Effect of Growing Media and Cow Urine on Seedling Growth, Leaf Nutrient Status and Economics of Papaya (Carica papaya L.)

Abstract

In recent decades, research attention is focusing on utilize animal wastes for the quality planting material production with the various growing media. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted on papaya cv. Arka Surya at the nursery unit of the Department of Horticulture, Agricultural University of Kota, Rajasthan to assessment the impact of growing media and organic liquid (cow urine) on seedling growth, leaf nutrient status and economic attributes. This experiment was laid out in a factorial complete randomized design with two factors consisting eleven growing media and two levels of cow urine (with or without). Among different treatments combination used the medium Soil + Sand + Vermiculite + Cocopeat + Perlite (1:1:1:1:1) with cow urine found significantly superior over other treatments and control with respect to maximum leaf area (51.85 cm2), vigour index-I (1550.27 cm), vigour index-II (59.55 g), fresh weight of seedling (2.86 g) and dry weight of seedling (0.42 g) at 75 days after sowing. The highest number of secondary roots (17.00) were also found in the same treatment as compared to rest of the treatments. Further, it was also found superior with relation to maximum nitrogen (1.87%), phosphorus (1.14%) and potassium (2.26%) content. The highest number of stout and healthy seedlings (9000) per 250 g seeds. Therefore, maximum total gross return (₹ 90000) obtained by selling of these seedlings with higher net income (₹ 17363) due to treatment T10-Soil + Sand + Vermiculite + Cocopeat + Perlite (1:1:1:1:1) with cow urine over control. However, it is recommended that Soil + Sand + Vermiculite + Cocopeat + Perlite (1:1:1:1:1) with cow urine should be used for healthier growth and higher nutrient quality with more net profitability.