Yield Of Cabbage Research Articles

POT SIZE ON COLE CROPS PRODUCTIVITY IN ROOFTOP GARDENING

The experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2020–21 on rooftop of On-Farm Research Division (OFRD), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Bandarban station, to find out the influence of pot size for cultivating three popular cole crops in Bangladesh (broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage). Four pot sizes (8, 10, 12, and 14 inches) were used as treatments in this experiment, which followed a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The results showed a significant relationship between pot size and crop yield. Among all the pot sizes, the highest marketable yield of broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage was found from 14-inch pots (261.33 g, 925.33 g, and 1105 g), while 8-inch pots yielded the lowest for all three crops (74.67 g, 330.67 g, and 300 g) respectively. Interestingly, the cauliflower plants in the largest pots (14 inches) took the longest time to mature (61.33 days), while delayed curd formation in broccoli (54.67 days) and head formation in cabbage (66.33 days) was found in 8-inch pots. Overall, cole crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage yielded more in larger pots (14-inch) compared to smaller pots.

Utilizing ragweed and oyster shell derived biochar as an effective stabilizer for the restoring Cd and Pb- contaminated soil

This study aimed to compare the effects of limestone and biochar amendments on heavy metal availability, soil fertility, and crop yield in cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) contaminated soil. A pot experiment with Chinese cabbage was conducted to evaluate two types of biochar derived from invasive plant (ragweed) and oyster shells for their potential in stabilizing Cd and Pb. The results showed that both biochar amendments significantly reduced the availability and uptake of Cd and Pb in soil and cabbage, comparable to the effects of limestone. Moreover, biochar amendment synergistically enhanced soil fertility, cabbage yield and quality. Application of ragweed-derived biochar at a 0.5% dosage consistently and most effectively promoted leaf biomass by 18% and 25% and increased vitamin C levels by 20% and 30% at harvest 1 and 2, respectively. Additionally, it led to a reduction in leaf content of nitrate by 26% and 37%, as well as a decline in Cd content by 41% and 21% and Pb content by 78% and 58%. Notably, despite the increased application cost, ragweed-derived biochar has far greater financial benefits than lime due to increased crop yield. These findings highlight the potential of employing natural and high-performance biochar with multiple functionalities, offering benefits not only in controlling invasive species and managing waste but also as a promising substitute for lime application, thereby contributing significantly to sustainable soil management.

Fertilizer Reduction Techniques on Growth and Yield of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata L.)

An investigation was carried out to find out the effect of reduction in RDF through foliar application of water-soluble fertilizers on the growth and yield of cabbage. The result showed that the growth and yield parameters significantly varied with a reduction in RDF through foliar application of water-soluble fertilizers at different concentrations. The maximum plant height (15.83 cm), number of loose leaves (15.85), leaf length of outer leaf (22.46 cm), leaf breadth of the outer leaf (22.48 cm), leaf area (504.90 cm2), and weight of loose leaves per plant (549.98 g) and yield parameters like maximum weight of head (0.96 kg), fresh weight of five heads (4.80 kg), head diameter (15.78 cm), yield per plot (33.54 kg ), total yield (54.09 tha-1) and highest marketable yield (53.26 tha-1) were recorded superior in the treatment T9 (66 % RDF + 2.5 % F A) in all growth and yield parameters with foliar sprays of water-soluble formulation NPK 19:19:19 sprayed at 3 times compared to check treatment T13 (100 RDF% alone) and all these parameters are minimum in T1 (33 % RDF + 2.5% FA).

A Systematic Review on Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Levels on Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) Production in Ethiopia.

