Effect of integrated nutrient management on production performance of Makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb.) under field conditions

A field study was conducted for three consecutive years from 2019–20 to 2021–22 at Makhana Research Unit of Bhola Paswan Shastri Agricultural College, Purnea, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India to find out the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on production performance of makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb.) under field condition. The experiment consisted of six INM treatments and executed in randomized block design with four replications. Results revealed that application of 25% RDN through vermicompost + 75% RDN through chemical fertilizers + recommended dose of P2O5-K2O proved to be the best treatment and recorded significantly higher leaf diameter, total chlorophyll content in leaves, number of fruits per plant, number of seeds per fruit, seed weight, seed yield and profitability as compared to other treatments. The combined application of synthetic and organic fertilizers has been found to be the best solution to improve the production potential of the crop and keep the natural resources sustainable for longer time.