(s) Qty
Required
Rate
(Rs)
Amount
(Rs)
T1 A. Variable Costs
1. Seed ( g) 750 1500.00/-kg 1125
2. FYM (q) 200 150.00/- qtls 30000
3. Urea (kg) 100 % 272 5.40/-kg 1469
4. SSP (kg) 100 % 675 9.90/-kg 6682
5. MOP (kg) 100 % 85 11.30/-kg 960
6. Ploughing & planking with tractor (hour) 4 600.00/- hr 2400
7. Pesticides - - 500
8. Labor wages* 310 200.00/manday 62000
B. Fixed cost
1. Land rental value including interest and depreciations - - 10000
Total 115136
T2 A. Variable Costs
1. Seed (g) 750 1500.00/-kg 1125
2. Farm Yard Manure (q) 200 150.00/- qtls 30000
3.Vermicompost (q) 25 1500.00/-qtls 37500
4. Urea (kg) 75 % 204 5.40/-kg 1102
5. SSP (kg) 75 % 506 9.90/-kg 5012
6. MOP (kg) 100 % 85 11.30/-kg 960
7. Ploughing & planking with tractor (hour) 4 600/- hr 2400
8. Pesticides - - 500
9. Labor wages 315 200.00/manday 63000
B. Fixed cost
1. Land rental value including interest and depreciations - - 10000
Total 151599
T3 A. Variable Costs
1. Seed (g) 750 1500.00/-kg 1125
2. Farm Yard Manure (q) 200 150.00/- qtls 30000
3. Vermicompost (q) 25 1500.00/-qtls 37500
4. Urea (kg) 50 % 136 5.40./-kg 734
5. SSP (kg) 50 % 337 9.90/-kg 3341
6. MOP (kg) 100 % 85 11.30/-kg 960
7. Ploughing & planking with tractor (hour) 4 600.00/- kg 2400
8. Pesticides - - 500
9. Labor wages 315 200.00/manday 63000
B. Fixed cost
1. Land rental value including interest and depreciations - - 10000
Total 149560
iv
Treatment
code
Item(s) Qty
Required
Rate
(Rs)
Amount
(Rs)
T4 A. Variable Costs
1. Seed (g) 750 1500.00/-kg 1125
2. Farm Yard Manure (q) 200 150.00/- qtls 30000
3.Enriched compost (q) 25 300.00/-qtls 7500
4. Urea (kg) 75 % 204 5.40/-kg 1102
5. SSP (kg) 75 % 506 9.90/-kg 5012
6. MOP (kg) 100 % 85 11.30/-kg 960
7. Ploughing & planking with tractor (hour) 4 600.00/- hr 2400
8. Pesticides - - 500
9. Labor wages 315 200.00/manday 63000
B. Fixed cost
1. Land rental value including interest and depreciations - - 10000
Total 121599
T5 A. Variable Costs
1. Seed (g) 750 1500.00/-kg 1125
2. Farm Yard Manure (q) 200 150.00/- qtls 30000
3. Enriched compost 25 300.00/-qtls 7500
4. Urea (kg) 50 % 136 5.40/-kg 734
5. SSP (kg) 50 % 337 9.90/-kg 3341
6. MOP (kg) 100 % 85 11.30/-kg 960
7. Ploughing & planking with tractor (hour) 4 600.00/- hr 2400
8. Pesticides - - 500
9. Labor wages 315 200.00/manday 63000
B. Fixed cost
1. Land rental value including interest and depreciations - - 10000
Total 119560
T6 A. Variable Costs
1. Seed (g) 750 1500.00/-kg 1125
2. Farm Yard Manure (q) 200 150.00/- qtls 30000
3.PGPR (1 L per 1000 seedlings) 75 500.00/-ltr 3750
4. Urea (kg) 75% 204 5.40/-kg 1102
5. SSP (kg) 75% 506 9.90/-kg 5012
6. MOP (kg) 100 % 85 11.30/-kg 960
7. Ploughing & planking with tractor (hour) 4 600.00/- hr 2400
8. Pesticides - - 500
9. Labor wages 310 200.00/manday 62000
B. Fixed cost
1. Land rental value including interest and depreciations - - 10000
Total 116849
T7 A. Variable Costs
1. Seed (g) 750 1500.00/-kg 1125
