Vol. 9, Special Issue 9, Part L (2025)

An increasing population and rising food demand highlight the need for sustainable crop production. Baby corn, an emerging crop with high market demand, requires balanced nutrient management for better yield and soil sustainability. Trials were carried out to study the effect of organic manure (farmyard manure, FYM) and inorganic fertilizers (NPK) on soil fertility, productivity, nutrient uptake, and economics of baby corn. Results showed that integrated nutrient management (INM), where FYM was combined with recommended doses of NPK, performed better than using either source alone. Baby corn yield increased from about 10 q ha^-1 in control to 17-18 q ha^-1 with INM, while green fodder yield reached nearly 36 t ha⁻¹. Soil organic carbon improved by 30-40% under INM compared to initial levels, and available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were also higher. Nutrient uptake by the crop was significantly improved in integrated treatments, showing better fertilizer use efficiency. Economic analysis revealed that INM gave higher net returns (90,000-95,000 ₹ ha^-1) and a better benefit-cost ratio (1.5-1.6) compared to only inorganic fertilizer use. Although the cost of cultivation was slightly higher with FYM addition, the higher yield and soil health improvement ensured greater profitability and long-term sustainability. The study suggests that integrating FYM with chemical fertilizers not only enhances soil fertility and yield of baby corn but also supports farmers’ income, contributing to food and nutritional security under increasing population pressure. Baby corn, being a short-duration, nutrient-rich, and high-value crop, plays a crucial role in meeting the dual objectives of food and nutritional security. Its cultivation under INM ensures higher yield, better profitability, and reduced environmental degradation compared to sole reliance on chemical fertilizers. Thus, INM-based baby corn production systems provide a practical pathway to meet the growing food demand of an increasing population while safeguarding soil and livestock resources for future generations.