Effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth, productivity and quality of crops in rice (Oryza sativa) – cabbage (Brassica oleracea) greengram (Vigna radiata) cropping system

Field experiment was conducted between 2002–2004 at Mohanpur, West Bengal to study the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on the growth, productivity and quality of crops in rice (Oryza sativa L.) – cabbage (Brassica olerecea var. capitata) – greengram (Vigna radiata L.R. Wilczek) cropping sequence under irrigated ecosystem on an entisol. The experiment was laid out in RBD replicated thrice with 8 nutrient management treatments of different organic sources of nutrients in combination with inorganic sources. The highest productivity and quality of the crops in sequence and rice equivalent yield (32.4 tonne/ha) was observed with application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) along with 25% N through Neematex. Application of FYM or Biomax were also as good as the highest yield producing treatment. The highest net returns (Rs 1,43,463/ha) and net B:C ratio (2.92) were obtained when crops in sequence were fertilized with 75% RDF along with 25% N through FYM. Combined application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients improved the nutrient uptake by the crops in sequence as compared to chemical fertilizer alone.