Sustainable nutrient management in Cotton: Impact of nitrogen application through vermicompost on yield, growth attributes, and economic returns

Abstract

A field investigation titled " Sustainable Nutrient Management in Cotton: Impact of Nitrogen Application through Vermicompost on Yield, Growth Attributes, and Economic Returns " was conducted during the Kharif season of 2021-22 at COART (Centre for Organic Agriculture Research and Training), Dr. PDKV, Akola to evaluate the effect of different nitrogen levels applied through vermicompost on the productivity, growth, and economics of rainfed organic cotton (Gossypium spp.).The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with eight treatments, each replicated three times, using vermicompost as the nutrient source.Treatments included the application of 40 or 60 kg N ha via vermicompost to cultivars of G. hirsutum and G. arboreum.Results revealed significant variation in seed cotton yield, stalk yield, and key growth parameters across treatments.The highest seed cotton yield (1508 kg ha) and stalk biomass (3685 kg ha) were recorded under 60 kg N ha applied to G. hirsutum (T4), reflecting a 52.3% yield improvement over the lowest-yielding treatment T1.Enhanced growth attributes, such as plant height, number of sympodia, and boll production, were also observed in T4.Although differences in harvest index were statistically non-significant, the mean value (28.88%) suggested efficient biomass partitioning under organic nutrient regimes.Economic analysis indicated that T4 yielded the highest gross returns (1,13,400 ha), net returns (59,400 ha), and benefit-cost ratio (2.1).The study affirms that vermicompost, when applied at 60 kg N ha, can substantially improve cotton yield, profitability, and sustainability under organic farming systems.These findings support the integration of vermicompost into organic nutrient management strategies for improved productivity and soil health.Further studies should assess the long-term soil fertility impacts and adaptability across agro-climatic zones to refine organic cotton cultivation practices.