Krishan Yadav

A field experiment on "Effect of Vermicompost, Wool Waste and NPK on Growth and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under Protected Cultivation" was conducted during kharif 2024 at SKRAU, Bikaner in a shade net house using RBD with nine treatments and three replications. Treatments comprised two levels of NPK (50% and 100%) with vermicompost and wool waste (10 t/ha each). Results showed significant influence on growth, yield, quality, and soil traits. The treatment T9 (100% NPK + 10 t/ha wool waste) performed best with maximum vine length (3.59 m), branches per vine (6.42), early flowering (32.10 days), highest fruit set (94.46%), and superior yield (59.60 t/ha). Quality parameters like TSS (4.10 B) and ascorbic acid (4.11 mg/100 g) were also highest in T9, along with improved soil organic carbon, phosphorus, and potassium. Economically, T9 recorded maximum net returns (₹7,33,900/ha) and B: C ratio (2.60:1). Thus, integration of 100% NPK with wool waste @ 10 t/ha proved most effective for improving cucumber growth, yield, quality, soil health, and profitability under protected cultivation.