2. Farm Yard Manure (q) 200 150.00/- qtls 30000
3. PGPR (1 L per 1000 seedlings) 75 500.00/-ltr 3750
4. Urea (kg) 50 % 136 5.40/-kg 734
5. SSP (kg) 50 % 337 9.90/-kg 3341
6. MOP (kg) 100 % 85 11.30/-kg 960
7. Ploughing & planking with tractor (hour) 4 600.00/- hr 2400
8. Pesticides - - 500
9. Labor wages 310 200.00/manday 62000
B. Fixed cost
1. Land rental value including interest and depreciations - - 10000
Total 114810
v
Treatment
code
Item(s) Treatment
code
Item(s) Qty
Required
T8 A. Variable Costs
1. Seed (g) 750 1500.00/-kg 1125
2. Farm Yard Manure (q) 200 150.00/- qtls 30000
3.Vermicompost (q) 25 1500.00/-qtls 37500
4. PGPR (1 L per 1000 seedlings) 75 500.00/-ltr 3750
5. Urea (kg) 75 % 204 5.40/-kg 1102
6. SSP (kg) 75 % 506 9.90/-kg 5012
7. MOP (kg) 100 % 85 11.30/-kg 960
8. Ploughing & planking with tractor (hour) 4 600.00/- hr 2400
9. Pesticides - - 500
10. Labor wages 315 200.00/manday 63000
B. Fixed cost
1. Land rental value including interest and depreciations - - 10000
Total 155349
T9 A. Variable Costs
1. Seed(g) 750 1500.00/-kg 1125
2. Farm Yard Manure (q) 200 150.00/- qtls 30000
3. Vermicompost (q) 25 1500.00/-qtls 37500
4. PGPR (1 L per 1000 seedlings) 75 500.00/-ltr 3750
5. Urea (kg) 50 % 136 5.40/-kg 734
6. SSP (kg) 50 % 337 9.90/-kg 3341
7. MOP (kg) 100 % 85 11.30/-kg 960
8. Ploughing & planking with tractor (hour) 4 600.00/- hr 2400
9. Pesticides - - 500
10. Labor wages 315 200.00/manday 63000
B. Fixed cost
1. Land rental value including interest and depreciations - 10000
Total 153310
T10 A. Variable Costs
1. Seed (g) 750 1500.00/-kg 1125
2. Farm Yard Manure (q) 200 150.00/- qtls 30000
3. Enriched compost (q) 25 300.00/-qtls 7500
4. PGPR (1 L per 1000 seedlings) 75 500.00/-ltr 3750
5. Urea (kg) 75 % 204 5.40/-kg 1102
6. SSP (kg) 75 % 506 9.90/-kg 5012
7. MOP (kg) 100 % 85 11.30/-kg 960
8. Ploughing & planking with tractor (hour) 4 600.00/- hr 2400
9. Pesticides - - 500
10. Labor wages 315 200.00/manday 63000
B. Fixed cost
1. Land rental value including interest and depreciations - 10000
Total 125349
vi
Treatment
code
Item(s) Treatment
code
Item(s) Qty
Required
T11 1. Seed (g) 750 1500.00/-kg 1125
2. Farm Yard Manure (q) 200 150.00/- qtls 30000
3. Enriched compost (q) 25 300.00/-qtls 7500
4. PGPR (1 L per 1000 seedlings) 75 500.00/-ltr 3750
5. Urea (kg) 50 % 136 5.40/-kg 734
6. SSP (kg) 50 % 337 9.90/-kg 3341
7. MOP (kg) 100 % 85 11.30/-kg 960
8. Ploughing & planking with tractor (hour) 4 600.00/- hr 2400
9. Pesticides - - 500
10. Labor wages 315 200.00/manday 63000
B. Fixed cost
1. Land rental value including interest and depreciations - 10000
Total 123310
T12 A. Variable Costs
1. Seed (g) 750 1500.00/-kg 1125
2. Farm Yard Manure (q) 200 150.00/- qtls 30000
3.Vermicompost (q) 12.5 1500.00/-qtls 18750
4. Enriched compost (q) 12.5 300.00/-qtls 3750
5. Urea (kg) 75 % 204 5.40/-kg 1102
6. SSP (kg) 75 % 506 9.90/-kg 5012
7. MOP (kg) 100 % 85 11.30/-kg 960
8. Ploughing & planking with tractor (hour) 4 600.00/- hr 2400
