Integrated effect of inorganic and bio-organic nutrients on alstroemeria growth, flowering and soil dynamics

Optimum nutrition is essential for quality cut flower production and for improving soil health. The study aims to evaluate the interaction between bio-organic and inorganic nutrient sources in enhancing alstroemeria (<i>Alstroemeria hybrida</i> L.) cut flower production and soil health for sustainable cultivation practice. Randomised block methodology involving 20 treatment combinations of inorganic fertilisers (NPK) and biostimulants (Panchgavya and Jeevamrit) applied at varying concentrations. Significant outcomes emerged from the combined influence of inorganic and organic sources of nutrients. The application of the 100% recommended dose of fertiliser (RDF) with 75 mL of Panchgavya resulted in substantial improvements in alstroemeria growth parameters, including plant height (7.8%), early flowering (13.08%), flower diameter (20.03%) and the number of flowering stems (25.3%) over the control (100% RDF). Plant spread (24.1%) and number of florets/stem (26.6%) were improved with the application of 100% RDF with 50 mL of Panchgavya when compared with the control. Soil nutrient content, i.e. available nitrogen (11.5%), phosphorus (28.7%), potassium (13.8%) and microbial populations, i.e. fungal (35.4%) and bacterial (28.2%) colonies also exhibited noteworthy enhancements with the application of 100% RDF with 75 mL of Panchgavya over the control. The study concludes that the application of 100% RDF with 75 mL of Panchgavya increased quality cut flower production in alstroemeria.