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) holds significant agricultural and nutritional importance in Ethiopia; yet, its production faces challenges, including suboptimal nitrogen fertilizer management. The aim of this review was to review the possible effect of nitrogen fertilizer levels on the production of cabbage in Ethiopia. Nitrogen fertilization significantly influences cabbage yield and quality. Moderate to high levels of nitrogen application enhance plant growth, leaf area, head weight, and yield. However, excessive nitrogen levels can lead to adverse effects such as delayed maturity, increased susceptibility to pests and diseases, and reduced postharvest quality. In Ethiopia, small-scale farmers use different nitrogen levels for cabbage cultivation. In Ethiopia, NPSB or NPSBZN fertilizers are widely employed for the growing of various crops such as cabbage. 242 kg of NPS and 79 kg of urea are the blanket recommendation for the current production of cabbage in Ethiopia. The existing rate is not conducive for farmers. Therefore, small-scale farmers ought to utilize an optimal and cost-effective nitrogen rate to boost the cabbage yield. Furthermore, the effectiveness of nitrogen fertilization is influenced by various factors including the soil type, climate, cabbage variety, and agronomic practices. Integrated nutrient management approaches, combining nitrogen fertilizers with organic amendments or other nutrients, have shown promise in optimizing cabbage production while minimizing environmental impacts. The government ought to heed suggestions concerning soil characteristics such as the soil type, fertility, and additional factors such as the soil pH level and soil moisture contents.

Effect of Plant Spacing and Nutrient Levels on Growth and Yield of Red Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra)

An experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of plant spacing and nutrient levels on the growth and yield of red cabbage. This experiment involved three distinct spacing configurations (45cmx30cm, 45cmx45cm, and 45cmx60cm) and nutrient levels (75% NPK, 100% NPK, and 125% NPK). The experiment was designed as a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRCBD) and carried out at the Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, during the 2021-22 period. This study infers that spacing and nutrients promote the vegetative growth of plants. The spacing configuration of 45cm X 60cm with 125% NPK resulted in the most significant outcomes, including the highest number of leaves (28.93), maximum plant height (36.71 cm), maximum fresh weight of the head (1421.80 g) and highest head volume (1360.19 cc) which could be because of wider spacing and higher nutrient doses. Conversely, the spacing configuration of 45cm X 30cm with 75% NPK demonstrated the early head initiation (45.60 days) and the most compact head formation (0.38). The highest yield per hectare (74.43 t) was achieved with the spacing configuration of 45cmx30cm using 125% NPK which improved greater availability of nutrients and, as a result, boosted the vegetative development.

Unlocking growth potential: Synergistic potassium fertilization for enhanced yield, nutrient uptake, and energy fractions in Chinese cabbage

The implementation of integrated potassium management presents a viable approach for augmenting plant growth, yield, and nutrient uptake while enhancing soil nutrient availability. A field experiment was executed during the rabi season of 2020, employing a randomized complete block design encompassing eight treatments involving standard (100%) and reduced (75% and 50%) rates of the recommended dose of potassium (RDK) administered through muriate of potash (MOP). Treatments included variations in the incorporation/exclusion of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), farmyard manure (FYM) at 25% of potassium recommendation, and foliar application of nano potash. The use of 100% RDK +25% K augmentation through FYM + PGPR and nano K fertilizer spray at 25 and 40 DAS (T8) exhibited significant enhancements in green fodder yield (64.0 ± 2.2 t ha−1) over control with no potassium application (47.3 ± 3.7 t ha−1) and found at par with and 75% RDK + 25% K augmentation through FYM + PGPR and nano K fertilizer spray at 25 and 40 DAS (T7). These treatments yielded maximum percent increase for plant height (34.9%), leaf count (38.5%), leaf dimensions (28.8–31.5%), stem girth (25.84%), root volume (27.0%), and root length (37.64%), observed at the harvest stage compared to control (T1-no potassium application). The treatment T8 was on par with T7 and recorded highest uptake of macro (N, P, and K) and micro (Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn) nutrients. While soil parameters such as available nitrogen and potassium levels were notably increased through the application of treatment T7 across various treatment combinations and found significantly superiority over treatment T8. Multivariate analysis also highlighted treatment T7 is more efficient in maintaining sustainability. Hence, based on the present findings it can be concluded that application of 75% RDK +25% K augmentation through FYM + PGPR and nano K fertilizer spray at 25 and 40 DAS (T7) can be recommended for achieving enhanced productivity and soil fertility improvement within agricultural systems.

