Carrot Yield Research Articles

Four birds with one stone: applying nitrification inhibitor on the basis of percarbamide restores yield, decreases fungicide residue, enhances soil multifunctionality and stimulates bacterial community.

Fungicide residues were frequently detected in vegetables and soils, which severely affected crop yields and qualities. Reasonable nitrogen management might promote yields and decrease fungicide carbendazim residues in plant-soil systems. Current study explores comprehensive relationships among carbendazim residues, crop yields, soil multifunctionalities and endophytic and soil bacterial communities after applying nitrification inhibitors (3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate and dicyandiamide) and percarbamide to different soils. Combined nitrification inhibitor and percarbamide additions produced multi-effects on restoring yields, declining fungicide residues, promoting soil multifunctionalities and stimulating bacterial communities. Relative to the control, percarbamide application promoted carbendazim dissipations in upland soils but decreased bacterial community diversities and stabilities in different soils. Compared to exclusive percarbamide, extra dicyandiamide applications decreased carbendazim residues by 25.8% in upland soils and 70.2% in paddy soils, declined carbendazim residues in carrots via improving soil pH, ammonium nitrogen (NH4 +-N) and Proteobacteria ratios. Relative to percarbamide application alone, extra dicyandiamide addition promoted the dry carrot yields by 133.2% in upland soils and 33.5% in paddy soils via promoting soil NH4 +-N, Acidobacteriota and Actinobacteriota ratios and bacterial community diversities and stabilities. Upland soil multifunctionality improvements diminished soil carbendazim residues via promoting soil pH and NH4 +-N, and paddy soil multifunctionalities and endophytic bacterial community structures generated negative influences on carrot carbendazim residues. Our study suggested that nitrification inhibitor on the basis of percarbamide generated multi-effects on the different crop-soil systems: restoring carrot yields, reducing carbendazim contents, promoting soil multifunctionalities and stimulating bacterial community diversities and stabilities. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Translocation and dissipation of seven indicator polychlorinated biphenyls from contrast soils cultivated with different root vegetables

The behavior of 7 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in agricultural Chernozem and Fluvisol soils from the Czech Republic planted with radishes, onions, and carrots was studied. Only the total biomass yield of carrots was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) when compared to the control biomass yield. All tested PCBs, especially congener PCB 28, were able to accumulate in slightly higher amounts in the radish surface than in the onion one. The highest PCB content was observed in the surface layer of carrots, which could be related to the agrochemical properties of soil, vegetation period, and more intensive contact of carrot roots with PCBs in a bulk soil. The translocation factors of PCBs were lower than 1, indicating a poor ability for PCB uptake from soil. The highest relative PCB removal from soil was observed in acidic Fluvisol, accounting for 27.2%, with a maximum of 2% plant contribution to soil PCB dissipation. The low relative removal of PCBs by plants indicates that in vegetable-planted soil, the removal of PCBs could be due to autochthonous soil microorganisms in the rhizosphere of vegetables. The bioaccumulation factors for PCBs derived from the cultivation of examined root vegetables in Chernozem and Fluvisol soils contaminated with PCBs at nearly 1500 µg/kg dry weight can be considered low and negligible.

The impact of micronutrients and their application schedule on the yield of carrots (Daucus carota L.) variety New Kuroda in Southern Telangana conditions

The impact of micronutrients and their application schedule on the yield of carrots (Daucus carota L.) variety New Kuroda in Southern Telangana conditions

Effectiveness of Organic Fertilizers in Improving Soil Fertility, Productivity and Quality of Carrots (Daucus carota) in Southern Côte d'Ivoire

In the context of agricultural resilience to climate change, a strategy of replacing chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers has been adopted to improve the production of vegetable crops, particularly carrots. This study promotes organic carrot farming in Côte d'Ivoire by applying an organic biofertiliser based on poultry droppings and traditional medicinal plants to the soil. Different doses of this organic biofertiliser, applied to the soil by fertigation (dilution at 0.5% (T1), 5% (T2) and 10% (T3)), were tested under a crop of carrots (Daucus carota) in a completely randomized Fisher block design with 4 replications. The results show that yields varied significantly according to the different doses applied (p&lt;0.05). High carrot yields of 27.5±1.29 t.ha-1 were obtained with treatment T2. However, plant growth indicators (plant height, number of leaves, root length and diameter) were similar for the three treatments T1, T2 and T3. According to the results obtained, treatment T2 would be suitable for achieving and maintaining an acceptable level of fertility and ensuring satisfactory yields for the carrot crop. Thus, the use of this biofertilizer should be encouraged for agro-ecological soil fertility management, and may be an alternative to synthetic fertilizers which, due to their high cost, are not accessible to growers.

