Integrated nutrient management in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) under semi-arid region of Haryana
Keywords:
Azotobacter,, PSB,, Humic Acid,, Growth,, Yield,, Winter Dawn, Integrated nutrient managementAbstract
The study was carried out at the Crop Research Centre, Kaliwas Farm, SGT University, Gurugram (Haryana) to evaluate the
influence of different combinations of inorganic fertilizers, Azotobacter, phosphate- solubilizing bacteria, and humic acid on growth,
physiology, flowering, fruit quality, and yield of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Winter Dawn, during winter season
of 2023–24. Eight treatment combinations, including control, RDF alone, and various biofertilizer and humic acid integrations,
were evaluated under a randomized block design with three replications. The integrated nutrient treatments significantly enhanced
plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, and plant spread. The chlorophyll content improved remarkably, indicating enhanced
photosynthetic efficiency. The number of runners, days to first flowering, fruit setting percentage, and fruit/ plant, showed notable
improvement with the application of biofertilizers and humic acid. Fruit physical characteristics (length, width weight, and volume)
also improved progressively with enhanced nutrient combinations. The highest fruit yield per plant (575.50 g) and per hectare (12.11
t/ha) were obtained under T₈ (RDF 100% + Azotobacter + PSB + 2% humic acid), establishing it as the most effective INM treatment.
The overall findings suggest that integrated nutrient management that combines chemical fertilizers with biological and organic
sources enhances strawberry growth, productivity, and quality, and contributes to sustainable soil health.
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