Integrated nutrient management induced changes in nutrient uptake, fruit yield and quality of Kinnow mandarin

The present study on the integrated nutrient management in Kinnow mandarin involved application of inorganic fertilizers, vermicompost and Azotobacter under different combinations. The pooled data analysis indicated that highest concentration of leaf and fruit N (2.57 and 0.06%), Ca (4.31 and 0.033%) and Mg (0.46 and 0.024%) with the combined application of Azotobacter + 25% nitrogen as vermicompost and 75% nitrogen as urea. Maximum leaf and fruit P (0.19 and 0.025%) were recorded with the application of vermicompost (to supply 50% N) and urea (to supply 50% N) augmented with Azotobacter. While highest leaf and fruit K (1.56 and 0.092%) were recorded with full doze of nitrogen applied as vermicompost along with Azotobacter. Maximum Azotobacter counts (31.6 × 106 cfu g soil), bacterial counts (28.9 × 106 cfu g soil) and fungal counts (35.5 × 105 cfu g soil) were recorded with the application of full doze of nitrogen through vermicompost alongwith Azotobacter. The results suggested that 25% nitrogen can be replaced through chemical fertilization along with vermicompost on N- equivalent basis plus Azotobacter inoculation.