Effect of integrated use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on potato (Solanum tuberosum) production

A field experiment was conducted at Central Potato Research Station, Gwalior during winter seasons (rabi) of 2001–02 and 2002–03 to study the effect of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production. The treatments included 25, 50, 75 and 100% doses of NPK with and without organic manures (farmyard manure and Nadep compost @30 tonnes/ha). Application of 100% NPK + 30 tonnes FYM/ha resulted in significantly higher tuber yield of 456 q/ha compared with that of other treatments except 100% NPK + 30 tonnes Nadep/ha and 75% NPK + 30 tonnes FYM/ha. The effect of organic manures (FYM and Nadep compost) in combination with inorganic fertilizers was more pronounced compared with that of organic manures alone. However, FYM was found more effective than Nadep compost in producing higher tuber yield. Maximum net return of Rs 63,627/ha was also obtained from 100% NPK + 30 tonnes FYM/ha. However, benefit: cost ratio was almost same under 75% NPK with 30 tonnes/ha FYM or Nadep compost and 100% NPK with 30 tonnes/ha FYM or Nadep compost.