Optimizing mango production through integrated nutrient management under high density planting

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management practices on the growth, flowering, fruiting and quality of mango cv. Dashehari under high density planting system. Methodology: A field experiment was conducted in 2021-22 on six-year-old mango trees using five different treatments. These treatments included combinations of RDF, vermicompost, AM fungi, PSB and Trichoderma harzianum. Observations on growth, flowering, yield and fruit quality were recorded and the data were analyzed using ANOVA under a randomized block design. Results: The treatment with 80% RDF + vermicompost (4 kg/plant) + AM (500 g/plant) + PSB and Trichoderma harzianum @ 100 g/plant significantly improved plant height (26.08%), canopy spread (10.65%), shoot growth (5.08%) compared to control treatment. It also recorded higher flowering, fruit set, yield (5.03 kg/plant; 10.06 t/ha), better fruit quality (TSS 19.75°B and total sugars 13.62 %) and improved soil fertility (organic carbon and NPK availability). Interpretation: The findings suggest that integrating 80% RDFwithvermicompost and biofertilizers enhances growth, yield, fruit qualityand soil fertility in mango under high-density planting. Key words: Dashehari, High density plantation, Integrated nutrient management, Magnifera indica, Trichoderma harzianum