Productivity and economics of carrot (Daucus carota) as influenced by interactive effect of potassium and micronutrients

Deficiency and insufficient nutrients application are the major factor responsible to reduced carrot root yield. Nutrients in balanced amount are critical aspect for getting optimal root yield for a particular agro-climatic condition. An appropriate nutrient management including potassium and micronutrients might rise and improve the productivity of carrot. The experiment was conducted at Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Jaipur, Rajasthan to study the effect of variable potassium and micronutrients formulations on performance of carrot. Results were found to be significant for the yield attributes, yield and economics of carrot. Soil application of potassium (MOP) @150 kg/ ha significantly enhanced the average root weight (189.3 g), root diameter (3.7 cm), shoot: root ratio (0.5), edible root length (23.7 cm), root yield (28.3 t/ha), net returns (₹205161/ha) and B:C ratio (2.7) of carrot. Among the micronutrients formulations, significantly higher average root weight (182.8 g), root diameter (3.7 cm), shoot: root ratio (0.5), edible root length (24.2 cm), root yield (27.8 t/ha), net returns (₹202576/ha) and B:C ratio (2.7) were noticed in foliar application of ZnSO4 @0.5%. Results of interaction shown that soil application of potassium (MOP) @150 kg/ha and ZnSO4 @0.5% significantly better in the average root weight (209.6 g), root yield (31.4 t/ha), net returns (₹2,35,918/ha) and B:C ratio (3.03).

Phenological and yield response of primed carrot (Daucus carota L) seeds under deficit irrigation

Seedling emergence and stand establishment of carrot seeds are often slow and erratic which results in low productivity. Poor seed quality together with lack of pre-sowing seed treatments and improper irrigation management can be mentioned as the major factors that influence the yield and productivity of carrot. The present study was carried out with the objective to evaluate the effects of different seed priming techniques on early seedling establishment, growth and yield of carrot (Daucus carota L. cultivated variety Nantes) exposed to different irrigation intervals, under field conditions at Gerado, South Wollo, Ethiopia. Four seed priming treatments (no priming, hydro priming, halo priming and hormonal priming) and three irrigation intervals (4, 7 and 10 days) were combined as factorial RCBD in split plot arrangement with three replications. The irrigation intervals were assigned to main plots and the seed priming techniques to sub plots. Result indicated that the interaction effects of priming techniques and irrigation intervals significantly affected the phenological and yield parameters. Distilled water treatment in seven and ten days irrigation interval recorded the highest marketable carrot root yields of 33.73 t h-1 and 30.63 t h-1, respectively. Hence, hydro priming and seven days irrigation interval can be recommended for the production of carrot in the study area and similar agro-ecologies. Given the promising results obtained, further repetitions of the study are recommended to validate the use of these techniques in further locations and in different seasons.

Effects of Nopal and Goat Manure on Soil Fertility and the Growth, Yield and Physical Characteristics of Tomato and Carrot Plants

Nopal (Opuntia) is a resource that is discarded after pruning complete cladodes. For this reason, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the combined use of organic matter (nopal) and goat manure on changes in soil characteristics and on the growth and yield performance of carrot and tomato plants. Physicochemical analysis of the soil and goat manure was carried out, and germination tests and physical characterization of the plants and the products obtained were performed on tomato and carrot plants after adding the components of the cladodes alone and the cladodes with goat manure. The results showed that the application of the nopal cladode components increased the cation exchange capacity of the soil. The highest germination rate was obtained by the application of liquid nopal, with a 1.7-fold increase in the germination rate of carrot seeds, while that for tomato seeds was only 14%. Similar results were obtained for the germination percentage. An increase in resistance to water stress of approximately 15 days was observed in both tomato and carrot plants. Plant development and production were achieved in tomato, with a 100% increase in carrot plant length and a threefold increase in production. The addition of nopal to the soil improved the soil characteristics and the production yield of carrots and tomatoes.

