Effects of Organic Fertilizers and Concoctions and the Rates of Inorganic Fertilizer on Soil Properties and Growth Performance of Pak Choi (Brassica rapa L. ssp. Chinensis (L.) Hanelt) Grown in Acidic and Neutral Soils

Abstract

Organic fertilizers and concoctions have variable nutrient contents as well as effects on soil properties, growth and yield of the crops. A split-split plot in a threefactor factorial study (2 x 5 x 3), arranged in randomized complete block design was conducted to evaluate the effects of soil types, organic fertilizers and concoctions, and rates of inorganic fertilizers on the chemical properties of acidic and neutral soil, growth, yield and nutrient uptake of Pak Choi. Nutrient contents of reformulated vermicast, IMO , fermented plant juice, and fish amino acid were 6 determined. Significant interactions were observed among the three factors for total N and total P in Pak Choi. Total N in plant was highest in acidic soil added with IMO at 50 6 % rate of inorganic fertilizer. This was significantly different from neutral soil in which the highest total was noted with the addition of 100 % inorganic fertilizer. Total P was found significantly highest in acidic soil with IMO with no significant 6 effect in neutral soil. IMO alone showed significant improvement in all of the plant 6 parameters gathered for the rates of inorganic fertilizer, Pak Choi applied with 100 % inorganic at 100 % exhibited superior performance. The addition of IMO and 6 reformulated vermicast resulted in a significantly higher total N in soil. Moreover, available P and exchangeable K were significantly higher in neutral soil while soil pH significantly decreased with the addition of 100 % inorganic fertilizer. On the other hand, FAA resulted to a significantly higher microbial respiration.