Reduced weeding shows potential to regulate nutrient leaching in a cabbage (Brassica oleracea, var. capitata) lysimeter trial

Agricultural land is the main contributor to nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of groundwater sources. Adopting agroecological management practices can support the transition towards sustainable farming systems. We investigated if reduced weeding could support nutrient retention in a nutrient demanding vegetable crop (Brassica oleracea, var. capitata), without causing unacceptable yield losses. We conducted a three-year study (2019–2021) with two cropping seasons (autumn and spring) using 1 m3 above-ground lysimeters, each containing four cabbage plants. Different vegetation covers, each with four replicates, were considered: 1) crop only 2) weeds only 3) crop + weeds from crop transplanting 4) crop + weeds after 20 days from crop transplanting 5) bare soil with fertilizer 6) bare soil without fertilizer. Each system received the recommended dose of mineral fertilizer for cabbage (130 kg ha−1 N, 80 kg ha−1 P, 150 kg ha−1 K), except for two bare soil lysimeters which were not fertilized. Water samples were taken throughout the growing season, in particular after each fertilization event, and analysed for nitrate (NO3-N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) concentrations. Cabbage yield in both weedy treatments was significantly lower compared to the weed-free plots only in spring 2020 and fall 2021. Weed cover contributed to explain NO3-N and K leaching, while P leaching was affected by crop cover. The results suggest that it is possible to reduce weed management intensity in cabbage while also obtaining some benefits concerning nutrient losses.

Influence of biochar and NPK on soil chemical properties, growth and yield of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.)

Few studies have examined how fertilizers affect soil chemical properties, cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) yield, and nutrient uptake in Ghana. This study examined how corn cob biochar (CCB) and NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer affected cabbage growth, yield, soil chemical properties, and nutrient uptake. The study was conducted during the 2021 major season at Soil Research Institute, Kwadaso. A 3×3 factorial experiment set out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications was conducted. The treatments applied were control (No fertilizer), 50% NPK, 100% NPK, 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB, 50% NPK + 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB, 100% NPK + 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB, 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB, 50% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB and 100% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB. Application of 100% NPK resulted in the largest (2.99 cm) stem diameter. Application of 100% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB resulted in the tallest plants (42.3 cm) and cabbage leaf spread (71.23 cm). Application of 100% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 CCB resulted in the largest cabbage head circumference (67.43 cm). The 100% NPK + 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB gave the highest yield (40679 kg ha-1). 100% NPK + 2,500 kg ha-1 CCB increased nitrogen uptake, 50% NPK + 5,000 kg ha-1 increased phosphorus and calcium uptake, 100% NPK + 5,000 kg increased potassium uptake, and 50% NPK + 2,500 kg increased magnesium uptake. Therefore, it is suggested that CCB and NPK fertilizers be applied to enhance the soil’s physical and chemical properties, nutrient uptake, and other factors contributing to cabbage growth and yield.

Pyrolysis temperature and time of rice husk biochar potentially control ammonia emissions and Chinese cabbage yield from urea-fertilized soils

Current agricultural practices are increasingly favoring the biochar application to sequester carbon, enhance crop growth, and mitigate various environmental pollutants resulting from nitrogen (N) loss. However, since biochar’s characteristics can vary depending on pyrolysis conditions, it is essential to determine the optimal standard, as they can have different effects on soil health. In this study, we categorized rice husk biochars basis on their pH levels and investigated the role of each rice husk biochar in reducing ammonia (NH3) emissions and promoting the growth of Chinese cabbage in urea-fertilized fields. The findings of this study revealed that the variation in pyrolysis conditions of rice husk biochars and N rates affected both the NH3 emissions and crop growth. The neutral (pH 7.10) biochar exhibited effective NH3 volatilization reduction, attributed to its high surface area (6.49 m2 g−1), outperforming the acidic (pH 6.10) and basic (pH 11.01) biochars, particularly under high N rates (640 kg N ha−1). Chinese cabbage yield was highest, reaching 4.00 kg plant−1, with the basic biochar application with high N rates. Therefore, the neutral rice husk biochar effectively mitigate the NH3 emissions from urea-treated fields, while the agronomic performance of Chinese cabbage enhanced in all biochar amendments.

