Enhancing Cauliflower Yield and Quality through Lime, Boron, and Farmyard Manure in Acidic Soils of Keonjhar District, Odisha, India

Abstract

A field trial was conducted during Rabi seasons (2012-13 and 2013-14) in the acidic soils of Keonjhar district of Odisha to assess the effect of lime, boron, and farmyard manure (FYM) on yield and quality of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis). The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with three replications and involved eighteen treatment combinations. These treatments consisted of two levels of FYM (0 and 5 t/ha), three levels of lime (0, 0.1 LR, and 0.2 LR), and three levels of boron (0, 0.5 kg/ha with 0.25% foliar spray and 1.0 kg/ha), with all plots receiving a uniform recommended dose of N, P2O5 and K2O (150:60:80 kg/ha). Results indicated that the combined application of FYM at 5 t/ha, lime at 0.2 LR and boron at 1.0 kg/ha produced the highest dry matter yield. This treatment increased curd yield by 29.8% and dry matter yield by 40% over the control. Additionally, significant improvements were observed in growth attributes with increases of 35% in plant height, 48.4% in the number of leaves, 10.3% in plant spread, 37.5% in stalk length, 13.9% in curd diameter, 43% in curd weight, and 9.4% in curd length. Quality parameters including ascorbic acid and protein content, were also enhanced through combined application of FYM, lime and boron. The best treatment registered a net return of Rs. 1,24,450/- with a benefit-cost ratio of 4.27, making it highly recommended for cauliflower cultivation in red and lateritic soils of Odisha.