Abstract

The foliar application of microfood / straight micronutrients recorded higher fruit yields of brinjal compared to soil application. The highest yield was recorded by the conjoint application of stanes microfood (foliar), composted coirpith and Azospirillum followed by foliar application of straight micronutrients in a similar combination. The application of foliar microfood with NPK recorded an yield increase of 26.1 per cent over NPK alone and in combination with composted coirpith, the yield was increased to 40.2 per cent and in combination with composted coirpith and Azospirillum, the yield was further increased to 52.6 per cent. The yield increase in bhendi due to the combined aplication of microfood with composted coir pith and Azospirillum was in the range of 35 to 38 per cent over the applicatioin of NPK alone. Also the integrated nutrient application yielded higher net return compared to others.

Keywords: Integrated nutrient management, Brinjal, Bhendi, Micronutrients, Composted coirpith, Azospirillum, Calcareous soil