Impact of integrated nutrient management on strawberry yield and soil nutrient status

Field trials were conducted in 2005–2007 to asses the effect of integrated nutrient management on strawberry yield and soil nutrient status. There was a substantial increase in soil organic carbon and available nutrient content by FYM, urea and Azotobacter applied alone or in combination. The highest organic carbon content of 0.63% was recorded in treatments where full nitrogen as FYM + Azotobacter or 75% nitrogen through FYM + 25% nitrogen as urea + Azotobacter was applied. However, highest available N and P of 256.4 and 19.7 kg ha⁻¹ was observed when 25% N was applied as FYM + 75% N through urea + Azotobacter whereas full dose of N applied as FYM + Azotobacter resulted in highest available soil K (141.5 kg ha⁻¹). Calcium and magnesium build up was highest (7.88 and 2.95 m eq 100 g⁻¹ soil) in treatment where full N was applied as urea + Azotobacter. Maximum strawberry yield of 372.89 q ha⁻¹ was obtained with the application of full N as urea along with Azotobacter whereas a yield of 358.43 q ha⁻¹ was recorded with the application of 25% N in the form of FYM + 75% N through urea + Azotobacter and were at par with each other.