Optimizing row combinations of an intercrop of maize with cabbage

In order to explore the optimum row combinations of an intercrop of maize with cabbage, 11 treatments for different intercropping rows of two crops were conducted from 2010 to 2016. The intercrop made intercropped maize yield raise and intercropped cabbage yield lower compared with their respective monocultures. Intercropped maize and cabbage interacted with each other, which could be presented by the regression equations between YIR, income and LER, and the number of intercropping rows of both maize and cabbage. Although the positive effect of intercropped maize could not offset negative effect of intercropped cabbage in the same intercropping rows, the advantage of the intercrop appealed when intercropping strip of cabbage was 1–3 rows more than that of maize. Income of cabbage monoculture was higher than that of maize monoculture and the intercrop. LER of the intercrop was relatively low with a maximum of 1.08. There was possibility that LER was ≥1 when the intercropping strip of cabbage was ≥ 4 rows. M4||C7 is recommended for an optimum combination of this intercrop based on the highest average LER value, and the opportunity for farmers to plant and harvest these rows with machinery.

Heavy Metal Contamination of Gray Forest Soil in Oilseed Agrocenoses using Mineral Fertilizers

Background: The purpose of the research is to study the features of contamination of dark gray forest soils with heavy metals and to establish the yield of oil cabbage crops as a result of the use of various levels of mineral nutrition in the conditions of the Non-black earth zone of Russia. Methods: The experiments were carried out on the dark gray forest soils of Ryazan region in crops of spring rape, white mustard and gray mustard (Sarepta). Soil sampling to determine HMs was carried out before the experiment. Determination of heavy metals was carried out by atomic absorption spectrometry using a semi-quantitative spectral method on a spectrophotometer in the laboratory of the State Station of the Agrochemical Service “Ryazanskaya” and the laboratories of the university. Result: The studied types and combinations of mineral fertilizers had effect on the growth and development of plants. The effectiveness of the use of mineral nutrition doses proves its high efficiency in studies with oilseed crops in the conditions of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia. The highest yields, for spring rapeseed (19.3 dt ha-1), for gray mustard (13.7 dt ha-1) and white mustard (12.2 dt ha-1), were observed in the variants with the action of N90-120P60K60.

How Does Bio-Organic Fertilizer Combined with Biochar Affect Chinese Small Cabbage's Growth and Quality on Newly Reclaimed Land?

The cultivated land area in China is approaching the red line for farmland protection. Newly reclaimed land possesses a large exploratory potential to become a reserved land resource. Identifying a fertilization strategy is vital for improving the poor properties and weak fertility of newly reclaimed land. An experiment was conducted to study the effects of traditional compound fertilizer (Fc) or bio-organic fertilizer (Ft), alone or in combination with biochar addition (6.85 t·ha-1 and 13.7 t·ha-1) on the growth, photosynthesis, yield and quality of Chinese small cabbage (CSC) plant. The results showed that compared to single compound fertilizer application, bio-organic fertilizer application promoted the plant's growth, indicated by the plant height, stem diameter and leaf area index (LAI), and significantly enhanced the yield and dry matter accumulation of CSC. In terms of the combination with biochar, the promoting effects were positively related to the biochar addition rate in the compound fertilizer group, while it was better to apply bio-organic fertilizer alone or in combination with biochar at a low rate of 6.85 t·ha-1. The highest yield was obtained under B2Fc and B1Ft with 29.41 and 37.93 t·ha-1, respectively, and the yield under B1Ft was significantly higher than that under B2Fc. The water productivity (WP) significantly improved in response to both kinds of fertilizer combined with biochar at 6.85 t·ha-1. There was a significant difference between the photosynthetic characteristics of plants treated with single-compound fertilizer and those treated with bio-organic fertilizer. The photosynthetic characteristics increased under compound fertilizer combined with biochar, while they regressed under bio-organic fertilizer combined with biochar. The quality of CSC, especially that of soluble sugars and total phenolics, improved under single bio-organic fertilizer application compared with that under single-compound fertilizer. The nitrite content of the plants increased with increasing biochar addition rate in both fertilizer groups. In conclusion, there is a significant promoting effect of applying bio-organic fertilizer to replace chemical fertilizer alone or combining compound fertilizer with low-rate biochar addition on newly reclaimed land. It is a recommended fertilization strategy to substitute or partially substitute chemical fertilizer with bio-organic fertilizer combined with biochar in newly reclaimed land, and it is of great significance to achieve fertilizer reduction.

