Effect of integrated nutrient management in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) on micronutrient uptake and physical properties of soil

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the experimental site of Department of Soil Science and Water Management, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur (Himachal Pradesh). The experiment consisted of eleven treatments which were carried out in randomized block design with three replications. Observations for micronutrient uptake and soil physical properties were recorded and it was found that the lowest bulk density of the soil was achieved with treatment T6 (100 per cent RDN through vermicompost) and T11 (100 per cent RDN through vermicompost + Azotobacter). Particle density, porosity and water holding capacity were also slightly improved with the application of different treatments, however the differences were not significant. Further, application of chemical fertilizer or organic manure or both with or without biofertilizer positively influenced the micronutrient uptake (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) and the maximum uptake was recorded in treatment T11 (100 per cent RDN through vermicompost + Azotobacter), while minimum was observed under treatment T1 (control).