Yield Of Cauliflower Research Articles

Effect of organic manures and biofertilizers on growth, yield and economics of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis)

The field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm, ITM University Gwalior M.P. during rabi season of 2019-21. The experiment was deliberated in randomized block design with eight treatments replicated thrice. Results revealed that application of 50% vermicompost resulted in maximum growth attributes (plant height 33.1cm, green leaves per plant 8.2, length of longest leaf 33.9cm, width of longest leaf 21.3cm, spread of plant across row length 34.2cm, spread of plant along row35.0 cm). Yield attributes and curd yield of cauliflower (36.6 q ha-1 ) were recorded with the application of 50% vermicompost. The net return of Rs. 157950 ha-1 and B:C ratio (4.031) were noted highest with 50% vermicompost. Application of 80% poultry manure proved next best treatment with respect to yield and economics of cauliflower. The lowest values of these parameters were recorded under control.

Effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and different fertilizer combinations on yield and quality properties in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis)

Purpose: This study was carried out to determine the influence of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) (Paenibacillus polymyxa RC14, Bacillus subtilis RC63 and Pseudomonas fluorescens RC77), organic chicken manure (OCM) (4000 kg/da), 3 levels of mineral fertilizer [(NPK1 (80 kg/ha N+50 kg/ha P+80 kg/ha K), NPK2 (160 kg/ha N+75 kg/ha P+160 kg/ha K) and NPK3 (200 kg/ha N+100 kg/ha P+200 kg/ha K)] and combination of these applications on growth, yield and quality of cauliflower under field conditions. Materials and Methods: Field experiments were conducted in randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments were 1. Control (No Fertilizer Application; 0 kg /ha NPK), 2. NPK1 (80-50-80 kg / ha NPK), 3. NPK2 (160-75-160 kg /ha NPK), 4. NPK3 (200-100-200 kg /ha NPK), 5. PGPR, 6. Organic Chicken Manure (OCM), 7. PGPR + OCM, 8. NPK1+PGPR, 9. NPK2+PGPR, 10. NPK3+PGPR, 11. NPK1+ OCM, 12. NPK2+ OCM, 13. NPK3+ OCM, 14. NPK1+PGPR+ OCM, 15. NPK2+PGPR+ OCM, 16. NPK3+PGPR+ OCMResults: The highest curd weight and marketable yield were observed in NPK2+ OCM in 2014 while in NPK1+PGPR+OCM and NPK2+PGPR+OCM in 2015. NPK2+ OCM elevated the curd weight and marketable yield by 300% compared to the control in 2014. NPK1+PGPR+OCM increased the curd weight and marketable yield by 200% compared to the control in 2015. The highest TSS was observed in the control in 2014 whereas NPK1+PGPR+OCM gave the highest value. NPK treatments elevated the NO3 content of cauliflower curds. In 2014 the highest ascorbic acid content was determined in PGPR while the control gave the highest content in 2015. The highest oxalic acid contents were observed in NPK treatments. Furthermore, PGPR and OCM treatments generally reduced the oxalic acid contents of the cauliflower. Conclusion: NPK with OCM and PGPR applications could be advisable for the yield and quality parameters of cauliflower. Furthermore, the PGPRxOCM combination was advisable for efficiently using in organic agricultural production.

Chemical fertilizer reduction combined with bio-organic fertilizers increases cauliflower yield via regulation of soil biochemical properties and bacterial communities in Northwest China.