Effects of Different Agricultural Waste Composts on Cabbage Yield and Rhizosphere Environment

The return of agricultural waste to the field is one of the most effective strategies of increasing crop yield, improving the soil’s physicochemical properties, and improving the soil rhizosphere environment. In the present study, sheep manure (SM), cow manure (CM), tail vegetable (TV), mushroom residue (MR), and corn straw (CS) were used as raw materials, and no fertilization (CK1) and local commercial organic fertilizer (CK2) treatments were used as controls. Eight composts were set up using specific mass ratios of different compost materials. After fermentation, field experiments were conducted to determine the cabbage yield, soil’s physicochemical properties, and soil rhizosphere conditions. The eight composts increased the soil organic matter and nutrient contents significantly. Among the eight fermentation formulas, T6 (CM:CS:TV:SM = 1:1:2:6), T7 (MR:CS:TV:SM = 1:1:2:6), and T8 (CM:MR:CS:TV:SM = 1:1:1:2:5) were relatively effective. Therefore, high-throughput sequencing was performed on T6, T7, T8, CK1, and CK2. T6, T7, and T8 exhibited increased relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Actinomycetes, and Firmicutes, while the Acidobacteria abundance was decreased. In addition, Ascomycota’s and Basidiomycetes’ relative abundance decreased, and the oil chytrid and mortierella increased. The microbial community structure was affected significantly by pH, electrical conductivity, available potassium, available nitrogen, and organic matter. In general, the three composts increased yield by improving the soil’s physicochemical properties, fertility, and microbial community structure. Among them, T6 had the most significant effect and is the optimal formula for use as a local organic cabbage fertilizer, and it could facilitate sustainable agricultural development.

Gibberellic Acid and Planting Time Influence on the Growth and Yield of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

The experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during the period from October 2018 to March 2019. The goal of this study was to determine when to sow cabbage and how much gibberellic acid to use in order to maximize growth and yield. The experiment consisted of two factors: Factor A: Planting time (three different times) as - T1= 05 November; T2= 20 November and T3= 05 December and Factor B: Gibberellic acid (four levels) as- G0= 0 ppm (control); G1= 75 ppm; G2= 95 ppm and G3= 115 ppm GA3, respectively. The two factors experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Due to the combined effect of Gibberellic acid and planting time, the maximum thickness of head (14.5 cm) and the highest marketable yield (59.4 t/ha) was found from T2G2 whereas the minimum thickness of head (10.8 cm) and the lowest marketable yield (37.1 t/ha) was found from T3G0. The economic analysis revealed that T2G2 gave the maximum benefit cost ratio (2.57). That’s why we can consider that 20thNovember planting time along with 95 ppm GA3 was the best combination for growth and yield of cabbage.

Exploring the Regulatory Dynamics of BrFLC-Associated lncRNA in Modulating the Flowering Response of Chinese Cabbage.

Vernalization plays a crucial role in the flowering and yield of Chinese cabbage, a process intricately influenced by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Our research focused on lncFLC1, lncFLC2a, and lncFLC2b, which emerged as key players in this process. These lncRNAs exhibited an inverse expression pattern to the flowering repressor genes FLOWERING LOCUS C 1 (BrFLC1) and FLOWERING LOCUS C 2 (BrFLC2) during vernalization, suggesting a complex regulatory mechanism. Notably, their expression in the shoot apex and leaves was confirmed through in fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Furthermore, when these lncRNAs were overexpressed in Arabidopsis, a noticeable acceleration in flowering was observed, unveiling functional similarities to Arabidopsis's COLD ASSISTED INTRONIC NONCODING RNA (COOLAIR). This resemblance suggests a potentially conserved regulatory mechanism across species. This study not only enhances our understanding of lncRNAs in flowering regulation, but also opens up new possibilities for their application in agricultural practices.

