Optimizing growth, yield, and nutritional quality of Chinese cabbage through vermicompost and reduced fertilizer application in organic farming systems

Abstract

Chinese cabbage, though less prominent in Bangladesh, has shown potential for successful cultivation in theregion. This study aimed to assess various cultivars’ efficacy on Chinese cabbage growth, yield, and qualitywithin an organic farming system. A field experiment employed a for two consecutive years, investigating thecombined impact of cultivar and vermicompost with reduced fertilizer levels on yield. Three cultivars viz., BARIChinakopi 1, Blues, and Retasi, were tested along with four fertilizer levels namely, recommended NPK (control);80% NPK + vermicompost 6 t/ha; 70% NPK + vermicompost 8 t/ha; and 50% NPK + vermicompost 10 t/ha.Results demonstrated that cv. Blues, treated with 50% NPK + 10 t/ha of vermicompost, exhibited significantenhancements in various parameters compared to the control group. Notably, the treated var. Blues showcasedincreased plant height (43%), head diameter (46.3%), dry matter (71.2%), and gross yield (72.2%) at harvest.Moreover, var. Blues treated with vermicompost at 10 t/ha displayed elevated levels of vitamin C (28%),β-carotene (96.3%), Ca (7.1%), Mg (18.4%), P (5%), K (10.5%), Fe (13.1%), and Zn (21%) compared tocontrol. These findings suggest that utilizing 50% NPK + vermicompost at 10 t/ha significantly enhances Chinesecabbage growth and quality, particularly in cv. Blues. Incorporating this treatment method could effectivelyelevate both production yield and crop quality, providing valuable insights for organic farming practices.