The continuous application of chemical fertilizers in vegetable cropping has led to deterioration of the soil environment and reduced yield and quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of combining chemical and bio-organic fertilizers on cauliflower yield, soil biochemical properties, and the bacterial community. Six treatments were established: no fertilizer (CK, control), chemical fertilizers (CF, conventional dosage for this region), balanced fertilization (BF, 30% reduction of chemical fertilizers), and balanced fertilization plus 3,000, 6,000, or 12,000 kg.ha–1 bio-organic fertilizer (Lvneng Ruiqi Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Gansu, China) (BF + OF1, BF + OF2, BF + OF3, respectively). A two-season field experiment with cauliflower was conducted under the different fertilizer treatments in irrigation districts along the Yellow River, Northwest China. The results indicate that the yield, soil organic matter, total potassium content, and enzyme activity under the bio-organic treatments were generally higher than those under the CF treatment. Compared with the CF treatment, the BF treatment increased soil organic matter content, enzyme activity and soil bacterial relative abundance. Moreover, the bacterial alpha-diversity were higher than those of conventional fertilization. The predominant phyla, including Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Chloroflexi, were the main contributors to the microbiome shift, as demonstrated by their remarkable enrichment in the soil under BF + OF2 and BF + OF3 treatments. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analyses show significant correlations among the soil organic matter, available P and K, electrical conductivity, and relative abundance of potentially beneficial microbial groups, such as the genera Massilia, Bacillus, Lysobacter, and Nitrosospira. Overall, this study suggests that balanced fertilization and the application of bio-organic fertilizers are essential to ensure soil fertility and long-term sustainable green productivity.

Impact of high temperature stress on growth and yield of cauliflower

Impact of high temperature stress on growth and yield of cauliflower

Effect of Different Mulches on Growth and Yield of Cauliflower in Southern Bangladesh

A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), Patuakhali from November 2011 to April 2012 to find out the most adventitious mulch material for Cauliflower production. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. Six different mulches (M) along with control were applied as treatment viz M0 =Control (without mulches), M1 =Black polythene, M2 =White polythene, M3 =Saw dust, M4 =Water hyacinth and M5 =Rice straw. Data were compared on plant height (cm); number of leaves/plant; leaf area (cm2)/plant; leaf area index (cm2); dry weight of root, leaf and stem (g/plant); total dry matter (g/plant); crop growth rate (g/m2/day); relative growth rate (g/cm2/day); diameter of curd (cm2); curd fresh weight (g/plant) and curd yield (t/ha). Significant variation was obtained in case of all the compared parameters among the treatments but water hyacinth mulch gave highest value compared to control and other mulches. Finally, it can be concluded that water hyacinth mulch was found most effective for cauliflower production under AEZ-13 of the southern part of Bangladesh.
 Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 13(1&2): 110-117, 2020

Does the timing of short-term biowaste compost application affect crop growth and potential nitrate leaching? The case studies of processing tomato and cauliflower under field conditions

The feasibility of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) as a substitute for mineral nitrogen (N) fertiliser was tested for a spring-summer (i.e., processing tomato) and an autumn-winter (i.e., cauliflower) vegetable crop grown in Mediterranean open field conditions. Two different doses (10 and 20 t dm C ha–1) and two distribution timings for each dose (i.e., early application at about nine months before processing tomato transplanting and five months before cauliflower transplanting: C10_early and C20_early; late application at about one month before processing tomato and cauliflower transplanting: C10_late and C20_late) were compared in a two-year field experiment. An unfertilised control and a 100% mineral N fertilisation (MIN, 200 kg N ha–1 for processing tomato and 150 kg N ha–1 for cauliflower) were added to the experiment. The application of MSWC significantly reduced the aboveground DM accumulation compared to the MIN in both crops, and it was inadequate to ensure a high yield for spring-summer and autumn-winter vegetables. However, the timing of compost application seems to play an essential role in reducing the reduction of crop growth due to compost application. In both tomato and cauliflower, when the MSWC was applied a few months earlier than the transplanting (i.e., in the previous summer in tomato and the previous spring in cauliflower), the DM and yield reduction was less apparent than in soil where compost was applied immediately before transplanting. Despite the lowest N-uptake associated with the MSWC application, the N-NO3 concentration in the soil solution was reduced by MSWC. In addition to the amendment effect, compost use may positively impact lowering N leaching risks in the groundwater. Combining the use of MSWC applied early before the crop season with mineral N fertiliser, it is possible to gain high yield, increase soil organic carbon and reduce groundwater contamination risk both in spring-summer and autumn-winter vegetable crops. Highlights- Biowaste compost decreased the aboveground biomass accumulation and yield in processing tomato and cauliflower. - Biowaste compost alone did not meet the N requirement in processing tomato and cauliflower. - Biowaste compost distribution in the summer before the processing tomato growing season alleviated its depressive effect in reducing DM and yield. - Biowaste compost distribution in the spring before the cauliflower growing season alleviated its depressive effect in reducing DM and yield. - Biowaste compost decreased the N-NO3 concentration in soil solution compared to mineral fertilisation with a positive effect in reducing N leaching risks in the groundwater.

