Optimizing soil fertility and profitability in mustard cultivation through integrated nutrient management

In order to determine how integrated nutrient management (INM) affected soil characteristics and the financial performance of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.), a field experiment was carried out at Jigyasa University in Dehradun during the Rabi season of 2023-2024. Nine treatments with varying ratios of chemical fertilizers (RDF), vermicompost, and biofertilizers (Azotobacter + PSB) were used in the experiment. They were set up in a randomized block design with three replications. The findings showed that the incorporation of both organic and inorganic nutrient sources had a major impact on the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil, such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, and the availability of phosphorus and nitrogen. The highest levels of organic carbon (0.57%), available nitrogen (154.05 kg ha^-¹), and phosphorus (13.50 kg ha^-¹) were recorded by treatment T₄ (80% RDF + vermicompost @ 9 kg + biofertilizer @ 500 ml/kg seed), suggesting increased microbial activity and nutrient cycling as a result of the synergistic effects of integrated inputs. The pH and EC of the soil stayed within ideal values, promoting soil health. In terms of economics, T₄ was more profitable than both chemical-only and organic-only treatments, yielding the highest gross return (₹1, 28, 255 ha^-¹), net return (₹84, 269 ha^-¹), and benefit-cost (B:C) ratio (1.92). While solitary vermicompost (T₈) enhanced soil health but had low economic efficiency because of high input costs, sole application of 100% RDF (T₁) demonstrated a reasonable yield but reduced soil carbon and greater EC. According to the study's findings, integrated nutrient management-specifically, combining 80% RDF with vermicompost and biofertilizers-offers the best possible balance between increasing soil fertility and farm profitability, and as such, is advised for the Dehradun region's sustainable mustard farming.