Effect of Different Seedling Growing Media on Tomato and Cabbage Seedling

Abstract

The experiment, conducted during the 2018-20 rabi season at Assam Agricultural University's Experimental Farm in Jorhat, encompassed four different media compositions and two crops, yielding eight treatment combinations. These treatments were arranged in a RBD with three replications. The results demonstrated that the choice of seedling growth media had a significant impact on the performance of both tomato and cabbage seedlings. Tomato seedlings exhibited superior performance when nurtured in plug trays with a growth medium consisting of 50% coconut and 50% vermicompost (M2). These seedlings displayed higher emergence rates, enhanced growth, and increased yields. For cabbage seedlings, the most effective medium consisted of 50% coconut, 50% vermicompost, and a microbial consortium (M3). Notably, both M2 and M3 media formulations also showcased superior field performance. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of carefully selecting seedling growth media to enhance crop productivity. It recommends the use of M2 for tomato seedlings and M3 for cabbage seedlings to maximize performance. Further research and field trials are recommended to validate these findings across different growing conditions. Ultimately, the research highlights the potential for tailored seedling growth media to significantly increase the agricultural productivity and yield.