Vol. 8, Issue 8, Part E (2024)

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season 2023-2024 to study on the effect of biofertilizers in combination with inorganic nutrients on yield and economics of purple cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) at the Vegetable Research Farm (CRC-3), Under the poly house, School of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture, ITM University, Gwalior, (MP) with three replications and eleven treatments. The treatments included the application of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) along with various organic manures such as farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VM) and azotobacter. Throughout the experiment, growth and yield attributes were measured, with the highest values for plant height recorded in treatment T₁₁ (75% RDF + 20% Vermicompost + Azotobacter), diameter of curd was recorded in treatment T₁₁ (75% RDF + 20% Vermicompost + Azotobacter) and yield recorded in treatment T₆ (75% RDF + 10% FYM +15% Vermicompost) and T₈ (75% RDF + 25% Vermicompost + Azotobacter). The results indicate that the integrated application of organic inputs and a 50% reduction in chemical fertilizers are the most effective strategies for maintaining crop productivity and improving soil health. Economic studies on treatment applications are crucial for farmers, as they prioritize monetary returns and profitability when choosing crop recommendations and adopting specific agricultural practices. Therefore, assessing the economic viability of various treatments is essential to determine the best approach. Desired traits include higher gross returns, lower cultivation costs, and favourable benefit-cost ratios (B). In this study, the economics of different treatments for cauliflower cultivation were evaluated based on the cost of cultivation (₹ per hectare), gross returns (₹ per hectare), net returns (₹ per hectare), and benefit-cost ratio.