Integrated Nutrient Management for Enhanced Yield and Profitability in African Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda

Abstract

Contemporary marigold cultivation increasingly focuses on optimising nutrient management practices to improve vegetative growth, flowering characteristics, and overall yield. The application of inorganic fertilisers, particularly nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), plays a pivotal role in crop growth and flower production, owing to the high availability of these nutrients for plant uptake and utilisation. The present study was conducted during 2021–22 at HRC, SVPUAT, Modipuram, Meerut to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, flowering, yield and economics of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with twelve treatments comprising different combinations of RDF, FYM, vermicompost and foliar application of ZnSO₄ and FeSO₄ @ 0.5%. Results revealed significant variation among treatments. Treatment T6 (75% RDF + FYM + vermicompost + ZnSO₄ + FeSO₄) recorded the highest flower yield (20.10 t ha⁻¹), gross return (Rs. 603000 ha⁻¹), net return (Rs. 495877.79 ha⁻¹) and benefit–cost ratio (5.62). Integrated application of organic and inorganic nutrient sources enhanced nutrient availability, improved crop performance and increased economic returns. Control treatment recorded the lowest yield and profitability. The study clearly indicates that partial substitution of chemical fertilizers with organic manures along with micronutrient supplementation is an effective and sustainable approach. Therefore, application of 75% RDF combined with FYM, vermicompost and micronutrient sprays is recommended for higher productivity and profitability of marigold under subtropical conditions.