Study the comparative effect of organic and chemical fertilizers on yield, quality and economics in Carrot (Daucus carota L.) cv. Nantes

Abstract

The Present experiment entitled Study the comparative effect of organic and chemical fertilizers on yield, quality and economics in carrot (Daucus carota L.) cv. Nantes was conducted during the winter seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 at Horticultural Research Farm, C.C.R. (P.G.) College, Muzaffarnagar, C.C.S. University, Meerut (U.P.), to study the comparative effect of organic and chemical fertilizers on quality, yield and economics of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) cv. Nantes. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 12 treatments and 3 replications, including combinations of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM), and vermicompost (VC). Result revealed that the application of 80% RDF + Vermicompost @ 3 t/ha Treatment (T6) significantly outperformed in terms of root length (20.87 and 22.21 cm), root girth (2.61 and 3.16 cm), total soluble solid (6.45 and 7.00º Brix), harvest index (60.34 and 61.57%), and benefit cost ratio (2.10 and 2.13) during 2022-23 and 2023-24 respectively. Whereas maximum nitrogen content (1.91 and 1.95 %), was recorded in T8 and maximum phosphorus and potassium content (1.10 and 0.86 %), (0.74 and 2.10 %) was recorded in T2. The enhanced performance under T6 is attributed to the synergistic effects of chemical and organic nutrient sources, improved nutrient availability, and enhanced soil health and microbial activity.