Effect of Different Approaches of Nutrient Application on Yield, Nutrient Uptake, Nutrient use Efficiency and Economics of Carrot

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2017 at Devanahalli village, Bengaluru rural district of Karnataka to evaluate the effect of different approaches of nutrient application on yield,  nutrient uptake and use efficiency by carrot (Daucus carota L.). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design replicated thrice with eight treatments comprisingT1 (STCR target 20 tha-1  through inorganics), T2 (STCR target 20 tha-1  through integrated), T3 (STCR target 25 tha-1  through inorganics), T4 (STCR target 25 tha-1  through integrated), T5 (RDF (75: 63: 50) N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1+ FYM), T6 (LMH /STL + FYM), T7 (Farmers practice (92.6:159:0) N, P2O5 kg ha-1 + FYM), T8 (Absolute control).Results revealed that significantly higher root (27.51 t ha-1)  and shoot (16.48 t ha-1) yield were recorded in STCR target of 25 t ha-1 through   integrated approach. Similarly, higher total uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium  (297.07 kg, 57.48 kg and 253.81 kg ha-1, respectively) by carrot and the higher apparent recovery   efficiency (0.35, 0.08 and 0.58 kg kg-1 of N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively) and agronomic nutrient use efficiency (26.10, 12.37 and 48.25 kg kg-1 of N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively) were recorded in the same STCR target of 25 t ha-1 through integrated approach. However, the better profit was recorded (value cost ratio: 43.30) in STCR target of 25 t ha-1 through inorganics. The STCR target of 25 t ha-1 through integrated approach had the most positive effect for the carrot cultivation.