Integrated nutrient management studies in cabbage (Brassica oleracea) under subtropical plains of Jammu

A two year field investigation was conducted to study the effect of integrated nutrient management in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) under subtropical plains of Jammu during rabi 2014–2015 and 2015–16 at Vegetable Experimental Farm of SKUAST, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir. The experiment was laid in RBD and comprised 14 treatments with three levels of nitrogen (50, 75 and 100 %) in combination with two levels of organic manures (FYM @20t/ha and Vermicompost@2t/ha) and seedling dip with two biofertilizers [Azotobacter and Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria (PSB)]. The results revealed that for all the morphological (50% head initiation and maturation) and yield parameters (head size, net and gross head weight and marketable yield), the treatment combination comprising 75% inorganic nitrogen + Vermicompost + Azotobacter + Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria recorded significantly high values as compared to other treatment combinations and control. Quality parameters like TSS recorded non significant influence by the application of different organic manures (FYM and Vermicompost) in combination with biofertilizers and reduced quantities of N (50 and 75%),however ascorbic acid content in cabbage recorded statistically higher values (51.16 mg/100g) in the treatment having 50% of inorganic nitrogen + Vermicompost + Azotobacter + Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB). Economically, the study pointed out that application of vermicompost in the treatment combinations resulted in higher values in cost of cultivation, thereby, lowering down B:C ratios as compared to FYM treatments. Maximum B:C ratio (1:2.55) was recorded in treatment having 75% inorganic nitrogen + Vermicompost + Azotobacter + Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria as compared to 1.96 in control (100% NPK + FYM).