Plant Archives Vol. 13 No. 1, 2013 pp.

243-246 ISSN 0972-5210

EFFECT OF INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

ON SEED YIELD AND ECONOMICS OF SEED PRODUCTION IN
RADISH (RAPHANUS SATIVUS L) CV. CHINESE PINK

Prince Kumar1, Dharminder Kumar*1, Sandeep Kumar1 and Subhash Sharma2

1
Department of Vegetable Science, 2Department of Social Sciences (Agricultural Economics)
Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni - 173 230, Solan (H.P.), India.

Abstract
Seed is the ultimate economic input in any crop production programme. Production of quality seeds in abundance and make
them available to farmers at reasonable prices in market is utmost important in the present Indian scenario. Therefore, a field
experiment was conducted at Research Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and
Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.), India; during rabi season of 2009-10 to see the effect of integrated nutrient management on
seed yield and economics in radish cv. Chinese Pink. Fifteen combinations of different treatments comprising of organic
sources (vermicompost, biovita liquid and granules), biofertilizers (Azotobacter and PSB) and inorganic fertilizers (NPK)
were choosen for the study. These treatments were replicated thrice in RBD. Treatment T14 [vermicompost + biovita (L) + 75%
recommended dose of NPK] produces maximum seed yield but net returns and B : C ratio was highest in T4 [Azotobacter
(2.5kg/ha) + PSB (2.5kg/ha) + 75% R D of N, P, K (112.5:45:40.5 kg/ha)].
Key words : Radish, biovita foliar spray, seed yield and economics.

