Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Yield and Quality of Carrot (Daucus carota L.)

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the yield and quality of carrots (Daucus carota L.) under Balaghat (M.P.) conditions during the Rabi season of 2023-24. Seven treatments, including organic and inorganic fertilizers application were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Key findings include that T7 (poultry manure at 15mt/ha) resulted in the least root forking and cracking, enhancing marketability. Among chemical treatments, T4 (60:50:60 N: P: K) showed the best results in terms of reduced root forking and cracking. Growth parameters like plant height and leaf count were significantly enhanced with T6 (vermicompost at 10 tons/ha) and T4. T4 also demonstrated superior root length, diameter, fresh weight and total yield (331.37 q/ha). Among the inorganic treatments, T4 yields the highest root production (388.82 q/ha). In terms of Total Soluble Solids (TSS) and dry weight, T6 (Vermicompost 10mt ha-1) excelled, followed by T4 among the chemical treatments. Color, tenderness and root hair count were positively influenced by the treatments with T6 (Vermicompost 10mt ha-1) resulting in dark red and tender roots. T6 (Vermicompost 10mt ha1) also showed the best keeping quality, lasting 10.75 days at room temperature. Economically, T4 (60:50:60 N: P: K) proved most profitable with a net return of ₹1,48,850/ha and a cost-benefit ratio of 1:4.27, highlighting the potential of combining organic and inorganic fertilizers for enhanced carrot production and profitability. The experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of various organic and chemical fertilizers on the morphological, yield and quality parameters of carrots, as well as to assess the economic feasibility of different fertilizer treatments.