Intercropping of Cauliflower with Lettuce Is More Effective for Sustainable Fertilizer Management and Minimizing Environmental Risks

Intercropping systems are one of the sustainable agricultural models as they play an important role in protecting soil fertility, efficient use of resources, maintaining stable yields, and reducing the effectiveness of diseases and pests. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intercropping (IC) cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) with leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa) on the yield and quality parameters of cauliflower and to evaluate the overall productivity of the system under different nitrogen fertilization rates (160, 200, and 240 kg N ha−1). Our results showed that the leaf chlorophyll value (SPAD), plant weight, leaf weight, head diameter, head height, head weight, and total yield of cauliflower were found to increase as the nitrogen dose increased in both the monocropping (MC) and IC systems. The most efficient nitrogen fertilizer doses for cauliflower were 234.7 kg ha−1 for MC and 176.6 kg ha−1 for IC, respectively. When the intercropping system was used the total yield (cauliflower and lettuce) was higher than the yield of cauliflower (MC) for the same total area and fertilizer amount. The land equivalent ratio (LER) values were greater than 1 in the intercropping system at all fertilization rates, which indicated that the IC system was more productive than the MC system for the same unit of land. Our findings also showed that intercropping was an effective method to increase fertilizer use efficiency and the soil organic matter, nitrogen content, plant available P, K, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu. In conclusion, while intercropping cauliflower with lettuce did not adversely affect the yield of cauliflower, it enabled harvesting more plants (cauliflower and lettuce) from the same land area by using the same amount of fertilizer, which makes intercropping a sustainable, economical, and ecological model that increases the land-use and fertilizer-use efficiencies.

EFFECT OF NPK AND SULPHUR ON GROWTH, YIELD AND CHLOROPHYLL CONTENTS OF CAULIFLOWER (BRASSICA OLERACEA L).

Cauliflower is cultivated all around the world for its high nutritional value. In Pakistan, there is dire need to optimize the nutritional supplementation of cauliflower. Therefore, a field experiment was carried out to see the impact of NPK and sulphur on growth, yield and chlorophyll contents of cauliflower. The experiment was laid out according to Randomized Complete Block Design having ten treatments replicated thrice. The experiment was consisted of five levels of NPK (13:17:17, 15:18:18, 16:18:18, 16:19:19 and 20:20:20) in combination with two sulphur levels (20g, 40g) and a control treatment (NPK 0:0:0) without sulphur having three replications. The results revealed that highest values of observed attributes i.e plant height (54.06 cm), numbers of leaves per plant (19.93), leaf area (10.93 cm2), foliage fresh weight (36.4 g), foliage dry weight (18.48 g), curd size (10.93 cm) and curd weight (839.84 g) were observed in (16:19:19) NPK in combination with 40 gplant-1 sulphur. While, minimum values were noted in control treatment. However, minimum days to curd formation (51.53) was observed in NPK (16:19:19) in combination with the sulphur (40 gplant-1). Chlorophyll contents (1.98 CCi), total soluble solids (13.13 oBrix) and vitamin C (56.81 mg100 g-1) were maximum in the treatment (16:19:19) NPK along with 40 gplant-1 sulphur. From this study, it is concluded that treatment (NPK 16:19:19 + Sulphur 40 g/plant) is the best optimal dose for the higher growth and production of cauliflower.

