Abstract
ABSTRACT Nutrient removal by crops from soil sometimes exceeds replenishment with fertilizers, causing a negative balance of nutrients in soils and ultimately resulting in multi-nutrient deficiencies. A field experiment was conducted during summer season of 2003 and 2004 at Lahaul and Sapiti, India, situated in high hill dry temperate zone to investigate the response of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.) to integrated nutrient management using organic manure and Azotobacter along with synthetic fertilizers. There were 12 treatments; i.e., three levels of an NPK synthetic fertilizer (50, 75, 100%) integrated with two levels each of cow manure (CM; 10 and 20 Mt·ha−1) and inoculation with Azotobacter (seedling dipped in culture and no inoculation) in combination. Marketable head yield increased linearly with increasing application of 10 to 20 Mt·ha−1 of CM in combination with increasing levels of NPK fertilizers and Azotobacter inoculation. Integration of Azotobacter with the recommended practice (100% NPK + 20 Mt·ha−1 of CW) produced the highest marketable head yield over the recommended practice of 20 Mt·ha−1 CM + 100% NPK. Moreover, this treatment combination resulted in maximum leaf width, apical and lateral curd weight along with total yield/plant in both years and maximum net returns with a benefit:cost ratio of 3.49. Integration of Azotobacter with 75% NPK and 20 MT·ha−1 of CM gave marketable head yield similar to the 100% recommended dose of NPK, resulting in the net saving of 25% NPK fertilizers. Nutrient uptake in plant tissues and nutrient build-up in soil followed almost similar trends. An application of 100% NPK + Azotobacter inoculation+20 Mt·ha−1 of CM provided the highest increase in the contents of organic C and available N, P, and K, 36, 32, 79, and 19%, respectively, over their initial status in the soil. About 31, 8.4, and 12.5 kg·ha−1 of N, P, and K, respectively, can be saved in broccoli production if CM at 20 Mt·ha−1 and Azotobacter are used in combination with synthetic fertilizers.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
