Optimizing integrated nutrient management strategies for maximizing yield and quality of table beet (Beta vulgaris L.) under subtropical conditions

The experiment, conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, BAU, Mymensingh (Nov 2023 – Feb 2024), aimed to assess integrated nutrient management effects on table beet growth, yield, and quality. This experiment comprised fifteen nutrient management strategies, including inorganic fertilizers, organic sources (cow dung, poultry manure, and vermicompost), and their combinations with three replications, followed by a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The highest beet yield (25.02 t/ha) was recorded in recommended doses of fertilizer (RDF), which was statistically identical with T3 (50% RDF + cow dung @ 5 t/ha: CD5) treatment (24.73 t/ha). The highest total soluble solid (15.78%) and ascorbic acid (24.20 mg/100g) was recorded in T7 (25% RDF + poultry manure @ 2.5 t/ha: PM2.5) and T10 (25% RDF + vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha: VC2.5), respectively where maximum total antioxidant (45.53%) was observed in using 50% RDF + CD5. The highest benefit-cost ratio (7.57) was achieved when the plots were treated with 50% RDF + CD5. Considering the yield, quality and economic aspects, it can be concluded that 50% RDF + CD5 emerges as the most promising treatment for table beet cultivation.