EFFECT OF INM ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF BITTER GOURD

Recently, the concept of integrated nutrient management towards better crop production has paved the way for sustainable horticulture. The basic principles lie in maintenance of soil fertility through judicious use of inorganic fertilizers and organic manures. Organic manures act potential sources of not only for macro nutrients but also micronutrients, but the quantity varies depending upon the nature, sources and extent of decomposition. Integrated nutrient supply system has become an accepted strategy to bring about improvement in soil fertility and protecting the environment. It involves the integrated use of mineral fertilizers in combination with organic manures and microbial inoculants to sustain optimum yield to maintain and to improve the soil fertility. Organic farming is the pathway that leads to achieve sustainability in horticultural production.In keeping view of the importance of these factors, the present investigation entitled Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) was conducted.