Introduction Materials and Methods

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is an important root
vegetable among the family cruciferae. The crop has
special significance, as it is being grown round the year.
Round the production of this crop requires huge quantity
of quality seeds. Seed is the ultimate economic input in
any crop production programme because production
potential of any crop is totally dependent upon quality
seed. So production of quality seeds in abundance at low
input is important. Moreover, modern Indian agriculture
is largely dependent upon chemical fertilizers. This
approach leads to the soil sickness, ecological hazards
and increases the cost of production. Therefore,
integration of less costly organic nutrient sources with
inorganic sources can reduce the demand for chemical
fertilizers, reduction in cost of production and long term
management of soil fertility and soil productivity (Sharma,
2000). Keeping in view the above facts in mind, the
present studies have been planned to use organic,
inorganic and biofertilizers on seed yield and economics
on seed production of radish.
*Address for correspondence: E-mail: dharmruder@gmail.com
The present investigation was carried out at Vegetable
Research Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Dr.
Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry,
Nauni, Solan (H.P.), India; during rabi season of 2009-
10. Fifteen combination of different treatments comprising
of inorganic (NPK), biofertilizers (Azotobacter, PSB)
and organic sources (biovita granules and liquid) were
choosen, which were replicated thrice in RBD. All the
recommended agronomic practices were followed to raise
healthy roots (Anonymous, 2009). Stecklings were
prepared by observing healthy and true to type roots and
transplanted at a spacing of 60cm × 45cm in the plot size
of 1.8m × 1.8m. The entire calculated doses of NPK,
vermicompost and biovita granules were applied in the
individual plots before replanting of the stecklings.
Azotobacter and PSB were applied in the form of root
dip. Biovita liquid was applied in the form of foliar spray
at the time of bolting and 15 days later. Observations
were recorded by selecting five plants randomly for the
seed yield and economics. Data were statistically analysed
as suggested by Panse and Sukhatme (1987).
244 Prince Kumar et al.
Results and Discussion
Seed yield per plot (g)
Analysis of variance showed significant variation
among all the treatments for seed yield per plot (table 2).
Maximum seed yield per plot (466.75 g) was obtained in
T14 [Vermicompost (40q/ha) + Biovita (2ml/L) + 75% R
D of N, P, K (112.5:45:40.5 kg/ha)], which was
significantly superior over T15, T4, T12, T2, T6, T13, T7 and
T5 having 459.18, 453.84, 452.03, 444.69, 444.10, 438.24,
431.58 and 426.63 gram seed yield per plot, respectively.
All these treatments were statistically at par with each
other. Minimum seed yield (320.13g) was recorded in T1
(absolute control), which produced significant effects with
all other treatments under study.
Seed yield per plant (g)
It is evident from the data (table 2) that different
treatments showed significant effect on seed yield per
plant. The maximum seed yield per plant (38.90 g) was
recorded in T14 [Vermicompost (40q/ha) + Biovita (2ml/
L) + 75% R D of N, P, K (112.5:45:40.5 kg/ha], which
was significantly superior over T15, T4, T12. T2, T6, T13,
and T7 having 38.27, 37.82, 37.67, 37.06, 37.01, 36.52,
and 35.97 gram seed yield per plant, respectively. All
these treatments were statistically at par with each other.
Minimum seed yield (26.68g) was recorded in T 1
(absolute control), which was statistically significant with
all other treatments under study.
Seed yield per hectare (q)
There were significant differences among different
treatments for seed yield per hectare (table 2). Maximum
seed yield per hectare (11.52q) was recorded in T14
[Vermicompost (40q/ha) + Biovita (2ml/L) + 75% R D
of N, P, K (112.5:45:40.5 kg/ha)]. This treatment i.e. T14
was closely followed by T15, T4, T12, T2, T6, T13, T7 and
T5 having 11.34, 11.21, 11.16, 10.98, 10.97, 10.82, 10.66
and 10.53 quintals seed yield per hectare, respectively.
All these treatments were at par with each other but
were statistically superior over the remaining six
treatments. Minimum seed yield per hectare (7.90q), was
recorded in the absolute control which showed significant
differences with all other treatments. The main objective
of cultivation is to have maximum yield for better returns.
Seed yield is an ultimate objective in any crop especially
in the experiments which are conducted exclusively on
seed production. The maximum seed yield per plant and
per hectare was obtained with the application of
vermicompost, biovita (liquid) and 75 per cent
recommended dose of NPK, closely followed by the same
treatment, but with 50 per cent recommended dose of
NPK. This may be due to more number of siliqua and
bolder seeds as a result of availability of major and minor
nutrients together with growth regulators, enzymes and
amino acid at all the essential stages of growth and
development. More seed yield may be due to better
performance of all the yield contributing characters. In
general, those treatments which performed better for all
yield contributing characters also enhanced seed yield
directly or indirectly. The increase in seed yield following
vermicompost application, which act as chelating agent
and regulated the availability of micro nutrients to plants
thereby increased growth and yield by providing nutrient
in available form has also been reported by Giraddi (1993).
In the present studies, application of biovita which contains
some essential nutrients, growth regulators and amino
acids contributed towards enhanced seed yield. This may
be due to the effect of auxins to cause physiological
modifications in the plants mainly on increased fruit set,
fruit weight and higher photosynthetic activity as well as
synthesis and translocation of metabolites from source
to sink point. Application of N: P: K favoured growth,
yield and quality of seed. It is also supported by the
findings of workers like Cheema et al. (2001). The
increase in yield following NPK application have also
been reported due to their role in the synthesis of
chlorophyll, carbohydrates, amino acids and translocation
of photosynthates into developing grains. The present
results confirm the findings of Sharma and Kanaujia
(1998) and Panwar et al. (2000). Mehta (2010) was of
the opinion that better root prolification, more uptake of
nutrient and water, higher number of leaves, more
photosynthesis and enhanced food accumulation may be
the result of recommend dose of NPK in radish. Minimum
seed yield per hectare was recorded in absolute control
which may be because of unavailability of optimum dose
of nutrients for plants to complete various reproductive
stages.
Economics
An examination of the data revealed that highest
gross income per hectare amounting to Rs. 4,32,000 was
obtained in T14 (Vermicompost @ 40q/ha + Biovita liquid
@ 2ml/L + 75% R D of N P K i.e. 112.5:45:40.5 kg/ha)
followed by Rs. 4, 25, 250 in T15 and Rs. 4, 20, 375 in T4
whereas, lowest i.e. Rs. 2,96,250 was calculated in T1
(absolute control).
On the other hand, highest cost of cultivation per
hectare i.e. Rs. 1,43,115 was obtained in T 14
(Vermicompost @ 40q/ha + Biovita liquid @ 2ml/L +
75% R D of N, P, K i.e. 112.5:45:40.5 kg/ha) followed by
Rs. 1,42,290 in T15 and Rs. 1,33,389 in T12, whereas
lowest i.e. Rs. 1,05,854 in T1 (absolute control).
 Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Seed Yield and Economics of Seed Production in Radish 245

