Response of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis) to Micronutrient Mixture in the Micronutrient Deficient Alfisol

Abstract

Aim: Though the effect of foliar application of micronutrients is well established, research on the performance of cauliflower with combined application of micronutrients is very meager. Keeping this in view, the research work was proposed  to assess the effect of Micronutrient Mixture on the growth, yield, and quality of cauliflower under field conditions. Study Design: The field experiment in a randomized block design consisted of 6 treatment combinations with four replications. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at Farmers Field, Deverayapuram, Thondamuthur, Coimbatore. The field experiment was conducted from March 2023 to May 2023. Methodology: The micronutrient mixture specific to cauliflower was developed at various levels based on their requirement to crop, with data obtained from soil testing, literature on nutrient uptake, and micronutrient deficiencies in cauliflower crops. Different rates of micronutrient mixture viz., 15, 20, 25, and 30 kg ha-1 combined with farmyard manure (FYM), were used to enhance fertilizer solubility. Results: It was recorded that the application of Micronutrient Mixture @ 30 kg ha-1 increased morphological characters and yield compared to other treatments followed by the Micronutrient Mixture @ 25 kg ha-1. The minimum yield and morphological characters were recorded in the control plot where neither FYM nor Micronutrient Mixture was applied. Conclusion: This research depicted that the combined application of a micronutrient mixture @ 30 kg ha-1 incubated with FYM has a positive impact on the growth, yield, and quality of cauliflower in micronutrient-deficient soil under field conditions resulting in improved morphological characters and crop yield. Hence, it may be concluded that an optimum dose of 30kg ha-1 can be recommended for cauliflower in micronutrient-deficient soils to enhance crop productivity.