DefinePK

Abstract

Integrated fertilizer uses through chemical and biofertilizer application enables nutrient cycling in agro-ecosystem inducing better plant growth and production but, sweet potato growers still rely on chemical fertilizers. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of organic (bio-fertilizer) and inorganic fertilizers to reduce use of chemical fertilizers; and maintain yield and quality attributes of five sweet potato varieties. Five varieties of sweet potato were tested with five fertilizer treatments to check their effect on yield characters and nutrient contents. The best recorded treatment for different yield characters and nutrient contents was further analyzed for quality parameters. Data displayed that chemical fertilizers combined with biofertilizer were best among all treatment combinations in term of yield and nutrient contents of sweet potato. Effect of different combinations along with varieties interaction showed significantly greater size (root length and diameter), higher root weight and yield in SP-12 variety along with chemical fertilizers and biofertilizers combine application. Consequently, nutrient contents showed that N contents were maximum (3.54 %) in SP-02 variety with fertilizers applied as farmer practice. In case of P and K contents combined application of chemical fertilizers combined with biofertilizers for SP-01 resulted in maximum i.e. 0.54% and 4.01% P and K contents respectively. The quality characteristics revealed that SP-01 showed Vitamin A (864.46 IU/100 gram), while in case of Vitamin B6, SP-03 (0.74 mg/100 gram) showed maximum values. Along with this, it was noted that SP-12 produced maximum dry matter (31.92 %) whereas, SP-03 variety showed maximum ether extract (1.45 %) and crude protein percentage (11.24%). Crude fiber (8.52%) and total ash (6.94%) were found highest in SP-01. Thus, it was concluded that the integrated use of chemical fertilizers along with biofertilizer could be an appropriate nutrient management strategy for enhancing sweet potato yield with better quality on sustainable and ecofriendly basis