Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield and Economic Return from Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cv. Pusa Desi

Abstract

The present study aimed to determines the effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield and Economic Return from Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cv. Pusa Desi. The study was conducted during the Rabi season of 2025–26 at the Horticulture Experiment Field, SAAST, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur (U.P.). The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments and three replications, comprising different combinations of the recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost and neem cake. Among all the treatments, T2 (100% RDF: NPK @ 100:50:50 kg/ha) recorded the maximum plant height (37.80 cm), root length (34.03 cm), root diameter (5.46 cm), average root weight (270.23 g) and root yield (42.83 t/ha), along with the highest gross return (Rs. 6,42,450/ha), net return (Rs. 4,99,482/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (3.49). T5 (75% RDF + vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha) recorded the highest number of leaves per plant (14.26), TSS (4.46°Brix) and vitamin C content (16.92 mg/100 g). Based on overall performance, T2 (100% RDF) is recommended where maximum yield and economic return are the primary objectives, while T5 (75% RDF + vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha) may be adopted where quality improvement and reduced chemical fertiliser use are priorities and may be considered the most suitable INM treatment for sustainable radish cultivation under the Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh.