Effect of Lime, Boron and Farm Yard Manure on Cauliflower Yield and Soil Fertility in Acidic Soils of Keonjhar District in Odisha, India

Abstract

A field trial was conducted during 2012-13 and 2013-14 (Rabi seasons) to assess the combined effect of lime, boron (B), and farmyard manure (FYM) on soil fertility and productivity of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) in acidic soils of Keonjhar District, Odisha. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD), replicated thrice, with eighteen treatment combinations consisting of two levels of FYM, three levels of lime, and three levels of boron. The treatments included different combinations of lime (0%, 0.1 LR, 0.2 LR), boron (0, 0.5 kg/ha + 0.25% foliar spray, 1.0 kg/ha), and FYM (0 t/ha, 5 t/ha). The recommended dose of nitrogen (150 kg/ha) plus 75 kg ha-1 as basal dose, phosphorus (60 kg/ha), and potassium (80 kg/ha) was applied uniformly across all treatments using urea, single superphosphate, and muriate of potash, respectively.  Combined application of lime, boron, and FYM significantly improved some soil properties, such as soil pH, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, exchangeable calcium, and available boron. Additionally, it reduced the toxicity of available iron, creating a favorable environment for cauliflower growth. Among the eighteen treatments, the combination of FYM at 5 t/ha, lime at 0.2 LR, and boron at 1.0 kg/ha resulted the highest dry matter and curd yield. This treatment produced 29.8% increase in curd yield and a 40% increase in dry matter yield compared to the control. The findings suggest that integrated soil management practices involving lime, boron, and FYM can enhance both soil fertility and cauliflower productivity in acidic soils.