Impact of Fertilizer and Mulch on Growth, Yield and Quality of Carrot in Arecanut Cropping System Under Conservation Agriculture Practices

This study aims to comprehensively assess the influence of conservation agriculture techniques, encompassing reduced tillage, cover cropping (live mulch) and nutrient levels on a range of growth parameters and the ultimate yield of crop. As per the principles of conservation agriculture i.e., soil was disturbed minimally, berseem mulch was incorporated in the experiment and carrot was raised under arecanut plantation during rabi and it was succeeded by mint crop in pre-kharif season. Experiment was laid out in Randomized block design with seven treatments of different nutrient doses and mulch replicated thrice. Field experiments were conducted across two growing seasons i.e., 2019-20 and 2020-21 during Rabi (Winter) at Balindi research farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur. Precise measurements and meticulous analyses were conducted on key parameters; Vegetative growth i.e., plant height and number of leaves, yield attributing parameters like root length, diameter, weight and total yield of crop. TSS and beta carotene was also estimated. These parameters unequivocally indicate that conservation agriculture practices exert a substantial influence on both the growth and yield. Among various nutrient levels, higher dose of fertilizer (T4 - 120:90:120 NPK kg ha-1) with berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) as a cover crop in the interspaces showed maximum vegetative growth i.e., plant height and number of leaves plant-1 at all growth stages (30, 60 and 90 DAS) while decreasing trend was observed in yield parameters with higher levels of nutrient doses, medium level of fertilizer dose (T5 - 90:60:90 kg ha-1 + berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) recorded highest root length, diameter, weight and projected yield of 18.5cm, 3.58 cm, 118.37 g plant-1 and 26.63 t ha-1 respectively. These findings underscore the considerable potential of conservation agriculture practices as a sustainable approach to optimize carrot crop production. This research contributes valuable scientific insights that hold significant implications for agricultural stakeholders, including farmers and practitioners, seeking to fine-tune carrot cultivation methodologies while concurrently fostering soil health and environmental sustainability.

Effect of Foliar Fertilizer and Irrigation Levels on Carrot Productivity

Effect of Foliar Fertilizer and Irrigation Levels on Carrot Productivity

Análise espacial da produtividade da cenoura irrigada em função das propriedades físicas do solo

ABSTRACT Understanding soil, plant attributes, and carrot crop dynamics is vital for optimizing site-specific management practices and enhancing crop yield and soil quality. This study aimed to ascertain the dependence and spatial variability between irrigated carrot yield and soil physical attributes in a clayey Oxisol. The research took place during the 2021 growing season in a commercial carrot production area in Campos Altos, MG, Brazil. One hundred sampling points were established within the irrigated area, distributed across a square expanse of 40,000 m², positioned at the centers of 20 × 20 m grids. The study revealed high yield in the irrigated carrot crop (99.74 t ha-1) with moderate variability. Soil attributes displayed a range of heterogeneity, ranging from low to extremely high, contingent on the variable assessed, as determined by the coefficient of variation. Among the variables exhibiting spatial dependence, particle density exhibited a minimum range of 40 m, which is recommended for further studies on irrigated carrot cultivation in a clayey Oxisol. Total soil water availability demonstrated a positive spatial correlation and proved to be the recommended variable for estimating the spatial variability of carrot crop yield.

Selenization and its impact on quantitative and qualitative parameters of carrot juice.

Carrot juice is a rich source of vitamins, carotenes, minerals, and other micronutrients with positive health effects. The 'Kamaran F1', 'Baltimore F1', 'Naval F1', 'Niagara F1', 'Flakkese 2 – Vita longa' varieties were included in the study conducted during the years 2021–2022. The study examined the influence of selenization on the selenium level and additionally also other qualitative and quantitative indicators in carrot juice. For a total of 50 mg/L of sodium selenate was applied. The process of making carrot juice involved cleaning and washing the roots, crushing, and pressing them, pasteurizing the juice for 5 min at 85 °C, and aseptic filling. In addition to the selenium content, quantitative parameters (1 - root average weight, total carrot roots yield, juice yield) and qualitative parameters (carotenoids, sugars, acids, total soluble solids) were monitored. Our findings revealed a higher selenium level in the carrot juice that followed this processing method. The average content of Se in fresh carrot juice without Se fortification was 14 μg/L, while in the fortified variant the content of Se in carrot juice was 186 μg/L (13-fold increase). In the pasteurized variant 11-fold increase of selenium was found in fortified variant. This indicates that this form of selenium is thermostable, meaning that the juice retains its composition, adding to its additional value. Based on the other assessed parameters the application of sodium selenate at the recommended dose did not significantly affect the height of the carrot yields, which is an important economic criterion.

