EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT ORGANIC MANURES ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF PINEAPPLE VAR. MAURITIUS

The influence of various organic manures and biofertilizers were compared to select the most suitable manure for maximum yield and quality of pineapple var. Mauritius in farmers’ fields during 2000-2001. Farm yard manure (600g/plant), poultry manure (250g), vermi compost (250g), neem cake (50g), azospirillum (625mg) and phosphobacteria (625g/plant) were tested along with the recommended dose of chemical fertilizers (N, P₂O₅, K₂O at 8:4:8 g /plant), against a non-organic manure control (N, P₂O₅, K₂O at 8:4:8g/plant alone) treatment. Data recorded on the vegetative growth of plants, and yield and quality parameters of fruits indicated that the different treatments were on par and had no significant influence in the first year (plant crop) of the experiment. However, plots applied with 250g poultry manure, azospirillum and phosphobacteria at 650 mg each along with N, P₂O₅, K₂O at 8: 4: 8g per plant, recorded higher values in terms of growth of plants, juice percentage and quality parameters of fruits. Soil fertility parameters such as available P and K of the experimental plots increased after one year. Organic carbon of soil also increased significantly, when compared to the control plots.