Yield response and economics of organic sources of nutrients as substitute to inorganic sources in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), okra (Hibiscus esculentus), cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata) and cauliflower (B-oleracea var botrytis)

A field experiment was conducted during 1995-98 at Jachh to find out the effect of organic sources of nutrients, ie farmyard manure, neem(Azadirachta indica A. Juss) cake and rapeseed (Brassica campestris L. var toria Duth. & Full.) cake as partial or complete alternative to chemical fertilizers on yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), okra (Hibiscus esculentus L.), cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata L.). and cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis L.) and its economic feasibility. Application of sole organic sources of nutrients recorded 11-17 % lower yield in different vegetable crops. However, application of 50% recommended NPK + 50% rapeseed cake (0.72 tonne/ha) in tomato, 50% recommended NPK + 50% neem cake (0.72 tonne/ha) in okra, 33.3% recommended NPK+ 33..3% farmyard manure (6.66 tonnes/ha) + 33.3% rapeseed cake (0.48 tonne/ha) in cabbage, 33.3% recommended NPK + 33.3% farmyard manure (6.66 tonnes/ha) + 33.3% neem cake (0.48 tonne/ha) in cauliflower recorded higher yields which were statistically at par with recommended doses of chemical fertilisers. Net returns in organic produce of different vegetables were higher as the produce received higher price in the market.