Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of Aloe barbadensis

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 2011-2012 at research farm of Division of Agroforestry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Chatha, Jammu, to find out integrated nutrient management technique suitable for increasing leaf and gel yield in Aloe barbadensis Mill. At the inception of the experiment, the soil was sandy-clay loam in texture, slightly alkaline in reaction having low status of available N and medium in available P and K. The growth and yield attributes were best in substitution of 50 per cent (75 kg/ha) of recommended dose of N (150 kg/ha) through vermicompost + biofertilizer (Azotobacter) while, yield was slightly less in 50 per cent substitution of recommended dose of N with FYM + biofertilizer (Azotobacter) but were statistically at par with each other. Although sole application of N@ 150 kg/ha had a significant increase in yield over 100% substitution of N with vermicompost + Azotobacter and farmyard manure + Azotobacter combinations, but 50 per cent and 75% substitution combinations recorded a significantly higher yield than sole application of N, Vermicompost + Azotobacter and farmyard manure + Azotobacter, respectively. The combination of organic, inorganic and biofertilizers is not only superior over application of manures or fertilizers alone for achieving higher growth and yield but also in maintaining the fertility status of soil.

Keywords

• Aloe barbadensis
• Azotobacter
• Integrated nutrient management
• Yield attributes