Effect of Inorganic Fertilizers, Organic Manures and Biofertilizers on Growth and Yield in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) cv. Swarna Pratibha

The present study determines the effect of Inorganic Fertilizers, Organic Manures and Biofertilizers on Growth and Yield in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) cv. Swarna Pratibha. The experiment was conducted during 2020-21 at the Vegetable Research Farm of the Department of Horticulture, Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi. It employed a randomized block design with eleven treatments, each replicated thrice, to evaluate their impact on various growth, flowering, and yield parameters in Brinjal. The treatments included combinations of inorganic fertilizers (NPK), organic manures (such as vermicompost and Karanj cake), and bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter, Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), Trichoderma, and Pseudomonas fluorescens). The control treatment received no additional inputs. Key findings from the study highlighted treatment T10, which comprised 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) along with Trichoderma and Pseudomonas fluorescens, as particularly effective. This treatment exhibited the highest number of flowers per cluster (4.67), the shortest days to first picking (60.75 days), the maximum number of fruits per plant (16.99), the longest fruit length (16.86 cm), and the highest fruit yield per plant (2.23 kg/plant). The results indicated that the combined application of inorganic fertilizers, organic manures, and bio-fertilizers significantly enhanced the growth, flowering, and yield attributes of Brinjal. Moreover, this integrated approach also improved nutrient content in the fruit and soil compared to the control. Specifically, the use of Trichoderma-enriched compost with Pseudomonas fluorescens was noted to enhance soil fertility and promote beneficial microbial activity in the rhizosphere. The uptake of nitrogen by brinjal fruits was significantly influenced by various treatments. The maximum N uptake (26.88 g/plant) in fruits was recorded in the treatment T10 (100% RDF + Trichoderma + Pseudomonas fluorescens while minimum was found in treatment T11 (15.48 g/plant) uptake of P in brinjal fruits. This synergy contributed to higher yield and increased mineral concentrations in the Brinjal fruits. This study concluded that Trichoderma-enriched biofertilizer has the potential to reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers, thereby, supporting sustainable agricultural practices. Overall, the findings underscored the importance of integrated nutrient management systems in optimizing Brinjal production while minimizing environmental impacts.