To study the influence of different fertilizer levels and biostimulants on quality and economics of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) was carried out on Golden Acre during rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at College farm, College of Horticulture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Jagudan, Dist. Mehsana, Gujarat, India. Present investigation comprising three factors viz., three levels of fertilizer viz., 60 % RDF (f1), 80 % RDF (f2) and 100 % RDF (f3), biostimulant with three levels viz., Jeevamrut (b1), Vermiwash (b2) and Bio NPK Consortium (b3) and three levels of novel organic liquid nutrient viz., 1.0 % (n1), 1.5 % (n2) and 2.0 % (n3). Among three fertilizer levels of chemical source application of 100% RDF (f1) helped in obtaining maximum value ofquality parameters viz., diameter of head (cm) and chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll at 45 DAT (mg/g), Among three biostimulants application of jeevamrut(b1)showed maximum values for quality parameters viz., diameter of head (cm) and among three different novel culture application of novel organic liquid nutrient @ 2.0 % (n3) showed maximum values for quality parameters viz., diameter of head (cm). While, interaction effect between fertilizer levels and biostimulant (f × b) shows significantly maximum diameter of head (cm) with the treatment combination of 100 % RDF + jeevamtut (f3b1). Economically, it can be concluded that treatment combination in application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer with the soil application of jeevamrut and foliar spray of novel organic liquid nutrient in cabbage during rabi season which is the better in terms of maximum gross return, net return and benefit: cost ratio. Recently, the concept of integrated nutrient management towards better crop production has paved the way for sustainable horticulture. The basic principles lie in maintenance of soil fertility through judicious use of inorganic fertilizers and organic manures. Organic manures act potential sources of not only for macro nutrients but also micronutrients, but the quantity varies depending upon the nature, sources and extent of decomposition. Hence, there is urgent need to improve organic fertilizers with natural minerals through biological processes.

Cabbage, Biostimulant, Jeevamrut, Vermiwash, Bio NPK Consortium, novel organic liquid nutrient

On the basis of experimental evidence, best quality and profitable income from cabbage cultivation can be obtained with the combined application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer with the soil application of jeevamrut @ 500 l/ha drenching at 15, 30, 45 and 60 DAT and foliar spray @ 2.0 % of novel organic liquid nutrient at 20 and 40 DAT.

J.H. Brahmbhatt, G.S. Patel, S.K. Acharya, S.P. Chaudhari and D.L. Paramar (2023). Effect of Different Fertilizer Levels and Biostimulants on Quality and Economics of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(12): 261-266.