Assessment of nano NPK integrated nutrient management on growth, productivity and economics of turmeric cv. Suguna

Abstract

Modern agriculture increasingly emphasizes smart nutrient management to enhance productivity and
sustainability. In this context, a two-year field experiment (2022–23 and 2023–24) was conducted at the
Horticultural Research Station, Mondouri, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV), to evaluate the effect
of nano NPK in combination with conventional fertilizers on turmeric cv. Suguna. The experiment comprised
eight treatments and three replications, involving different combinations of nano NPK at 0.4% along with
conventional fertilizers (N:P2O5:K2O @ 150:60:150 kg ha-¹). Among the treatments, the application of 40% N +
75% P (basal) along with foliar sprays of 0.4% nano-NPK at 45 DAP and nano-NK at 90 DAP (T8) recorded the
maximum plant height (152.63 cm), tiller production (2.33), and leaf production (16.85) at 150 days after planting.
The same treatment also recorded the highest plot yield (13.98 kg 3 m-²), gross return (Rs. 6,29,190/-), net return
(Rs. 4,30,549/-), and benefit–cost ratio (2.17), followed by T4 (B:C ratio 2.02), compared with T1 (1.13). Based
on total yield and benefit–cost ratio, T8 was identified as the best treatment for enhancing productivity and
profitability. Therefore, it can be concluded that integrated application of nano NPK with reduced conventional
fertilizers holds promise as a sustainable and economically viable nutrient management strategy for improving
productivity in turmeric cv. Suguna.