Impact of integrated nutrient management on yield, quality traits and economics of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata)

A field experiment was carried out during 2004–05 and 2005–06 to study the response of biofertilizers in combination with organic manures and/or inorganic fertilizers on yield, quality attributes and economics of cabbage. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design consisting of 16 treatments including control. The results indicated that recommended fertilizers package coupled with seedling inoculation in any biofertilizer had relatively higher head yield (40.81–41.88±1.07 t ha⁻¹). Application of pressmud or vermicompost plus seedling inoculation in Azospirillum or PSM noticedhead yield at par with conventional fertilization. The trend of quality attributes likes ascorbic acid and total chlorophyll content in cabbage were higher at initial stage of crop growth and thereafter declined at edible maturity whereas, total phenols content was lower at initial stage of crop growth and thereafter increased with crop improvement. Significantly higher ascorbic acid content (vitamin C) in head was registered with the use of either FYM or pressmud along with PSM or VAM (14.25–15.48±0.33 mg/100 g). The significantly superior total chlorophyll (3.78 and 0.932 mg/g) was obtained with recommended dose of NPK with seedling inoculation with Azospirillum whereas PSM (T₃) FYM along with PSM Change had significantly higher total phenols (10.12 and 19.05 mg/100 g) at 45 DAT and at edible maturity (70 DAT). Combined use of vermicompost and biofertilizer were recorded maximum cost of cultivation (Rs. 39,385) and gross return (Rs. 56,904) per hectare area. However, the inorganic fertilizer along with biofertilizers gave maximum net return (Rs. 27,776) and output: input ratio (2.20) per hectare area.