Effectiveness of integrated nutrient management in enhancing brinjal growth and soil fertility

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) in enhancing brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) growth, yield, and soil fertility in urban agricultural settings of Jorhat. Given the declining soil fertility and over-reliance on chemical fertilizers, INM, which combines chemical fertilizers, organic manures, and biofertilizers, was investigated as a sustainable alternative. The study utilized a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments: control, chemical fertilizers, organic manures, and INM. Each treatment was replicated three times across the study field. Key growth parameters including plant height, Leaf Area Index (LAI), and number of branches were measured, while fruit yield and quality were recorded at harvest. Soil fertility indicators such as pH, organic carbon, and nutrient levels (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) were analyzed at the beginning and end of the study. Result: The results revealed that INM significantly enhanced brinjal growth, with plants in the INM treatment exhibiting the highest plant height (112 cm), LAI (3.7), and number of branches (6.5). INM-treated plants produced 33% higher fruit yield (25.4 tons/ha) compared to chemical fertilizers and 66% higher compared to the control. Soil fertility improved in the INM plots, with an increase in soil pH (6.8), organic carbon (1.8%), and nutrient levels (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), indicating that INM effectively replenished soil nutrients. These results highlight that INM can significantly improve both brinjal growth and soil fertility, offering a sustainable approach for urban farming. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that INM can substantially enhance brinjal productivity and soil health, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The adoption of INM, coupled with education and policy support, can address the challenges of soil degradation and unsustainable fertilizer use in urban agriculture.