Table 1 : Details of treatments used for the study.

Treatment code Treatments
T1 Absolute control
T2 R D of N, P, K (150:60:54 kg/ha)
T3 Azotobacter (2.5kg/ha) + PSB (2.5kg/ha)
T4 Azotobacter (2.5kg/ha) + PSB (2.5kg/ha) + 75%R D of N, P, K (112.5:45:40.5 kg/ha)
T5 Azotobacter (2.5kg/ha) + PSB (2.5kg/ha) + 50%R D of N, P, K (75:30:27 kg/ha)
T6 Vermicompost (40q/ha) + 75% R D of N, P, K (112.5:45:40.5 kg/ha)
T7 Vermicompost (40q/ha) + 50% R D of N, P, K (75:30:27 kg/ha)
T8 Biovita (*40kg/ha) + 75% R D of N, P, K (112.5:45:40.5 kg/ha)
T9 Biovita (*40kg/ha) + 50% R D of N, P, K (75:30:27 kg/ha)
T10 Biovita (**2ml/L) + 75% R D of N, P, K (112.5:45:40.5 kg/ha)
T11 Biovita (**2ml/L) + 50% R D of N, P, K (75:30:27 kg/ha)
T12 Vermicompost (40q/ha) + Biovita (*40kg/ha) + 75% R D of N, P, K (112.5:45:40.5 kg/ha)
T13 Vermicompost (40q/ha) + Biovita (*40kg/ha) + 50% R D of N, P, K (75:30:27 kg/ha)
T14 Vermicompost (40q/ha) + Biovita (**2ml/L) + 75% R D of N, P, K (112.5:45:40.5 kg/ha)
T15 Vermicompost (40q/ha) + Biovita (**2ml/L) + 50% R D of N, P, K (75:30:27 kg/ha)
*Granules as soil application before replanting of stecklings.
**Liquid application as foliar spray twice (first at the time of bolting and second 15 days later).
RD – recommended dose.

Table 2 : Mean performances of different treatments for seed yield and economics in seed crop of Radish cv. Chinese Pink.
Treatment Seed yield/ Seed yield/ Seed yield/ Gross income Total cost of Net return B:C
code plant (g) plot (g) ha(q) (Rs/ha) cultivation (Rs/ha) (Rs/ha) ratio
T1 26.68 320.13 7.90 2,96,250 1,05,854 1,90,396 1.79:1
T2 37.06 444.69 10.98 4,11,750 1,15,381 2,99,369 2.59:1
T3 33.58 402.95 9.95 3,73,125 1,10,304 2,62,821 2.38:1
T4 37.82 453.84 11.21 4,20,375 1,15,953 3,04,422 2.62:1
T5 35.55 426.63 10.53 3,94,875 1,15,067 2,79,808 2.43:1
T6 37.01 444.10 10.97 4,11,375 1,32,007 2,79,368 2.11:1
T7 35.97 431.58 10.66 3,99,750 1,31,121 2,68,629 2.04:1
T8 33.14 397.64 9.82 3,68,250 1,12,885 2,55,365 2.26:1
T9 32.29 387.50 9.57 3,58,875 1,11,998 2,46,877 2.20:1
T10 33.60 403.24 9.96 3,73,500 1,20,613 2,52,887 2.09:1
T11 31.88 382.50 9.44 3,54,000 1,19,726 2,34,274 1.95:1
T12 37.67 452.03 11.16 4,18,500 1,33,389 2,85,111 2.13:1
T13 36.52 438.24 10.82 4,05,750 1,32,502 2,73,248 2.06:1
T14 38.90 466.75 11.52 4,32,000 1,43,115 2,88,885 2.01:1
T15 38.27 459.18 11.34 4,25,250 1,42,290 2,82,960 1.98:1
Mean 35.06 420.74 10.39
CD0.05 3.34 40.13 0.99