Changes in the prevalence of fungal species causing post‐harvest diseases of carrot in Finland

AbstractPost‐harvest diseases cause significant economic losses in the carrot production chain. In this study, storage losses and fungal pathogens causing them were analysed in the carrot yield from 52 different field plots in four areas in Finland in 3 years (2016–2018). Over 30,000 carrots were sampled and analysed at three time points during cold storage at 0–1°C. In March, after 5–6 months' storage, the average loss due to diseases was 20%–21% every year. Decay of the root tip was the most common disease symptom, followed by pits on the side and black rot in the crown, detected in 69.2%, 15.0% and 9.0% of the symptomatic samples, respectively. Both intensive carrot cultivation practice and early timing of harvest increased storage losses. Pathogens in 3057 symptomatic carrot tissue samples were isolated by culturing, and fungal species were identified. The most common fungal species detected were Mycocentrospora acerina, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium spp., especially F. avenaceum. However, the frequency of different pathogens varied between the different years and time points during storage. Species‐specific PCR tests revealed that M. acerina and F. avenaceum were present in many early time‐point samples where they could not yet be detected by the culturing method. In Finland, this study on carrot post‐harvest diseases is the first large‐scale survey in which the fungal pathogens were isolated and identified by laboratory tests. In comparison with the previous studies, Fusarium spp. were detected more frequently in this study, while grey mould and Sclerotinia rot were less frequent.

Evaluating the response of Different Chemical and Organic Fertilizers on Carrot Vegetative and Reproductive Characteristics in Gothgaun, Nepal

This research aimed to assess the influence of various chemical and organic fertilizers on the vegetative and reproductive characteristics of the New Kuroda variety of carrots (Dacus Carota). The study included the recommended NPK dose (80:60:60 kg/ha), individual components of N (80 kg/ha), P (60 kg/ha), K (60 kg/ha), as well as organic sources such as goat manure (15 t/ha), FYM (20 t/ha), and a control group without any fertilizer. Measurements of growth and reproductive traits were taken at 45, 55, 65, 75, and 85 days post-sowing. Results indicated that the recommended NPK dose consistently outperformed other fertilizer sources in enhancing both vegetative and reproductive parameters. The highest yield of 10.94 tons/ha was achieved with NPK fertilizer, while organic sources like goat manure demonstrated the second-highest growth and development traits. The control group exhibited the lowest growth and development parameters. These results show that these fertiliser sources have a considerable favourable influence on the vegetative and reproductive development of the New Kuroda carrot variety. The outcomes indicate how various fertiliser sources may significantly improve the vegetative and reproductive development of the New Kuroda carrot; the recommended dosage of NPK in conjunction with the supply of goat manure fertilizer stands out as very appropriate techniques for producing carrots. This illustrates how applying a balanced dosage of these fertilisers may lead to increased carrot yield.

Management of Root Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita on Carrot

A pot experiment was conducted in the net house, Department of Nematology, during the rabi season to know the efficacy of certain botanicals, Azadiracta indica, Azeratum conizoides, Tagetes erecta, Ricinus Communis, Lantana camara and Parthenium hysterophorus each @ 1.0 and 1.5%(w/w) against Meloidogyne incognita on carrot. The result revealed that all the treatments were effective in increasing plant growth parameters with corresponding decreased in number of galls, eggmasses per root system and final nematode population in soil over control. The treatment with Azadiracta indica @1.5%(w/w) was most effective in increasing plant growth characters, reducing number of galls, eggmasses per root system and final nematode population in soil. A microplot experiment was conducted during rabi season to study the efficacy of Glomus fasciculatum, consortia (T. harzianum, T. viride and Pseudomonas fluorescenes) and vermicompost for the management of M.incognita on carrot. All the treatments were effective in increasing plant growth parameters and yield with corresponding decreased in number of galls, eggmasses per root system and final nematode population in soil over control. The treatment with G. fasciculatum @ 300 spores/m2 + consortia @ 5ml/lt + vermicompost @ 1.25t/ha was found most effective in increasing plant growth parameters, yield of carrot and reducing number of galls and egg masses and final nematode population in soil.

