Integrated Nutrient Management for Sustainable Sprouting Broccoli (Brassica Oleracea L. Var. italica) Production

Aim: The objective of the research was to study the effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on the vegetative growth of sprouting broccoli (Brassica Oleracea L. Var. italica) Var. Green Magic.Study Design: The field experiment was conducted in Randomised Block Design (RBD).Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of the Department of Vegetable Science, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur U.P during the Rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23.Methodology: During bed preparation, the required quantity of farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost and biofertilizers was mixed into the soil in individual specified plots according to the treatment. The treatments included T0: Control, T1: 100% RDF @ 120: 80: 60, N: P: K (kg/ha), T2: 75% RDF + 25% N through FYM, T3: 75% RDF + 25% N through Vermicompost, T4: 75% RDF + 25% N through FYM + Biofertilizer, T5: 75% RDF + 25% N through Vermicompost + Biofertilizer, T6: 75% RDF + 12.5% N through FYM + 12.5% N through Vermicompost, T7: 75% RDF + 12.5% N through FYM + 12.5% N through Vermicompost + Biofertilizer, T8: 50% RDF + 50% N through FYM, T9: 50% RDF + 50% N through Vermicompost, T10: 50% RDF + 50% N through FYM + Biofertilizer, T11: 50% RDF + 50% N through Vermicompost + Biofertilizer, T12: 50% RDF + 25% N through FYM + 25% N through Vermicompost and T13: 50% RDF + 25% N through FYM + 25% N through Vermicompost + Biofertilizer. Observations were recorded on plant height (cm) and plant spread (cm) at 30 DAT, 60 DAT and at maturity and on stalk length (cm) and stalk diameter (cm) at maturity.Results: The treatment T11: 50% RDF + 50% N through Vermicompost + Biofertilizer outperformed all the other treatments in terms of plant height (cm), plant spread (cm), stalk length (cm) and stalk diameter (cm).Conclusion: The study emphasizes the vital necessity of transitioning to INM with organic and inorganic fertilizers to preserve soil fertility, ecosystem health, and sustainable food production for future generations.