Impact of giving vermicompost and goat manure compost to soil N, P, K nutrients, growth and production of mustard greens (Brassica juncea L.)

Abstract

The excessive and prolonged use of synthetic fertilizers in mustard greens cultivation can lead to soil and plant degradation. To address this issue, alternative methods to enhance soil nutrients, such as incorporating organic fertilizers like vermicompost and goat manure compost, can be employed. This study aims to investigate the effects of applying vermicompost and goat manure compost on soil nutrients (N, P, K), the growth and yield of mustard greens (Brassica juncea L.). Conducted at the experimental field in Medan Selayang and Sumatera Utara Agricultural Technology Research Laboratory from February to May 2020, the research utilized a non-factorial randomized block design (RBD) with various treatments. These treatments included a control group (no fertilizer), recommended dose (goat manure 10 ton/ha + Urea 130 kg/ha) as comparison, vermicompost at 10, 20, and 30 ton/ha, and goat manure compost at 10, 20, and 30 ton/ha. The result indicated that the application of vermicompost and goat manure compost led to increased levels of C-organic, N-total, P-available, K-exchange, the number of mustard greens leaves, and mustard greens production. Vermicompost outperformed goat manure compost in enhancing K-exchange, the number of mustard greens leaves, and mustard greens production. The best treatment is giving vermicompost 20 ton/ha.