Effect of Humic Acid and Nano-NPK on Yield and Economics of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2025–26 at the Research Farm of Mewar University, Gangrar, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomised block design with three replications and nine treatment combinations comprising three levels of humic acid (0, 0.5, and 1.0 g L⁻¹ water) and three levels of Nano-NPK (0, 2, and 4 mL L⁻¹ water). The investigation evaluated the effects of humic acid and Nano-NPK on broccoli yield and production economics. The results showed that humic acid significantly influenced the yield attributes of broccoli. Humic acid at 1.0 g L⁻¹ water (H₂) recorded the highest average curd weight (723.92 g) and curd yield (249.75 q ha⁻¹), followed by humic acid at 0.5 g L⁻¹ water (H₁), which produced an average curd weight of 537.28 g and a curd yield of 186.06 q ha⁻¹. Nano-NPK at 4 mL L⁻¹ water (N₂) recorded the highest average curd weight (609.79 g) and curd yield (210.78 q ha⁻¹), followed by Nano-NPK at 2 mL L⁻¹ water (N₁), which recorded an average curd weight of 548.64 g and a curd yield of 189.68 q ha⁻¹. Economically, the application of humic acid and Nano-NPK significantly increased the profitability of broccoli cultivation. Among the Nano-NPK levels, N₂ recorded the highest gross return (₹421,564 ha⁻¹), net return (₹302,494 ha⁻¹), and benefit:cost ratio (2.52), whereas the untreated control recorded the lowest economic returns. The higher profitability was primarily attributable to the increased marketable curd yield. These findings indicate that humic acid at 1.0 g L⁻¹ water and Nano-NPK at 4 mL L⁻¹ water improved broccoli yield and economic returns under the experimental conditions.