Integrated nutrient management practices in Mrig bahar crop of guava under high density plantation

The research on the impact of integrated nutrient management practices on the cultivation and fruit quality of mrig-bahar guava crop (Psidium guajava L.) in high-density plantations was conducted in 2022-23 on 5-year-old guava plants (cv. L-49) at the experimental farm of the Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur (HP). The study included five treatments that combined the use of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers with biofertilizers. Throughout the study, it was observed that the vegetative growth parameters, flowering and fruiting parameters, yield, as well as the leaf and soil nutrient status, were significantly improved with the integrated nutrient management practices compared to the control. The greatest enhancements in plant height, tree spread, fruit set, fruit retention, and yield were achieved with the application of 80% RDF + 4 kg vermicompost + NBF consortium. The biochemical quality parameters such as TSS, pectin content, total sugars, reducing sugars, and non-reducing sugars showed significant improvements with the application of 60% RDF + 8 kg vermicompost + NBF consortium. The highest levels of soil nitrogen (281.00 kg ha-1), phosphorus (21.50 kg ha-1), and potassium content (258.88 kg ha-1) were obtained with the application of 80% RDF + 4 kg vermicompost + NBF consortium, while the total culturable count was highest in the rhizosphere of plants treated with 20% RDF + 15 kg vermicompost + NBF consortium.