Efficacy of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Cauliflower in Acidic Soil of Bangladesh

Soil acidity is considered as one of the limiting factors in agricultural production because it affects plant growth and development by reducing the availability of essential nutrients. Therefore, a field trial was carried out at the experimental field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur, Bangladesh from September 2021 to January 2022 to evaluate the effect of various organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of cauliflower. The experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design with seven treatments viz. Control, Recommended dose of chemical fertilizers (RDF), Poultry Manure (PM) (3 t ha-1) + RDF, Vermicompost (VC) (3 t ha-1) + RDF, Cowdung (CD) (5 t ha-1) + RDF, Rice Husk Biochar (1 t ha-1) + RDF and Household waste compost (3t ha-1) + RDF with three replications. Among different treatments, the highest value for plant height (49.25 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (21.50), curd circumference (39.87cm), curd diameter (18.07 cm), marketable curd weight (777.57g plant-1), marketable curd yield (32.41 t ha-1), N, K, S content (1.92%, 1.87% and 0.33 % respectively) and K and S uptake ( 79.57 kg ha-1 and 13.92 kg ha-1) were recorded from the Household waste compost (3t ha-1) + RDF whose effect was statistically similar to the treatment Poultry Manure (PM) (3 t ha-1) + RDF. The maximum value for curd height (11.10 cm), N uptake (81.81 kg ha-1) and P content and uptake (0.32% and 13.97 kg ha-1 respectively) were recorded from poultry manure along with RDF. Whereas, the minimum value for all growth parameters, yield attributes, nutrient content and uptake were observed from unfertilized control. Therefore, integrated application of organic manures with synthetic chemical fertilizers can be practiced for attaining higher yield and better-quality curds compare to the sole application of inorganic fertilizers in acid soils of Bangladesh.

Use of Biochar to Improve the Sustainable Crop Production of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.).

In agriculture, biochar (B) application has been suggested as a green technology to reduce nitrate pollution from agricultural origins and improve crop yield. The agronomic impact of B use on soil has been extensively studied, while knowledge of its possible effects on horticultural cultivation is still scarce. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of using biochar in soils treated with two different rates of nitrogen fertilizers on soil properties and nitrogen (N) leachate. This study also investigated the vegetative parameters during the crop growing season of Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis. Soil mesocosms were set up to test the following treatments: untreated/control (C); normal dose of N fertilizer (130 kg N ha−1) (ND); ND+B; high dose of N fertilizer (260 kg N ha−1) (HD); and HD+B. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were exploited to assess biochar’s ability to reduce nitrate leaching and enhance soil–vegetative properties. Biochar addition affected the soil chemical properties of the fertilized microcosms (ND and HD). Biochar increased the content in HD soil and the content in ND soil by 26 mg/L and 48.76 mg/L, respectively. The results showed that biochar application increased the marketable cauliflower yield. In ND+B and HD+B, the curd weight was 880.68 kg and 1097.60 kg, respectively. In addition, a small number of nitrogenous compounds in the leachate were quantified in experimental lines with the biochar. Therefore, biochar use improves the marketable yield of horticulture, mitigating the negative impacts associated with the mass use of N fertilizers in agriculture.

The Interaction Effect between Mycorrhiza (Glomus Mosseae), Organic and Mineral Fertilizers on Growth, Yield of Cauliflower (Brassica Oleracea) and Some Desert Soil Characteristics

