Economic assessment of organic manures and bio fertilizers on quality production in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck)

Introduction

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), also known as "crown of jewel nutrition", is a highvalue cash crop within the Brassicaceae family, offering substantial economic returns to growers. Broccoli is rich in vitamins such as A, B 1 , B 2 , minerals such as potassium, iron as well as bioactive compounds especially sulforaphane. Sprouting broccoli has recently gained popularity in India due to its loose cluster of green, immature buds as compared to heading broccoli which forms a compact curd-like structure along with nutritional and medicinal benefits. Generally, broccoli is sown in September-October and harvested during the period of November to February in Northern India because its cultivation is best suited in cool climates. The seasonal adaptability and health benefits have made it a favoured crop for farming community and cultivated approximately 369 thousand hectares. Despite the increasing demand for broccoli, the productivity remains low due to imbalance chemical fertilizer use, alongside their high costs, has been a significant barrier. To address these challenges, there is a shift towards sustainable farming practices, particularly integrated nutrient management (INM) which emphasizes the judicious use of organic, inorganic and microbial sources to maintain soil health and achieve sustainable crop productivity. Organic inputs such as vermicompost enrich the soil with a diverse microbial population, further supporting nutrient cycling and plant growth. Biofertilizers offer an economically attractive and ecologically sound means of reducing external inputs and improving quality and quantity of produce. They contain microorganisms which are capable of mobilizing nutrient elements from unavailable form to available form through different biological processes. Thus, the present research has been conducted to assess the economic feasibility of various treatment

Materials and Methods

The experiment was carried out to assess the economic viability of the organic manures and biofertlizers for quality production in broccoli at the Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, National Post Graduate College, Barhalganj during Rabi season of 2019-20. The experimental site is located in the sub-tropical belt of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, experiences maximum temperature of 49 °C and minimum temperature of 2 °C. The annual rainfall ranges from 850 mm to 1100 mm, persists during the period of July-September. The initial value of soil chemical properties was recorded with 6.5 pH, 0.45 percent organic carbon and available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium with 212.56 kg/ha, 37.32 kg/ha and 210.05 kg/ha, respectively. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments in three replications and 1.5 m² sized 30 plots. There were 6 plants per treatments. The treatments included various combinations of organic and biofertilizers, such as farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), and biofertilizers like Azotobacter and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB). The treatment details included are: T 0 (Absolute control), T 1 (FYM) @ 20 t/ha + VC @ 2.5 t/ha), T 2 (FYM @ 10 t/ha + 50% PSB), T 3 (FYM @ 10 t/ha + 50% Azotobactor), T 4 (VC @ 1.25 t/ha + 75% PSB), T 5 (VC @ 1.25 t/ha + 75% Azotobactor), T 6 (50% PSB + 50% Azotobactor), T 7 (FYM @ 5 t/ha + VC @ 1.25 t/ha + 50% PSB), T 8 (FYM @ 5 t/ha + VC @ 1.25 t/ha + 50% Azotobactor), T 9 (FYM @ 5 t/ha + VC @ 1.25 t/ha + 25% PSB + 25% Azotobactor). Yield indicators with total yield per plot converted into yield per hectare for analysis. Moreover, economic analysis involved calculating the cost of cultivation, gross income, net income and benefit-cost ratio based on current market prices. The data collected were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine the economic significance of treatment effects by comparing the analysed data on yield, cost of production, net profit ad cost: benefit ratio.

Results and Discussion

This study evaluated the economic viability of various treatments of integrated nutrient management including organic manure and biofertlizers for quality production of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) under the Gorakhpur region. The results highlighted the significant influence of INM treatments incorporated with organic fertilizers like farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC) and biofertilizers such as phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and Azotobacter, the findings highlighted significant improvements in yield and quality with high cost: benefit ratio.

