Fertilizer Type on Cabbage Growth and Yield

Abstract

ABSTRACTUse of synthetic fertilizers can cause long-term problems for the environment. Developing a suitable strategy for agricultural application of alternative types of fertilizer is important. Commercial organic liquid fertilizers and a urea solution were utilized to investigate effects on growth and yield of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.). The experiment included the cvs. Ramso and Copenhagen and the commercially available liquid fertilizers urea at 1 g·L−1; humic acid at 5 mL·L−1, Higro Amin-L 5 mL·L−1, and Maxinim at 5 mL·L−1. The interaction of ‘Copenhagen’ and Maxinim produced the highest percentage dry matter, widest heads and most marketable yield, longest stems, and highest percentage nitrogen. The interaction of ‘Copenhagen’ and Higro Amin-L produced the widest leaves and heaviest total and marketable head weights. The interaction of ‘Ramos’ and humic acid produced the fewest loose leaves. Use of ‘Copenhagen’ and Higro Amin-L fertilizer improves leaf width, total head weight, and marketable head weight. The interaction of ‘Copenhagen’ combined with Maxinim improves percentage dry matter, head diameter, and marketable yield. ‘Ramos’ combined with urea produced the fewest days to 50% head initiation and days to 50% marketable maturity. The best response in plant growth, increased head yield, and quality was with cv. Copenhagen fertilized with Maxinim.