Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Garlic Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Pungency

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management modules on garlic yield, nutrient uptake, and pungency during 2011-12 and 2012-13. The experiment consisted of nine treatments that were performed in randomized block design with three replications. Integration of inorganic fertilizers, farm yard manure (FYM) and vermicompost (VC) or poultry manure (PM) or integration of inorganic fertilizers with FYM, VC and PM increased garlic yield by 6.5-7.9 per cent compared to inorganic fertilizers alone and 9.9-11.2 per cent compared to integrated use of single source of organic manure, biofertilizers, and inorganic fertilizers. Pyruvic acid content was higher in the plots received integrated use of inorganic fertilizers, organic manures, and biofertilizers increased soil organic carbon, and maintained soil fertility status compared to pre-planting soil test values. INM treatments had higher levels of nutrient uptake compared to the treatments received inorganic fertilizers alone. This result indicate that the farmers could save 25 per cent inorganic fertilizers and organic manures by integrating inorganic fertilizers, FYM with VC or PM, or by integrating inorganic fertilizers, FYM, VC, and PM.