Yield parameters

The data on various yield attributing parameters are presented in Table -1 and showed the significant differences for number of days taken to harvest, average curd weight, yield per plot and yield per hectare. The significantly variations were observed in the number of days taken to first harvest among all the treatments wherein the earliest curd formation (58 days) was recorded by the application of FYM @ 5 t/ha + VC @ 1.25 t/ha + 50% PSB (T 7 ) followed by the treatment of 50% PSB + 50% Azotobactor in T 6 (59.67 days), while the control took 69 days to reach maturity. Increased phosphorus intake and nitrogen availability from PSB, which are essential for rapid vegetative growth and curd formation, have been associated with early maturity in T 7 . This finding is in conformity with the results of Tripathi et al. (2012) [9] who were also observed that the use of balanced nitrogen and phosphorus led to quicker head formation in broccoli. The keen observations of the data presented in Table-1, revealed that there was highest curd weight (512.60 g) was recorded in FYM @ 5 t/ha + VC @ 1.25 t/ha + 50% PSB (T 7 ). The significantly higher curd weight of 461.07 g and 455.27 g was also recorded with the application of 25% FYM + 25% VC + 50% Azotobactor (T 8 ) and 25% VC + 75% PSB (T 4 ), respectively whereas the lowest curd weight (288.60 g) was recorded in control (T 0 ). The improved curd weight in T 7 can be attributed through the synergistic effects of organic matter and biofertilizers, which improve nutrient availability, water retention and soil microbial activity, leading to better nutrient assimilation and curd growth. Sharma (2000) [7] found similar results, indicating that integration of organic and inorganic fertilizers can substantially improve curd size and yield. The data presented in the Table-1 showed that the yield per plot as well as yield per hectare was found significantly higher (2.56 kg and 17.06 tonnes/ha) due to the application of FYM @ 5 t/ha + VC @ 1.25 t/ha + 50% PSB (T 7 ), followed by T 8 (2.31 kg and 15.41 tonnes) and T 4 (2.27 kg and 15.15 tonnes/ha). The lowest yield per plot and yield per hectare was observed in control (1.44 kg and 9.60 tonnes), respectively. The significantly increase in yield by the application of FYM @ 5 t/ha + VC @ 1.25 t/ha + 50% PSB is due to the enhanced nutrient supply from FYM, VC and PSB, which promotes better vegetative growth and curd formation. The similar result was also reported by Bahadur et al. (2004) [1] which showed that the combination of organic amendments and recommended dose of NPK leading to significant yield improvements in cole crops like broccoli.

Quality parameters

The data recorded on quality parameters were presented in Table-2. The keen observation of the data showed that the significant variations were found among the various treatments. Ascorbic acid levels were significantly higher (80.24 mg/100 g) in T 7 (25% FYM + 25% VC + 50% PSB), followed closely by the treatment combination of 25% FYM + 25% VC + 50% Azotobactor (T 8 ) i.e. 79.47 mg/100 g. The control had the lowest ascorbic acid content (65.28 mg/100 g). The higher ascorbic acid levels in T 7 among all the treatments can be due to improvement in micronutrient availability from organic matter and biofertilizers, which are critical for vitamin C synthesis. Upadhyay et al. (2007) [10] was also found similar increase in ascorbic acid content with the use of organic and bio fertilizers in cabbage. The effect of various combination of FYM, Vermicompost and biofertilizers on total soluble solids is also presented in Table -2. The observations on TSS showed significant variations among all the treatments in which highest value (11.37 °Brix) was recorded due to the application of T 7 (25% FYM + 25% VC + 50% PSB), indicating better flavour and sugar content, while the control had the lowest TSS (7.40 °Brix). The increased TSS level in T 7 is probably the result of better sugar synthesis and plant metabolism, which are made possible by increased nutrient intake and photosynthetic efficiency from vermicompost and biofertilizers. This finding is in line with Padamwar and Dakore (2010) [4] , who reported that the use of vermicompost increases sugar content in cole crops.

Economic Analysis

The cost of cultivation, gross return, net return and benefit: cost ratio was calculated on the basis of existing price and presented in Table - [2] reported the similar results by integrating organic and biofertilizers with reduced chemical inputs leads to increased profit by the cultivation of broccoli. The highest benefit: cost ratio (2.92:1) was observed due to the treatment combination T 7 (25% FYM + 25% VC + 50% PSB) indicating that the investment in organic and biofertilizer treatments yields substantial economic benefits. This finding is supported by Ola et al. (2019) [3] , who emphasized the economic advantages of integrating organic and inorganic inputs in increasing yield, quality and profitability.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate that treatment T 7 (25% FYM + 25% VC + 50% PSB) significantly enhances quality production in broccoli cultivation. The improved nutrient availability from organic matter and biofertilizers supports larger curd size, higher ascorbic acid content and greater yield. These findings align with previous studies by Singh et al. (2000) [8] and Rani et al. (1997) [6] , highlighting the benefits of balanced nutrient management for sustainable agriculture. Implementing these practices can ensure higher productivity, improved quality, better economic returns and long-term soil health in the Gorakhpur region.

In order to maintain quality and production of broccoli in India, integrated and sustainable agricultural practices must be adopted. Farmers may maximise nutrient use, enhance soil health, and increase yields while reducing their negative effects on the environment by implementing INM. This allencompassing strategy guarantees that broccoli farming continues to be both economically and environmentally sustainable, meeting the dietary demands of India's expanding population. Promoting sustainable production methods will be essential to preserving broccoli's position as a significant crop in India's agricultural landscape as its health advantages continue to grow in popularity.

References

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