The impact of organic manures on the growth and yield of Toria (Brassica campestris L.)

The declining soil fertility and diminished productivity associated with intensive agricultural practices underscore the necessity of sustainable nutrient management strategies. Organic manure is integral to enhancing soil health, nutrient availability, and crop productivity. This study was conducted during the Rabi season of 2023–24 at the Om Sterling Global University Farm, Hisar, Haryana, India, to assess the impact of various organic manures on the growth, yield, oil content, and economic aspects of toria (Brassica campestris L.). The experiment employed a Randomized Block Design with 12 treatment combinations, including two varieties (T9 and Uttara) and three organic nutrient sources: Vermicompost (2 and 4 t ha⁻¹), poultry manure (2 and 4 t ha⁻¹), and farmyard manure (10 and 15 t ha⁻¹), each replicated thrice. The findings revealed that the application of Vermicompost at 4 t ha⁻¹ to variety T9 significantly improved growth parameters, such as plant height, number of branches, dry matter accumulation, and crop growth rate. Yield attributes, including the number of siliquae per plant and seed yield, were optimized under this treatment. The highest seed yield, oil content, net returns, and benefit–cost ratio were observed with T9 + Vermicompost at 4 t ha⁻¹. This superior performance can be attributed to enhanced nutrient availability, improved soil structures, and increased microbial activity. The study concludes that Vermicompost at 4 t ha⁻¹ is an effective and sustainable nutrient management strategy for toria cultivation. Stainable nutrient source for improving productivity and profitability of toria under semi-arid conditions.