Sustainable Enhancement of Leaf and Seed Yield in Brassica Species Under Dense Crop Configuration Through the Addition of Liquid Microbial Fertilizers
摘要
Intensification of Brassica for leaf and seed yield rarely explored. Increased nutrient demand can be met with low-cost formulations. Experiment evaluated adding row of Brassica within recommended spacing for green leaf, and utilizing cow dung-based formulations along with recommended rate of fertilizer (RRF) nutrient source for additional population. Experiment assessed two leaf harvesting patterns i.e., 30 DAS, and 20 and 40 DAS for additional row of B. juncea within same species (M1 and M2, respectively); and for B. rugosa within B. napus (M3 and M4, respectively) as Main plot. Sub-plot factors consisted recommended rate of fertilizers (C), liquid formulations prepared with incubation of cow dung and Parthenium (L1), addition of Single Super Phosphate and Muriate of Potash (L2) and ZnSO4 (L3) to it, applied @ 200 L ha− 1 as pre sowing and foliar spray, in addition to RRF. M2 and M4 recorded 35–45% higher leaf yield compared to M1 and M3. Additional income of $41–84 ha− 1 was obtained with former compared to latter. L3 significantly increased Leaf area index, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content. Leaf and seed yields increased by 12.0% and 22.4%, respectively, with L3, compared to C. There was additional return of USD 21.9, 24.6, and 26.7 ha− 1 with L1, L2, and L3, respectively. Addition of liquid microbial fertilizers increased soil biological activity. An additional row of Brassica produces additional leaf yield with liquid microbial fertilizers as nutrient source for increased population. The study is useful for improving productivity of Brassica, especially for marginal farmers.