Response of application of different sources of nutrients as fertilizer on growth and yield of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis ) and its residual effect on soil

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at Horticulture Farm of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Paklihawa campus, Nepal during the period from September 24, 2015 to January 19, 2016 to study the effect of different sources of nutrients on the growth and yield of cauliflower. The experiment was conducted in the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications of different nutrient sources as four treatments(Biofertilizers T1, Vermicompost T2, Farm Yard Manure T3 and mixture of three T4). Variety Pusa Kartiki was used in the experiment. The treatment response varied significantly for Plant height (PH), Biomass (BM) and leaf length. The plot treated with T1 and T3 yielded maximum i.e., 25.22 ton/ha and 25.14 ton/ha respectively. The treatment also had significant residual effect on soil Phosphorus and Potassium. Pearson’s correlation analysis exhibited highly significant positive correlation of yield with biomass, curd weight, curd depth, curd diameter and the leaf length. Principal component analysis revealed plant height, plant spread, biomass, curd weight, leaf number, leaf breadth, leaf length and yield contributing in the first component. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct clusters of the treatments in which T3 and T4 were placed in the same group. Among the four treatments used T1 is considered to be the best in regards of response on plant as well as on its residual effect on soil.