Physiological Productivity of CABBAGE (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) in Response to Planting Distance and Rate of Nitrogen Application

Abstract

Cabbage is one of the most important vegetables in the world, known for being a heavy nutrient feeder crop, especially nitrogen (N), and is influenced by planting distance, which plays a big role in production to attain a higher yield while producing the best quality cabbage suited to consumers’ preferences. A study aimed to determine the levels of nitrogen and planting distance that influence the growth parameters, yield attributes, and yield of cabbage, as well as the economic efficiency of the treatments. Results show that the yield of cabbage is significantly influenced by planting distances and rate of nitrogen application, wherein 30 cm x 30 cm spacing proved to be the most productive when applied with 150-200 kg N/ha, obtaining the same highest yield in tons per hectare. Moreover, the same treatment combinations influenced other key physiological parameters, e.g., polar and equatorial head sizes and cabbage head weight. Economic analysis revealed that planting cabbage at a closer distance (e.g., 30 cm x 30 cm) with 150 kg/ha N, which will eventually provide more plant population density per area, would lead to a highly profitable venture for cabbage production.