Impact of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status in guava

A two-year field trial was conducted from 2005 to 2007 at Regional Horticultural Research Station, NAU, Navsari to assess the response of guava varieties to the application of organic manures, inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers. The trial was conducted in a randomized block design with factorial concept and three replications. Results revealed significant differences amongst various growth attributes, fruit yield, leaf nutrient uptake and soil nutrient availability due to varieties, organic manures and biofertilizers. Of the two varieties, Sardar recorded greater plant height, plant spread and nitrogen uptake than Allahabad Safeda. Whereas, Allahabad Safeda registered higher TSS and available N, P2O5 and K2O contents in the soil. Amongst the various organic amendments, application of castor cake resulted in the maximum plant height and available N. The maximum East-West plant spread and the highest potassium uptake was noted under biocompost treatment. The maximum available P2O5 and K2O were also observed with biocompost application. Incorporation of vermicompost resulted in the maximum nitrogen uptake and that of FYM resulted in the maximum phosphorus uptake and organic carbon content in the soil. Addition of biofertilizers recorded higher fruit yield and available P2O5 content in the soil.