Effect of fertigation levels and schedules on economics of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) cultivation

A field experiment was carried out in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra (India) to study the economic analysis of broccoli cultivation under fertigation levels and schedules at the Instructional Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. PDKV, Akola, Maharashtra, India during the winter season 2021-2022 to found out the effect of fertigation levels and schedules on the economic analysis of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var italica). The experiment layout was split plot design which consists of three fertigation levels (75, 100 and 125% RDF) with one control (100% RDF) through conventional method and three fertigation scheduling (S₁, S₂ and S₃) with three replication. The results of the experiment revealed that, highest cost of cultivation (135355 Rs.) of broccoli recorded under application of 125% RDF with fertigation schedule S₂ (15% NPK at transplanting to plant establishment, 1-10 DAT), 50% NPK at curd initiation stage,11-35 DAT and 35% NPK at curd development stage,36-60 DAT). At the same time, the net return and B:C ratio also were higher by (336444 Rs.) and (3.49). The economic analysis stated that the yield and income of farmers can be increased with help of fertigation technology in case of broccoli cultivation.