Influence of Different Integrated Nutrient Management Strategies on Growth, Yield and Nutritional Qualities of Cauliflower

Abstract

Organic manures are beneficial in recycling of nutrients into soil and can serve as an alternative to mineral fertilizers. A field experiment was conducted at two locations to evaluate integrated management of different organic manures with chemical fertilizers for cauliflower production. The experiment consisted of seven treatments T0: control, T1: 75% recommended fertilizer dose (RFD), T2: 100% RFD, T3: 75% RFD + Kazi compost (5 t ha−1), T4: 75% RFD + Kazi compost (3 t ha−1), T5: 75% RFD + poultry manure (3 t ha−1) and T6: 75% RFD + cow dung (5 t ha−1). Combined application of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers significantly increased growth parameters, yield attributes and yield of cauliflower and exerted significant positive effects on nutrient [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulfur (S)] uptakes by curds compared to the unfertilized control. There was no considerable effect of integrated nutrient management on the occurrence of seed-borne fungi in curds and leaves. Among different treatment combinations, the performance of T3 was the best which was statistically similar with T4. Next to Kazi compost (70% poultry manure composted with 30% rice and/or saw dust), poultry manure performed well followed by cow dung in association with chemical fertilizers. In both of the locations, the performance of integrated nutrient management was better (compensating up to 25% of RFD) compared to sole application of inorganic fertilizers. Therefore, Kazi compost @ 5 t ha−1 combined with 75% RFD should be recommended for better growth, yield and nutritional improvement in cauliflower.