EFFICACY OF VERMICOMPOST AND CONVENTIONAL COMPOST ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF CAULIFLOWER

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted with cauliflower "Snow white" during the rabi season (2008-2009) in Grey Terrace Soil (Inceptisol) of Joydebpur. Ago Ecological Zone (AEZ-28). To find out the efficacy of vermicompost (VC) and conventional compost (CC) on cauliflower (Bans/ca oleracea var. botiytis) yield, uptake. optimum rate or vermicompost and conventional compost for cauliflower cultivation. Minimize the use of chemical fertilizer in presence of vermicompost or conventional compost. The experiment was laid out in RCRD design with twelve treatments replicated three times. The treatments were: T,= 100% Recommended Dose of Chemical Fertilizer (RDCF),T 2 = 80% RDCF.T 60% RDCF,T4= 100% RDCF+ VC ® 1.5 t h&',T 80% RDCF+ VC @3 t hi', T 6= 60% RDCF+ VC @6 hi',T VC @ 6t haS'. fr 100% RDCF+ CC @ 1.51 ha",T 9 80 0/o RDCF+ CC @ RDCF+ CC @ 6 t hi', 111= CC @ 6 t ha",T,2 = Absolute control. The doses of 100% RDCF was 1` 51(6 S40 Zn5 B,kg hi'. The sources of vermicompost were cowdung and kitchen wastes (3:1) processed by epigeic earthworm Lisenia Jet/do. Different nutrient packages significantly influenced the yield and yield components of cauliflower. It was observed that 100% RDCF+ 1.5 t ha S ' vermicompost produced the highest curd yield (37.63 t ha 1 ) of cauliflower. This yield was statistically identical with 100% RDCF + 1.5 1 hi' conventional compost (34.67 t hi') and 80% RDCF + 3.0 t hi' vermicompost (34.07 t hi'). Vermicompost exhibited better performance than conventional compost alone or in combination with chemical fertilizer. The enhanced yield of cauliflower in this study can be partially explained by the elevated levels of NPKS contents in the vermicompost. It is suggested that vermicompost (1.5 t ha") + NPKSZnB (100%) is more flivorable for higher curd yield of cauliflower and suitable for soil environment but vermicompost (3 1 ha) + NPKSZnB (80%) can be more environmentally suitable. In this fertilizer package. 20% chemical fertilizer is reduced in presence of vermicompost. Use of vermicompost can play a vital role in minimizing the fertilizer crisis. ALL the treatments showed a negative balance for N and K and those for P and S was positive balance except the control treatment at Joydebpur. Residual effect of vermicompost showed increased plant available nuthents in post harvest soil; to improve and sustain soil health as well as to improve crop production; chemical fertilizer rate needs to be reduced.