Integrated Nutrient Management for Sustainable Sprouting Broccoli (Brassica Oleracea L. Var. italica) Production

Abstract

Aim: The objective of the research was to study the effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on the vegetative growth of sprouting broccoli (Brassica Oleracea L. Var. italica) Var. Green Magic. Study Design: The field experiment was conducted in Randomised Block Design (RBD). Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of the Department of Vegetable Science, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur U.P during the Rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23. Methodology: During bed preparation, the required quantity of farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost and biofertilizers was mixed into the soil in individual specified plots according to the treatment.  The treatments included T0: Control, T1: 100% RDF @ 120: 80: 60, N: P: K (kg/ha), T2: 75% RDF + 25% N through FYM, T3: 75% RDF + 25% N through Vermicompost, T4: 75% RDF + 25% N through FYM + Biofertilizer, T5: 75% RDF + 25% N through Vermicompost + Biofertilizer, T6: 75% RDF + 12.5% N through FYM + 12.5% N through Vermicompost, T7: 75% RDF + 12.5% N through FYM + 12.5% N through Vermicompost + Biofertilizer, T8: 50% RDF + 50% N through FYM, T9: 50% RDF + 50% N through Vermicompost, T10: 50% RDF + 50% N through FYM + Biofertilizer, T11:  50% RDF + 50% N through Vermicompost + Biofertilizer, T12: 50% RDF + 25% N through FYM + 25% N through Vermicompost  and T13: 50% RDF + 25% N through FYM + 25% N through Vermicompost + Biofertilizer. Observations were recorded on plant height (cm) and plant spread (cm) at 30 DAT, 60 DAT and at maturity and on stalk length (cm) and stalk diameter (cm) at maturity. Results: The treatment T11: 50% RDF + 50% N through Vermicompost + Biofertilizer outperformed all the other treatments in terms of plant height (cm), plant spread (cm), stalk length (cm) and stalk diameter (cm). Conclusion: The study emphasizes the vital necessity of transitioning to INM with organic and inorganic fertilizers to preserve soil fertility, ecosystem health, and sustainable food production for future generations.