9.Pesticides - - 500
10. Labor wages 315 200.00/manday 63000
B. Fixed cost
1. Land rental value including interest and depreciations - - 10000
Total 136599
T13 A. Variable Costs
1. Seed (g) 750 1500.00/-kg 1125
2. Farm Yard Manure (q) 200 150.00/- qtls 30000
3.Vermicompost (q) 12.5 1500.00/-qtls 18750
4. Enriched compost (q) 12.5 300.00/-qtls 3750
5. Urea (kg) 50 % 136 5.40/-kg 734
6. SSP (kg) 50 % 337 9.90/-kg 3341
7. MOP (kg) 100 % 85 11.30/-kg 960
8. Ploughing & planking with tractor(hour) 4 600.00/- hr 2400
9. Pesticides - - 500
10. Labor wages 315 200.00/manday 63000
B. Fixed cost
1. Land rental value including interest and depreciations - - 10000
Total 134560
vii
Treatment
code
Item(s) Qty
Required
Rate
(Rs)
Amount
(Rs)
T14 A. Variable Costs
1. Seed(g) 750 1500.00/-kg 1125
2. Farm Yard Manure (q) 200 150.00/- qtls 30000
3.Vermicompost (q) 12.5 1500.00/-qtls 18750
4. Enriched compost (q) 12.5 300.00/-qtls 3750
5. PGPR (1 L per 1000 seedlings) 75 500.00/-ltr 3750
6. Urea (kg) 75 % 204 5.40/-kg 1102
7. SSP (kg) 75 % 506 9.90/-kg 5011
8. MOP (kg) 100 % 85 11.30/-kg 960
9. Ploughing & planking with tractor (hour) 4 600.00/- hr 2400
10.Pesticides - - 500
11. Labor wages 315 200.00/manday 63000
B. Fixed cost
1. Land rental value including interest and depreciations - - 10000
Total 140348
T15 A. Variable Costs
1. Seed (g) 750 1500.00/-kg 1125
2. Farm Yard Manure (q) 200 150.00/- qtls 30000
3.Vermicompost (q) 12.5 1500.00/-qtls 18750
4. Enriched compost (q) 12.5 300.00/-qtls 3750
5. PGPR (1 L per 1000 seedlings) 75 500.00/-ltr 3750
6. Urea (kg) 50 % 136 5.40/-kg 734
7. SSP (kg) 50 % 337 9.90/-kg 3341
8. MOP (kg) 100 % 85 11.30/-kg 960
9. Ploughing & planking with tractor (hour) 4 600.00/- hr 2400
10. Pesticides - - 500
11. Labor wages 315 200.00/manday 63000
B. Fixed cost
1. Land rental value including interest and depreciations - - 10000
Total 138310
*Labour wages – Work-wise man days requirement for cultivation of cabbage on hectare basis
Sr. No. Particulars Man days
1 Nursery raising 50
2 Field preparation 50
3 Manuring (FYM) 40
4 Manuring (VC and EC) 05
5 Transplanting 25
6 Interculture 75
7 Irrigation 10
8 Plant protection 10
9 Harvesting and Marketing 50
TOTAL 315
BIODATA
Name : Yadav Ram Pranvirsingh
Father’s Name : Sh. Pranvir Singh Yadav
Mother’s Name : Smt. Bina Yadav
Date of Birth : 07.03.1989
Permanent Address : Parth city, District- Mahesana (Gujarat) - 384001
Educational qualifications:
Certificate/degree
Month &Year
School Board/ University Marks(%)
Division
Matriculation June,2004
Shri VardhmanVidhyalaya
GUJARAT BOARD 68.43 First
10+2 June,2007
Central PublicSchool, Kota
RAJASTHAN BOARD 54.00 Second
B.Sc.(Horticulture)
June,2013
College ofHorticulture,Dantiwada
SARDAR KRUSHINAGAR DANTIWADAAGRICULTURALUNIVERSITY(GUJARAT)
75.60 First
Scholarship/ Stipend/ Fellowship, any : NILother financial assistance receivedduring the study period
(Yadav Ram Pranvirsingh)