Evaluating the Response of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) to Different Macronutrients and Harvesting Time

The growth and production of carrot influenced by macronutrients and harvesting time, thus a field experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, between December 2020 and March 2021 during the Rabi season to evaluate the response of carrot to different macro nutrients and harvesting time. The experiment consisted of two factors i.e., macro nutrients and harvesting time, and laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Factor A: Different levels of macronutrients (4) i.e., F0= Control, F1= N160P50K120S30 kg ha-1, F2 = N185P70K140S40 kg ha-1, F3 = N210P90K160S50 kg ha-1 and Factor B: A Harvesting time (3) i.e., H1 = 90 days after sowing, H2 = 100 days after sowing and H3 = 110 days after sowing. Experimental results revealed that different levels of macronutrients and harvesting time significantly influenced the growth and yield of carrot. In case of combination treatment (macro nutrients and harvesting time) the highest brix percentage of carrot root (8.20 %), marketable root yield per plot of carrot (6.40 kg) and marketable root yield of carrots per hectare (26.67 t) were observed in the F2H2 treatment combination comparable to others treatment combinations. Therefore, it was suggested that cultivation of carrot through application of fertilizer @ N185P70K140S40 kg ha-1 (F2) and harvesting at 100 days after sowing (H2), appeared to be best for achieving higher growth, yield and quality root of carrot.

Effect of Sowing Date on Growth and Yield of Different Carrot Varieties (Daucus carota L.)

A study was conducted at Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, from October 2019 to March 2020 to evaluate the effect of sowing date on the growth and yield of four different carrots (Daucus carota L.) varieties. The experimental treatments were three different sowing dates (19th October, 13th November, and 8th December) and four varieties (New Kuroda, Nepa Dream, SK3, and Taki) which constituted 12 treatments. The experiment was set up using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that sowing dates and varieties significantly influenced the growth and yield of carrots. But interaction effect was not significant. Maximum plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf breadth, canopy diameter, root length (15.37 cm), root diameter (2.74 cm), and fresh root weight (133 g) were obtained with Nepa Dream variety. Similarly, the highest plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf breadth, canopy diameter, root diameter (3.27 cm), root length (16.23 cm), and fresh root weight (162.60 g) was obtained with first sowing (19th October) which might be due to favorable condition available during the growing condition and also early sowing possibly attributed to maximum photosynthesis with longer growth period than the later sowing. The combined effect of sowing date and varieties was significant with the number of leaves per plant, cortex diameter, and core-to-cortex ratio. So based on the results of the experiment, Nepa Dream sown on 19th October was economically better for the optimum yield and quality production in Chitwan, Nepal.

Influence of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ infection on carrot root weight in Germany

Infection with the bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso) is suspected to cause severe damage in carrot leading to high carrot weight loss. This study investigates three main aspects: (i) whether there is a reduction of carrot root weight under field conditions due to Lso infection; (ii) the correlation between Lso infection rate in carrot plants and occurrence of the psyllid Trioza apicalis as the known vector for Lso in carrot, and (iii) the comparison between symptoms described in literature and observed symptoms associated with Lso infection. Therefore, field surveys were conducted from 2018 to 2021 on organically managed carrot fields in Lower Saxony, Germany. Two Rebell orange sticky traps were placed per field replaced on a weekly basis. Captured T. apicalis were morphologically identified and counted. Carrot plant samples were collected from T. apicalis infested fields. Discolouration of foliage and further symptoms on carrots were investigated. For detection of Lso in carrot plants and psyllids, the samples were analysed using PCR. The infection rate of carrot plants varied between 2.5% and 80% per field with low abundance of T. apicalis. Of the asymptomatic plants, 39.4% were infected with Lso, while 80.9% of the symptomatic plants were infected with Lso. The weight of Lso-positive carrot samples was not significantly reduced compared to Lso-negative samples. No economically relevant losses of carrot yield were reported by farmers participating in this study. This indicates that there was no effect of Lso infection on carrot root weight during this study. Of the symptoms associated with a Lso infection in carrots, only leaf discolouration could be confirmed. Overall, the bacterium is present in organically grown carrot plants in Lower Saxony but no major carrot root weight losses were observed.

EVALUATION OF SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND CARROT PERFORMANCE AS INFLUENCED BY INTEGRATED APPLICATION OF POULTRY MANURE AND COCOA POD HUSK IN THE RAINFOREST AGROECOLOGICAL ZONE OF NIGERIA

