Ifluence of integrated nutrient management on production, economics and soil properties in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) under on-farm conditions in eastern ghats of Orissa

Abstract

A field experiment with 7 treatments was carried out during rabi 2000-01 and 2001-02, at Kokriguda (tribal watershed) in Koraput district of Orissa, to find out the most appropriate integrated nutrient management system for tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Miller nom. cons). Use of 50% recommended dose of fertilizers + vermi-compost 5 tonnes/ha (20.75 tonnes/ha) and 50% recommended dose of fertilizers + venni-compost 2.5 tonnes/ha + farmyard manure 5 tonnes/ ha (19.7 tomes/ha) produced significantly higher fruit yield over 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (19.06 tonnes/ ha). The latter was statistically at par to 50% recommended dose of fertilizers + 10 tonnes farmyard manure/ha (19.14 tonnes/ha). Again, water use efficiency was highest with 50% recommended dose of fertilizers + vermi-compost 5 tonnes/ha followed by 50% recommended dose of fertilizers + vermi-compost 2.5 tonnes/ha + farmyard manure 5 tonnes/ ha. These two treatments yielded net returns of Rs 60 025 and Rs 57 283/ha respectively, which owing to higher cost of vermi-compost and farmyard manure, were 5.5 and 10.6% lower than 100% recommended dose of fertilizers. However, soil properties like bulk density, organic carbon, available N and available P recorded after completion of the experiment were significantly improved under former treatments imparting sustainability to the soil. Thus on-farm production of vermi-compost is suggested for enhancing the net profit.