The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding Mycorrhiza, local organic fertilizer, and biochar (seek) singly or in combination on some properties of desert soils from the Karbala governorate. Coupled with the growth and yield of cauliflower (Brassica Oleracea) under different levels of mineral fertilization. A Biological experiment was carried out to achieve the objectives of the study by placing 20 kg of desert soil that was transported from the Holy Karbala Governorate from the site of Imam Hussein Agricultural City. This soil was placed in environmentally friendly bags made of linen cloth 50 cm in diameter and 35 cm in height. The biological experiment included three factors: organic fertilizer (local organic fertilizer, biochar (Seek) and without adding organic fertilizer) and biofertilizer (inoculation with mycorrhiza and without mycorrhiza). On the other hand, the third factor represents mineral fertilizer addition at three levels (100%, 50%, and 0 %) of the fertilizer recommendation for cauliflower. Generally, 16 g of biochar (Seek) for every 20 kg of soil was added by mixing to 15 cm of depth from the soil surface, while 500 g of local organic fertilizer was added in the same way. The results showed the superiority of adding Mycorrhiza in the availability of nitrogen and phosphorous in the soil after planting. It gives values of 92.00 mg N kg-1 soil and 9.18 mg p kg-1 soil in the inoculated soil compared to their concentration in the uninoculated soil, which amounted to 87.69 mg N kg-1 and 8.65 mg p kg-1 soil nitrogen and phosphorous, respectively. The results analysis showed also the superiority of adding a mixture of local organic fertilizer with biochar (Seek) in increasing the nitrogen availability in the soil. It gave 91.72 mg N kg-1 of soil compared to the treatment of adding seek alone and the control treatment, which gave values of 88.94 and 87.28 mg N kg -1soil, respectively.The study showed the positive and significant resultsof the triple interaction between the addition of mycorrhiza and the combination of organic fertilizer with the addition of 100% of the mineral fertilizer recommendation for cauliflower in increasing the concentration of available nitrogen in the soil, as it gave 101.00 mg N kg-1 soil compared to the control treatment, which gave 67.67 mg N kg-1soil. The addition of mycorrhiza contributed to an increase in the weights and curd diameters, the leaves dry weight and gave values of 711.1 g, 15.44 cm, 36.33 g compared to the control treatment for the same traits, which amounted to 562.4 g, 14.69 cm, and 27.08 g, respectively. Besides, the 100% addition of the recommendation resulted in higher values for leaves, curd diameters, and leaf dry weight to reach 697.9 g and 15.71 g respectively compared to not adding mineral fertilizer which gave values of 581.2 g, 14.08 cm, and 28.96 g respectively. Finally, the study findings showed the significant effect of adding combined bio-organic fertilizer in increasing the concentration of organic matter in the soil after planting, which amounted to 7.14 and 7.63 g.kg-1, compared to the control treatment, which gave 6.91 and 6.31 g. kg-1, respectively.

Impact of Molybdenum Application on Yield, Quality and Profitability of Cauliflower ( var. L.) in Brassica oleracea botrytis an Acid Alfisol Soil

A field experiment was laid out to evaluate the impact of molybdenum application on the yield, quality, and profitability of cauliflower. The experiment comprised of eleven treatments i.e., T =NPK (control), T =NPK + FYM (RDF), T =NPK + Lime, T =NPK + Lime + FYM, T =RDF 1 2 3 4 5+ Mo at recommended rate @ 1 kg ha (soil), T =RDF + Mo at 1.5 times the recommended rate @ 1.5 kg ha (soil), T =RDF + Mo at -1 -16 7recommended rate @ 0.1% (foliar sprays), T =RDF + Mo at 1.5 times the recommended rate @ 0.15% (foliar sprays), T =RDF along with Mo 8 9@ 1 kg ha (soil) and @ 0.1% as foliar sprays, T =RDF along with Mo @ 1 kg ha (soil) and @ 0.15% as foliar sprays, and T =Subhash -1 -1 10 11Palekar's Natural Farming (SPNF). Mo @ 1 The highest curd yield (20.7 t ha ) was recorded in T , where NPK was applied along with FYM and -1 10 kg ha (soil) + @ 0.15% (foliar) -1 with a 29.1 per cent increase over treatment T . The same treatment enhanced the ascorbic acid (77.8 mg 100g2 -1 -1 o -1), curd solidity (46.25 g cm ), and total soluble solids (8.4 Brix) and also resulted in higher net-returns (₹ 3,10,260 ha ) and benefit-cost ratio (3.99). Mo application positively influenced the cauliflower production in an acid Alfisols. However, the conjoint application of Mo (basal and foliar) proved its superiority in enhancing the productivity and profitability of cauliflower compared to their respective sole application.

Effect of Boron on Growth and Yield Parameters of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis cv Snow Mystique) in Terhathum, Nepal

