Effect of Organic Manures and Biofertilizers on Quality Parameters and Economics of Cauliflower

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2025–26 to evaluate the influence of organic manures and biofertilizers on quality attributes and economic returns of cauliflower under naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted at the School of Agricultural Sciences, Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad, employing a Randomised Block Design (RBD) comprising nine treatments with three replications. The treatment structure included the individual application of vermicompost, poultry manure, jeevamrutha, and lignite; their respective 50% combinations with Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM), Azospirillum, and Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria (PSB); while farmyard manure (FYM) served as the control treatment. Observations were recorded on total soluble solids, ascorbic acid content and economic parameters. The data were analysed using analysis of variance, and treatment significance was tested at the 5% probability level. The integrated treatments produced better quality and economic performance than the sole organic inputs. Among the treatments, T₆, consisting of poultry manure 50% (7.5 t ha⁻¹) + VAM (5 kg ha⁻¹) + Azospirillum (2 kg ha⁻¹) + PSB (5 kg ha⁻¹), recorded the numerically highest total soluble solids (7.89°Brix) and the highest ascorbic acid content (63.22 mg 100 g⁻¹). The same treatment also recorded the highest gross returns (Rs. 16,250), net returns (Rs. 8,784) and benefit–cost ratio (1:1.17), followed by vermicompost 50% combined with the biofertilizers. The improvement under T₆ may be attributed to better nutrient availability, enhanced microbial activity and improved nutrient uptake through integrated nutrient management. The findings indicate that poultry manure combined with VAM, Azospirillum and PSB was the most effective treatment for improving cauliflower quality and profitability under the tested protected cultivation conditions.