Profitability and Productivity Assessment of Integrated Nutrient Management in China Aster (Callistephus chinensis) cv. Arka Archana

Author: Sarita Agrawal and Shubham Verma

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Abstract

The study aimed to assess the impact of various integrated nutrient management (INM) strategies on the growth, yield, and economic returns of China aster (cv. Arka Archana) under different treatments during the winter season of 2022. The experiment was conducted at the Pt KLS CHRS Horticulture Research Farm, Raipur, India, following a randomized block design with three replications and 13 treatments. Treatments included combinations of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), and biofertilizers such as Azotobacter and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB). Results showed significant variations in flower yield, with the highest yield recorded under T9 (RDF 50% + VC 50% + Azotobacter + PSB) at 104.42 q/ha. Economic analysis indicated that T9 also provided the highest gross return (₹417,680/ha) and net return (₹290,562.58/ha), despite higher initial costs compared to the control treatment T1 (RDF 100%). The benefit-cost ratio was highest in T1 (2.48), but treatments like T5 (RDF 50% + FYM 50% + Azotobacter + PSB) showed promising sustainability with a B:C ratio of 2.36. Overall, integrated nutrient management, especially involving biofertilizers and organic inputs, was found to enhance both yield and profitability while promoting long-term soil health. These findings suggest that INM practices offer a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical fertilization in floriculture

Keywords

INM, China Aster, Biofertilizers, Vermicompost, FYM, Flower Yield and Economic

Conclusion

The present study clearly demonstrates that integrated nutrient management (INM), particularly the combination of RDF 50% with vermicompost or FYM along with biofertilizers such as Azotobacter and PSB, significantly improves flower yield, gross and net returns in China aster (cv. Arka Archana) while offering a sustainable alternative to sole chemical fertilization. Although treatments like T9 incurred the highest cultivation costs, they also delivered the highest yield (104.42 q/ha), gross return (₹417,680.00/ha), and net return (₹290,562.58/ha), proving the economic viability of INM approaches. Interestingly, while the highest benefit-cost ratio (2.48) was recorded in the control (T1), INM treatments like T5 closely followed, combining profitability with long-term soil health benefits. These findings underscore the importance of combining organic inputs with biofertilizers and reduced chemical fertilizers to enhance nutrient use efficiency, crop productivity, and economic returns, paving the way for more sustainable and resilient horticultural practices

References

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How to cite this article

Sarita Agrawal and Shubham Verma (2022). Profitability and Productivity Assessment of Integrated Nutrient Management in China Aster (Callistephus chinensis) cv. Arka Archana. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(1): 1852-1856