Nutrient Status and Yield of French marigold as Influenced by Application of Spent Mushroom Compost, Biofertilizer and MKP Foliar Application

Abstract

An experiment was carried out in open field condition during the year 2018-19 to ascertain the effect of spent mushroom compost, biofertilizers and MKP foliar application on nutrient status, yield and profitability of French marigold. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) and comprised of twenty three treatments replicated thrice. The highest available soil nitrogen content (259.95 Kg/ha), available soil P (33.23 Kg/ha) and available soil potassium content (244.60 Kg/ha) was recorded with Control (100% RDF).Maximum total leaf nitrogen (1.367%), leaf phosphorus (0.433%) and leaf potassium content (1.88%) was recorded with treatment 75% RDF + spent mushroom compost + biofertilizers + 1% foliar spray of MKP (T9) whereas, the lowest total leaf nitrogen content (1.103%), leaf phosphorus content (0.313%) and total leaf K (1.33 %) was recorded with no fertilizer application (Farmers practice). Plants treated with 75% RDF + Biofertilizers + 1% foliar spray of MKP (T8) recorded the highest benefit cost ratio (2.81:1) closely followed by benefit cost ratio of 2.54 in 100% RDF whereas lowest benefit cost ratio (0.36:1) was recorded in the treatment T17 comprising 25 % RDF + Spent mushroom compost (1 kg/m2).Highest chlorophyll content (48.89%) was recorded with T8.