Effect of integrated nutrient management on seed yield and quality in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Abstract

Organic manures and biofertilizers improve soil, physical, chemical and biological properties and thus enhancecrops productivity and quality. Hence a study was carried out to assess interactive effect of inorganic fertilizers, vermicompost, Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorhizae (VAM) and biofertilizers [Azotobactor and Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB)] inoculation on seed yield and quality of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L). Moench). The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design for two consecutive cropping season, kharif 2012 and 2013, with ten INM treatments including control (100% RDF). The INM treatments differed significantly for plant height, seed yield, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod and seed quality parameters. Integrated use of 100% RDF or NPK + BF (Biofertilizer mixture of Azotobactor + PSB + VAM 10 kg/ha) + vermicompost 2.5 t/ha (7.96, 7.25 q/ha) performed significantly better than the control (7.11, 5.95 q/ha) for seed yield and its attributes as well as seed quality parameters during kharif 2012 and 2013, respectively. Treatment 50% RDF + BF was found to be the least performer. Also, the mean cost benefit ratio (1.75) was highest for 100% RDF + BF + vermicompost. The highest average net returns (Rupees 40 510/ha) was obtained with (T8) the conjunctive use of inorganic fertilizer (100% NPK) and organic manure (vermicompost) and VAM along with bio-inoculants followed by 100% NPK + biofertilizers (Rupees 35 410/ha), 100% RDF (Rupees 34 190/ha) and lowest by 50% RDF + biofertilizers (Rupees 19 530/ha).