Effect of Different Doses and Sources of Nitrogen on Postharvest Quality of Cauliflower

Abstract

In Nepal, there is lacking of proper nitrogen management regarding postharvest quality of cauliflower in the Terai region of Nepal. In order to address these problems, a field experiment was conducted in a split-plot design to determine the appropriate dose of nitrogen and combined effect of urea and poultry manure for better postharvest quality of cauliflower in Rampur, Chitwan. The study was carried out in nine treatment combinations from two different factors, with four replications in a late season variety, Bishop from November 2017 to March 2018. The plots consisted of three treatments of 260, 200, and 140 kg N/ha, while the sub-plots were 100 % N from urea; 50% N from urea and 50% N from poultry manure; and 100% N from poultry manure. Significantly higher vitamin C content of 52.4 mg/100 g was found in 140 kg N/ha than other treatments. Similarly, higher TSS content of 6.3°Brix was found in 260 kg N/ha. More compact and acceptable curds were produced in 260 kg N/ha. Similarly, higher vitamin C content of 52.0 mg/100 g and higher TSS content of 6.0°Brix was produced by 50% N from urea plus 50% N from poultry manure. Significantly more tastier and compact curds were produced by 100% N from poultry manure along with 50% N from urea and 50% N from poultry manure. Higher physiological weight (30.3%) was found in 260 kg N/ha while lower physiological weight loss (24.4%) was found in 50% N from urea and 50% N from poultry manure. From this study, it was concluded that 200 kg nitrogen combination with poultry manure instead of inorganic fertilizer can improve the postharvest quality of cauliflower in Terai region of Nepal.