Effect of different bio-organic inputs on growth, yield and economics of turmeric grown as intercrop in arecanut plantation

Abstract

An experiment was carried out with two bio-fertilizers (Azospirillum and AM arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and four organic manures (compost, vermicompost, phosphocompost and mustard cake) in comparison with inorganic management at Horticultural Research Station, Mondouri, BCKV, West Bengal to identify the suitable bio-organic combination for production of organic turmeric cv. Suguna grown as intercrop in six years old arecanut cv. Mohitnagar plantation. The plants grown under bio-organic management exhibited better growth and yield as compared to inorganic management. The maximum projected yield (28.94 t/ha) was observed with vermicompost + Azospirillum + AM, followed by compost + Azospirillum + AM (26.93 t/ha) as compared to 24.11 t/ ha under inorganic management. Economic assessment of different treatments revealed that maximum return was realized from vermicompost + Azospirillum + AM (Rs. 1,79,712/-) followed by compost + Azospirillum + AM (Rs. 1,64,571/-) as compared to Rs. 93,808/- under inorganic management. The B:C ratio of the above three treatments were 1.86, 1.89 and 1.14, respectively.