A study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of boron on growth and yield parameters of Snow Mystique variety of cauliflower at farmer's field in Myanglung, Terhathum, Nepal during the winter season of 2019 AD. Five levels of boron viz, control (0 kg/ha), 0.5 kg/ha, 1.0 kg/ha, 1.5 kg/ha, and 2.1 kg/ha were applied in the field that was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. Data were recorded regarding plant height, canopy cover, and leaf number at 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after transplanting while yield parameters like curd diameter, curd yield, and biological yield after harvest. Days to curd initiation, days to harvest, and incidence of hollowing were also recorded in this study. Results revealed that boron had significant effect on growth as well as yield parameters of cauliflower, where the value of these parameters were higher at higher boron dose. Boron at the rate of 2.1 kg/ha produced significantly higher curd yield (67.59 t/ha), curd diameter (25.21 cm) and biological yield (72.27 t/ha) whereas the value of these parameters were lowest with control. Similarly, boron had significant effect on incidence of hollowing where the application of boron at the rate of 2.1 kg/ha recorded the minimum incidence of hollowing (15.27 %). Results from this experiment concludes that application of boron at the rate of 2.1 kg/ha could be suggested for cauliflower growing farmers of Terhathum district for increased growth and yield of cauliflower.
 Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 10(1): 41-49.

Drip Fertigated Planting Systems with Polythene Mulching on Cauliflower–Eggplant Cropping Systems in Hot and Subhumid Climate: Impact on Soil Health and Crop Yield

ABSTRACT The soil–plant interaction may help in maximizing crop productivity with simultaneous improvement in the soil quality. Field experiments were conducted during 2014 to 2016 to evaluate the planting systems with polythene mulching on soil hydrothermal conditions, nutrient availability, and crop productivity under cauliflower–eggplant cropping systems involving six treatments such as T1: flat-bed without polythene mulch; T2: flat-bed with polythene mulch; T3: broad-bed without polythene mulch; T4: broad-bed with polythene mulch; T5: ridge-furrow without polythene mulch; T6: ridge-furrow with polythene mulch. The daily mean surface soil temperature in mulched plots was 1.3°C higher than unmulched during the early growing season. The microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), soil organic carbon (SOC), dehydrogenase activity (DHA), and acid phosphatase activity of soil were higher in the mulched treatments. The mulched ridge-furrow treatment (T6) recorded the highest available N, P, and K content of 286.4, 37.2, and 315.2 kg ha−1 in eggplant, accounting for 38.2, 52.4, and 26.0% increase over the initial status, while in cauliflower, it was 275.1, 36.4, and 300.4 kg ha−1, accounting for 32.7, 49.2, and 20% increase, respectively. The highest N, P, and K uptake by cauliflower was 172.4, 17.1, and 117.7 kg ha−1, while in eggplant, it was 88.3, 22.4, and 91.4 kg ha−1, respectively, in T6 treatment. The curd yield of cauliflower and fruit yield of eggplant was significantly highest of 40.4 and 29.8 t ha−1, respectively, in T6 treatment.

Effect of farmyard manure and boron on cauliflower productivity in an acidic Entisol of Eastern Himalayan flood plains

Adoption of a high analysis synthetic fertilizer-based modern agricultural system has aggravated problems of micronutrient deficiencies like boron (B). Elevating organic carbon (OC) content in soil is assumed to be effective to deal with such constraints. This study conducted for two seasons aimed to evaluate interactive effect of farm yard manure (FYM) and B on yield of cauliflower and residual soil B status in inherently B deficient acidic Entisol. The field experiment was laid down in randomized block design with thirteen treatment combinations of FYM and B. According to the results FYM and soil borax application significantly influenced curd diameter (CD), curd yield, curd B uptake, residual soil B content, and soil OC content over control and single-dose foliar spray. FYM at 20 t ha−1 with borax at 5 kg ha−1 turned out as the best treatment combination in terms of curd yield (24.19 t ha−1), apparent boron recovery (ABR) (10.01%), and boron use efficiency (BUE) (3448 kg kg−1). Hot water was found more efficient over hot CaCl2 to extract soil B. The results suggest the feasibility of using organic manure with B fertilizer to improve soil properties and cauliflower productivity.

