Evaluation of INM in Citrus on Vertic Ustochrept: Biometric Response and Soil Health

Emerging multiple nutrient deficiencies have necessitated renewed efforts to address nutrient management issue through integrated use of inorganic fertilizers (IF), organic manures (OM), and microbial consortium (MC). Accrued long term field experiment data on evaluation of integrated nutrient management (INM) in Nagpur mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) carried out with the objective of working out an efficient INM module grown on Vertic Ustochrept showed much better effectiveness of MC when used in combination with IF fertilizers and OM, farmyard manure (FYM) or vermicompost (Vm). However, the latter could produce a much higher magnitude of response. The net increase in canopy volume within four years (2007–2012) with 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) was much higher compared with 75% RDF plus 25% Vm plus MC, with significantly better fruit quality parameters. Soil quality parameters in terms of soil microbial biomass (SMB) and soil microbial biomass nutrients (SMBN) were much higher with 75% RDF plus 25% Vm plus MC as compared with exclusive use of IF as 100% RDF. These changes within rhizosphere were very well translated into consequent improvements in leaf nutrient composition, being significantly higher with 75% RDF plus 25% Vm plus MC over 100% RDF. These observations warranted strong support in favor of INM-based treatments than sole use of IF.