Integrated nutrient management for long duration brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Abstract

An investigation on integrated nutrient management for long duration brinjal was conducted at College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur during 2000-2003. The preliminary evaluation revealed the extended duration and superiority of Haritha in respect of yield components, yield and storage qualities in comparison to other ruling varieties ofbrinjal. Among the seven organic sources tested, vermicompost, poultry manure and FYM recorded increased production of fruits at more than one stage of fruiting and were comparable even to inorganic sources and package of practices recommendations. Coir pith compost recorded the poorest performance regarding dry matter production, yield and fruit quality. Majority of the organic manures especially vermicompost, FYM and poultry manure recorded enhanced content of major nutrients in plant and enhanced dry matter production and fruit quality. Poultry manure was found to record increased uptake ofN, P, K and Ca, whereas high content and uptake of-S in plants have been recorded by vermicompost. In respect of inorganic fertilizers, it was revealed that 100 per cent N (75 kg ha-I) had recorded the maximum uptake ofN, P and K and dry matter partitioning leading to increased yield in long duration brinjal. Increasing K levels in general did not enhance the content and uptake of major nutrients. But increasing K levels improved uptake at fruiting stage significantly improving fruit yield at early fruiting stage. It also marginally increased number of fruits and fruit yield at other stages of fruiting. The content and uptake of Ca, Mg and S were significantly increased at increased level ofK particularly 300 per cent (75 kg ha"). Regarding application timings of inorganic N and K, it was found that frequent application was required only during active growth stage of brinjal. Monthly application schedule significantly improved dry matter partitioning, yield and quality of fruits. Fortnightly application schedule was not advantageous in growth and yield attributes, yield, fruit quality, nutrient content, nutrient uptake and cost of cultivation.

Among the three levels of substitution of nutrient doses with organic sources, 75 per cent organic substitution was superior in yield and quality of fruits which was facilitated by improved uptake of major and secondary nutrients, dry matter production and yield attributes. The increased proportion of organic manures generally decreased the content of Fe and Mn in plants. The status of available N in soil was significantly increased by the application of higher proportion of organic manures especially FYM, poultry manure and vermicompost.