Optimizing Growth and Soil Fertility through Integrated Nutrient Management in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cv. Sheetal

Abstract

Integrated nutrient management (INM) aims to synchronize nutrient supply with crop demand through combined use of organic, inorganic, and biological sources. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of INM on growth, yield, quality, and soil health of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cv. Sheetal. Treatments included control, 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), FYM + 50% RDF, FYM + biofertilizer + 50% RDF, and FYM + biofertilizer + 75% RDF. The combined application of farmyard manure (FYM), biofertilizers, and 75% RDF significantly improved vine length (225 cm), number of leaves per vine (35), leaf area index (3.8), and root biomass (26 g). The same treatment recorded superior fruit yield (6.00 kg/vine) and quality attributes, including higher total soluble solids (4.8 °Brix) and ascorbic acid content (8.8 mg/100g). Soil organic carbon, available nutrients (N, P, K), and microbial biomass C also increased notably under integrated nutrient regimes. The study established that partial substitution of chemical fertilizers with FYM and biofertilizers not only enhanced yield and fruit quality but also sustained soil fertility.