Standardization of nutrient management for improved quality of Brinjal CV. local under terrace gardening

Urban agriculture is gaining prominence due to space constraints and the rising demand for fresh, residue-free vegetables. Terrace gardening provides a sustainable solution for urban households to grow vegetables, especially in areas with limited land availability. This study was undertaken to standardize nutrient management practices to enhance the growth, yield, and quality of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) cultivated under terrace gardening conditions in Musiri, Trichy, using the local brinjal variety ‘Manapparai Uruttu’. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was adopted with ten treatment combinations involving various proportions of Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF: 100:50:30 kg NPK/ha) and Farmyard Manure (FYM at 12 t/ha). Each treatment was replicated three times. The treatments included sole applications of RDF or FYM, as well as their combinations in varying proportions such as 75% RDF + 125% FYM, 50% RDF + 150% FYM, and up to 175% RDF + 25% FYM, among others. Observations were recorded on growth parameters including plant height, number of leaves, and other yield and quality attributes. The results aim to identify the most effective nutrient combination that optimizes plant development and fruit quality while maintaining ecological balance in urban horticulture. This research provides valuable insights for urban gardeners and agricultural practitioners in adopting sustainable and efficient nutrient strategies for brinjal cultivation on terraces.