EFFECT OF LOCALLY AVAILABLE ORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF CAULIFLOWER AND SOIL NUTRIENT COMPOSITION (Brassica oleracea Var. Snow Mystique)

Cauliflower production in Bhutan is one of the cash crops generating Nu.31 million in 2016, however, it is a crop requiring heavy fertilization. However, synthetic fertilization was reported to degrade the soil and its productivity in the long run by numerous scientists all over the world. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of locally available organic fertilizers on growth and yield of cauliflower and its soil nutrient constituent. The study included six different treatments namely T1 (Control), T2 (Vermicompost), T3 (Bio-slurry), T4 (FYM), T5 (Jholmol) and T6 (Bhur OM). The study revealed that application of locally available organic fertilizers had a statistically significant effect (P value = 0.0003) on the yield of cauliflower. The highest yield was obtained from T2 (25.77 tons/ha) which was 8.30 % more compared to the lowest yield from T1 (14.33 tons/ha). Growth parameters like plant height, plant width, curd length, curd width, curd height and number of leaves were not significantly affected by the application of organic fertilizers; however, except for plant height and number of leaves, T1 performed the lowest in other growth parameters. A statistically significant effect in soil nutrient composition was observed on applying different organic fertilizers. T6 and T5 had high major soil nutrient content such as organic matter, available phosphorus and available potassium but it was observed that their yield was low as compared to other treatments. This could be linked to nutrient unavailability due to high C:N ratio in T6 (21) and T5 (23). In general, the result of the study revealed that the application of organic fertilizers in cauliflower had a positive effect on its yield, growth parameters and soil quality.

Effect of spacing on Growth, Yield and Quality characters of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)

Optimum plant spacing is important for crop production through the plants’ efficient utilization of light, nutrients, and water. The present study was done to find out the impact of spacing on growth, yield and quality of cauliflower. The work was carried out with five different spacing along with three replications in randomized block design. It was observed that treatment S (60 X 50 cm) was the best treatment for more growth, high yield, and better quality with more profit it may be due to wide spacing and more absorptions of nutrients by plant from soil then the lesser spacing

Effect of irrigation levels and weed management practices on weeds, water productivity and yield of cauliflower

Water shortage and weed infestation are major constraints in vegetable production. Micro-irrigation integrated with weed management practices is one way to maximize the yield and water productivity in crops. A field trial was conducted during Rabi seasons of 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 at the Water Management Farm of CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur to study the effect of irrigation levels and weed management practices on weeds, crop and water productivity in cauliflower. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three irrigation levels (0.9 PE, 0.7 PE and 0.5 PE) in main plots and four weed management practices (black polythene mulch, pre-plant incorporation (PPI) of pendimethalin 1.5 kg/ha followed by (fb) hand weeding, pendimethalin 1.5 kg/ha PPI fb straw mulching and weedy check) in sub plots. The treatments were replicated thrice. The irrigation given to crop at 0.9 PE level proved to be better in terms of yield and net returns in cauliflower. Black polythene mulch resulted in efficient weed control and improving crop developmental parameters and yield attributes. There was progressive increase in weed density and biomass with increase in irrigation level, with least in lower irrigation level of 0.5PE. It is concluded that higher crop productivity and returns in cauliflower can be obtained by using black polythene mulch and irrigation applied at 0.9PE level. However, under limited water availability, the best alternative will be applying irrigation at 0.7 PE level and using black polythene mulch.

Effect of bio-fertilizers with chemical fertilizers on growth, yield, and quality of cauliflower (<em>Brassica oleracea var. botrytis</em>)

The present experiment entitled “Effect of bio-fertilizers with chemical fertilizers on the growth, yield, and quality of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)” was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm of the Department of Applied Plant Science (Horticulture), Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, (A Central University), Vidya- Vihar, Rae Bareli Road, Lucknow (U.P), India during Rabi season of 2015-16. The soil of the experimental field is sandy loam and slightly alkaline in nature with a soil pH of 8.2. In the trial, different nutrients are applied such as Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF), FYM, Azotobacter, Azospirillum, and Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (VAM) study the layout of the experimental field was laid down in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The observation of various character recorded revealed that the maximum height of the plant (57.793cm), number of leaves per plant (21.00), stem diameter (3.88cm), length of leaf (42.4cm), width of leaf (28..6cm), stem height (48.89cm), net curd yield (378.59g), curd with guard leaves (1349.86g), curd weight without guard leaves (929.22g), curd diameter(15.66cm), vitamin-c(93.21mg) and acidity (0.88) was found.

Soil test-based fertilizer application enhanced yield and economics of cauliflower in the soils of north western himalayas

Soil test-based fertilizer application enhanced yield and economics of cauliflower in the soils of north western himalayas