Influence of graded levels of vermicompost integrated with FYMe-based fertigation on yield, fruit quality and soil microbial population of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Winter Dawn

Organic farming is a sustainable alternative to conventional production systems. The present experiment was conducted during 2023-24 and 2024-25 to evaluate the effect of vermicompost integrated with farmyard manure extract (FYMe) fertigation on growth, yield, biochemical attributes, nutrient content and soil microbial population of strawberry ( Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Winter Dawn. The experiment was conducted in a randomised complete block design with five treatments and three replications. Treatments comprised vermicompost supplying 60, 80 and 100% of recommended nitrogen as basal dose, supplemented with 20% nitrogen through FYMe, along with vermicompost alone and an untreated control Results revealed that vermicompost and FYMe fertigation significantly influenced all measured parameters for both the years. Application of 100% nitrogen through vermicompost + FYMe consistently resulted in the highest plant growth, fruit yield, fruit number and fruit weight. Fruit quality attributes, including total soluble solids, total sugars, phenolic content, ascorbic acid and anthocyanin were also significantly enhanced under this treatment. Improved nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in the plant and soil along with increased number of beneficial microbes indicated improved nutrient availability and soil biological dynamics. The unfertilized control recorded the lowest value for all parameters. The study demonstrated that vermicompost supplemented with FYMe fertigation is an effective organic nutrient management strategy for enhancing productivity, fruit quality and soil microbial health of strawberry.