The high cost of inorganic fertilizer, difficulties involved in its use, its scarcity, coupled with its adverse effects associated with its continuous use on soil quality prompted the need to research into cheap, locally available organic materials to combat soil fertility problems. Field experiments were conducted in 2019 and 2020 to evaluate the effects of the integrated application of poultry manure (PM) and cocoa pod husk (CPH) on soil chemical properties, growth, leaf nutrients content and yield of carrot at Igba in the rainforest ecology of southwest Nigeria. The treatments consisted of PM and CPH each at three levels (0, 5, 10 t ha-1) in a 2 x 3 factorial experiment laid into randomized complete block design with three replicates. Data were collected on soil chemical properties, growth parameters, leaf nutrients content and yield parameters. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using Statistical Analysis System Institute Package (SAS, 2000). The soil was slightly acidic (pH 5.5.), low in nitrogen (0.12g kg), available phosphorus (8 mg kg-1). Integrated application of PM and CPH significantly (P&lt; 0.05) improved soil pH, organic carbon, total N, available P, exchangeable bases and lowered exchangeable acidity. Plots with integrated application of PM and CPH had higher values of soil pH, exchangeable bases, ECEC, total N, total organic carbon, available P and lower values of exchangeable acidity and micronutrients than the plots with their sole applications. There were reductions in soil pH, exchangeable bases, ECEC, total N and organic carbon in the control plots in the second cropping seasons. Growth parameters were better enhanced in plots with the integrated application of PM and CPH than either of their sole. There were significant improvements in plant height, leaf length and shoot diameter in the second cropping season in plots amended with PM, CPH and their integrations as against control plots where reductions in the growth characteristics were obtained. The leaf content of N, P, K and Ca were significantly (P&lt; 0.05) enhanced in plots with integrated application of PM and CPH than the plots with their sole application. Carrot root yield characteristics were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) enhanced in plots with the integrated application of PM and CPH than plots with the sole application of PM or CPH. Root yield was increased in the second cropping season in plots treated with the sole application of PM, CPH and their integrations, while there were reductions in root yield parameters in the control plots. Improvements in soil nutrients status, growth, leaf nutrients content and root yield of carrot in both cropping season in the amended plots when compared to the control plots, imply that integrated use of PM and CPH could be used in the enhancement of production of carrot on sustainable basis in the study area.

AI-Based Prediction of Carrot Yield and Quality on Tropical Agriculture

The adoption of artificial intelligence tools can improve production efficiency in the agroindustry. Our objective was to perform the predictive modeling of carrot yield and quality. The crop was grown in two commercial areas during the summer season in Brazil. The root samples were taken at 200 points with a 30 × 30 m sampling grid at 82 and 116 days after sowing in both areas. The total fresh biomass, aerial part, and root biometry were quantified for previous crop harvesting to measure yield. The quality of the roots was assessed by sub-sampling three carrots by the concentration of total soluble solids (°Brix) and firmness in the laboratory. Vegetation indices were extracted from satellite imagery. The most important variables for the predictive models were selected by principal component analysis and submitted to the Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Random Forest (RF), and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) algorithms. SAVI and NDVI indices stood out as predictors of crop yield, and the results from the ANN (R2 = 0.68) were superior to the RF (R2 = 0.67) and MLR (R2 = 0.61) models. Carrot quality cannot be modeled by the predictive models in this study; however, it should be explored in future research, including other crop variables.

Optimized Fertilizer–Water Management Improves Carrot Quality and Soil Nutrition and Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the North China Plain

In order to improve carrot quality and soil nutrition and reduce the environmental pollution caused by intensive carrot production, more comprehensive combined water–fertilizer management strategies are necessary. This study hypothesizes that optimal management of water and fertilizer can improve carrot yield and quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and soil nutrient residues. Thus, coordinated water–fertilizer management strategies were tested for carrot production on the North China Plain over two consecutive growing seasons. Four treatments were tested: local standard fertilization and irrigation practices (FNP); optimized irrigation and chemical nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer (OPT); OPT treatment with partial replacement of chemical fertilizer with peanut shell (PS); and OPT treatment with partial replacement of chemical fertilizer with mushroom residue (M). Compared to the FNP treatment, there were statistically significant increases in soluble sugars (12–27%) and free amino acids (14–26%), and decreases in the nitrate content (7–17%) of fleshy root in the OPT, PS, and M treatments. In autumn carrots, the OPT and M treatments decreased yield, whereas PS increased yield; spring carrot yield was significantly decreased in the OPT, PS, and M groups compared to the FNP group. There were no significant effects of the treatment group on carrot growth rates, nutrient accumulation, or nutrient distribution. However, the OPT, PS, and M treatments were associated with significantly increased partial productivity of phosphate fertilizer (233–363%), reduced residual levels of nitrate and available phosphorus in the top 80 cm of soil, and decreased greenhouse gas emissions by 8–18% compared to the FNP treatment. These results highlight the effectiveness of partial organic fertilizer substitution and integrated water–fertilizer management to produce high-quality carrots with minimal environmental damage.