Soil Fertility, Growth, Yield and Root Quality of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) as Influenced by Integrated Nutrient Management Practices

Radish is a popular root vegetable grown worldwide and young fresh tender tuberous roots can be cooked or eaten raw in salads. The haphazard use of inorganic fertilizers for long period deteriorates fertility and productivity of soil. Therefore, this study was proposed for an extensive evaluation of different combinations of organic manure, bio fertilizer with inorganic fertilizers and influence on growth, yield, quality, and soil health. This study was carried out on radish cv. Japanese white with 13 treatment combinations in randomized block design with three replications. Soil quality was increased in terms of availability of N(Nitrogen), P (Phosphorus) and K (Potassium) to the tune of 15.17, 18.66 and 13.0%, respectively by integrated module 90% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizers) + 10% SMC (Spent Mushroom Compost) + FYM (Farm Yard Manure) + AZB (Azotobacter) + PSB (Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria). Application of 90% Recommended dose of Fertilizers +10% Spent Mushroom Compost + Farm Yard Manure + Azotobacter + Phosphate Solubilising Bacteriarecorded maximum number of leaves (15.68), leaf size (21.01 x 9.88 cm), root size (18.80 x 2.86 cm), root weight (130.42 g), root yield (341.68q/ha) while, 60% Recommended dose of fertilizers +40% Spent Mushroom Compost+ Farm Yard Manure + Azotobacter + Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria proved best for quality attributes. Increase in yield under T-6 was to the tune 11.44% over standard practices. Our findings of integrated nutrient management approaches may effectively address the present notion of "farming for health" to maintain soil health for sustainable crop production.