Net returns per hectare were, however, highest i.e.
Rs. 3,04,422 in T4 (Azotobacter @ 2.5kg/ha + PSB @
2.5kg/ha + 75% R D of N, P, K i.e. 112.5:45:40.5 kg/ha)
followed by Rs. 2,99,369 in T2 and Rs. 2,88,885 in T14,
whereas lowest i.e. Rs. 1,90,396 was calculated in T1
(absolute control).
The data pertaining to economics of different
treatments showed that maximum net returns per hectare
(Rs. 3,04,422) for the production of radish seed were
observed with the application of Azotobacter + PSB +
75 per cent recommended dose of NPK. The treatments
which produced maximum net returns per hectare also
246 Prince Kumar et al.
produced maximum B : C ratio. Hence, application of 75
per cent recommended dose of NPK together with
Azotobacter and PSB @ 2.5kg/ha each is rated as the
most economic treatment for quality seed production of
radish under mid-hills condition of Himachal Pradesh.
Interestingly, maximum yield was obtained in T 14
[vermicompost + biovita (liquid) + 75% RD of NPK],
which was involved in maximum gross income (Rs.
4,32,000). The treatment which produced maximum yield
(T14) was also involved in maximum input cost and this
treatment was different than that which produced
maximum net returns and B : C ratio.
Taking into consideration all aspects, it can be
concluded that application of vermicompost + biovita
(liquid) + 75 per cent RD of NPK produced the highest
yield of better quality seed of radish under mid hills
condition of Himachal Pradesh, though the most economic
treatment was that which involved application of
biofertilizer and inorganic fertilizers. If a vegetable grower
follows all the cultural practices but ignores some growth
promoters, essential nutrients, proteins and amino acids
together with organic and inorganic fertilizers, he may
likely to obtain less yield as integrated use of inorganic
and organic sources of nutrients; some growth promoting
substances and nutrients enhance the quality and quantity
of radish seed as has been observed in the present studies.
So, there is a great scope of improvement in yield and
quality of seed if all the package of practices are followed
from time to time including the integrated use of organic
and inorganic fertilizers in combination with biovita.
Conclusion
Biovita liquid (foliar spray) which contains essential
nutrients, beneficial elements, growth regulators, proteins
and amino acids enhanced seed yield.
The seed yield produced by T4 [Azotobacter (2.5kg/
ha) + PSB (2.5kg/ha) + 75% Recommended dose of N
P K (150:60:54 kg/ha) and T14 (Vermicompost (40q/ha)
+ Biovita liquid (2ml/L) + 75% Recommended dose of N
P K (150:60:54 kg/ha)] was statistically at par, however,
the maximum net returns and B: C ratio were calculated
in T4.
The treatment T4 may, therefore, be recommended
for short term basis as the application of the same
accredited only N from atmosphere and solubilized the
native non labile form of P. However, the use of
vermicompost and biovita under treatment T14 added good
amounts of organic matter, macro and micronutrient
elements and growth hormones on regular basis which in
turn improved soil physico-chemical and biological
properties. Hence the treatment T 14 may be
recommended for long term basis to produce more seed
yield over recommended levels of chemical fertilizers
without deteriorating the soil health.
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