Effect of inorganic & organic fertilizers on the growth & yield of garlic (Allium sativum l.) under chironji (Buchanania lanzan spreng.) based agroforestry system

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effects of inorganic and organic fertilizer on the growth (plant height, number of leaves, leaf length) yield (bulb weight, bulb diameter, yield per plot, yield per ha) and economics (cost of cultivation, cost of treatments, B: C ratio). Study Design: The study was conducted over a period of 7 months and included two plots one under open condition while the other under Chironji based Agroforestry System.  Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Research and Nursery of the College of Forestry, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj during the period of October to April 2024-25. Methodology: In both the sites RBD (Randomized Block Design) was followed, consisting of 12 treatments and 3 replication, with a net plot area of (3m*3m=9m2) and a net experimental area of (36m*9m=324m2) each. Comparisons were made on the basis of treatments as well as under open & Chironji based Agroforestry System. Results: Treatment T10 (50% RDF+25% Neem Cake+ 25% Vermicompost) showed the best results in growth and yield in both Open and Under Chironji based Agroforestry System, closely followed by the treatment T1 (100%RDF). Although results under open condition were higher in every case, with time the overall income will be higher under Chironji based Agroforestry System. Conclusion: The study highlights the effects of combining inorganic fertilizer with organic fertilizer for a more sustainable, efficient, economically productive outcomes. The treatments used in the study doesn’t solely depends on shifting towards organic fertilizer nor does it depends completely on chemical fertilizers but combines them both for the preservation of the ecosystem as well as reducing the dependency on chemical fertilizer.