Effect of conjoint use of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Abstract

The study was conducted at the Research farm of Abhilashi University, Mandi (H.P) during the winter season of 2023. Seven treatments have been studied using a randomized block design with three replications. The main objective of the research was to assess the impact of different organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of radish crops. The results revealed that treatment T6 [(N: P: K (50%) + Farm Yard Manure (25%) + Vermicompost (25%)] recorded the maximum values of all parameters viz., plant height (29.58 cm), number of leaves per plant (13.14 cm), leaf length (26.07 cm), root length (34.42 cm), the weight of whole plant (341.18 g), yield per plot (10.92 kg) and yield per hectare (503.31 q) due to the combined use of organic manures with inorganic fertilizers which provide enough nutrients for their growth and development. The higher soil pH (6.4) was recorded in treatment T6 [N: P: K (50%) + Farm Yard Manure (25%) + Vermicompost (25%)], the higher organic carbon (1.03%) was recorded in treatment T3 [Vermicompost (100%)] and higher water holding capacity (25.97%) was observed in treatment T1 [Farm Yard Manure (100%)]. The higher available N (305.28 kg/ha), P (37.55 kg/ha) and K (247.63 kg/ha) were recorded under treatment T6 [N: P: K (50%) + Farm Yard Manure (25%) + Vermicompost (25%)]. In terms of economics, the maximum cost of cultivation (₹ 83,627) was recorded in treatment T3 [Vermicompost (100%)] while the gross income (₹ 2,51,654), net income (₹ 1,76,012) and B: C ratio (2.33) was recorded highest under treatment T6 [N: P: K (50%) + Farm Yard Manure (25%) + Vermicompost (25%)] which is combined application of organic and inorganic materials.