Assessing the Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Cabbage Grown under Five Soil Amendments

Increased heavy metal pollution worldwide necessitates urgent remediation measures. Phytoremediation stands as an eco-friendly technique that addresses this issue. This study aimed to investigate the applicability of phytoremediation in agricultural practices. Specifically, to evaluate the impact of five soil amendments (chicken manure, sewage sludge, leaf compost, cow manure, and vermicompost) on three cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) varieties (Capture, Primo vantage, and Tiara) yield, quality, and the accumulation of Cd, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn in cabbage heads. The bioaccumulation efficiency of cabbage was determined using an inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). Analysis revealed that soil enriched with chicken manure exhibited the highest cabbage yield. Each cabbage variety demonstrated very high bioaccumulation factor (BAF) indicating substantial heavy metal accumulation. These findings underscore the potential of utilizing crops for phytoremediation to mitigate heavy metal pollution. Additionally, the concentrations of metals below the permissible limits suggest that employing crops for phytoremediation can simultaneously ensure food productivity. This study emphasizes the necessity for further research into the use of crops for remediation strategies.

The Effect of Local Fertilizers, Mineral Fertilizers and Biopreparations on the Agrophysical Properties of the Soil and the Phosphorus and Potassium Fractions in the Cultivation of White Cabbage

In this article, a description of cabbage with a delicious taste, rich in vitamins and biological substances, which is currently grown as a vegetable crop in the Republic of Uzbekistan. White cabbage is consumed fresh and processed throughout the year. It has dietary and therapeutic properties. It is consumed by people with heart disease, obese people, and those who are sick. Its juice is used in the treatment of inflammation of the stomach. and it is stated that it has a good effect on cabbage yield and product quality when it is fed with the method of fertilization Biopreparation 30 l/hа + N-150, Р-150, K-100 in its cultivation.

Effect of Mineral Fertilization and Microbial Inoculation on Cabbage Yield and Nutrition: A Field Experiment

Cabbage serves as an important food and nutrition source for numerous communities in the world, yet its production requires substantial quantities of chemical fertilizers. In this study, we assessed the impact of both increasing nitrogen and phosphorus mineral (NP) fertilization, along with the application of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) on the N and P uptake, quality, and yield of cabbage. To this end, we conducted two consecutive field experiments following a randomized block design with four replicates and two factors: NP doses and PGPB inoculation. PGPB inoculation used a bacterial consortium comprising Azospirillum brasilense D7, Herbaspirillum sp. AP21, and Rhizobium leguminosarum T88. Our results showed a significant influence of both biofertilization and NP fertilization across both crop cycles; however, no interaction between these factors was observed. In the first crop cycle, 75% of NP mineral fertilization (equivalent to 93.6 kg ha−1 of N and 82.1 kg ha−1 of P) positively impacted yield and N uptake. Also, microbial inoculation significantly influenced crop yield, resulting in a 9-ton increase in crop yield per hectare due to biofertilization. In the second crop cycle, we observed a significant positive effect of mineral fertilization on cabbage yield and nutritional quality. The relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE) index showed that combining biological fertilization with 50% and 75% of the NP fertilization, respectively, increased yield by 66% and 48% compared to the commercial NP dosage without PGPB. Collectively, our results demonstrated that within our experimental setup, NP fertilization dosage can be reduced without any detrimental impact on yield. Moreover, biofertilization could enhance cabbage quality and yield in field conditions.

Enhancing food production in hot climates through radiative cooling mulch: A nexus approach

With a booming population, global food demand is increasing rapidly. Various methods have been proposed to alleviate heat stress and improve yields for agriculture in hot climates. However, the damage caused by high root temperatures cannot be avoided due to a lack of efficient regulation strategies. In this work, we investigate a new soil-cooling strategy based on the daytime radiative cooling film. This film has a high emissivity across the atmospheric window, along with a high reflectivity in the solar spectrum. With a soil temperature drop of 12.5°C, the germination rate of cherry radish is improved from 39.6% to 81.3% after using this mulch. In a field test during a hot summer, this mulch increased the fresh weight yield of Chinese cabbage by 127.4%, which was attributed to reduced root heat stress. Moreover, the applicability of this radiative cooling mulch in diverse geographical and climatic conditions was discussed based on a global-scale simulation. The limitations of this radiative cooling mulch and future development perspectives were discussed here. This passive cooling strategy paves a new way to tackle the water-food crisis without extra energy consumption.

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

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.