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Efficacy of Vermicompost and Biochar on the Growth and Yield of Green Cabbage

Nabila Hassan
Department of Horticulture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Sharika Hayder
Department of Horticulture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Rinita Islam
Department of Horticulture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Anamul Arefin
FabLab Fellow, FabLabSAU, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Abul Hasnat M Solaiman
Department of Horticulture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Organic production of Green Cabbage may ensure the nutritional status and food safety for the consumers, but maintaining the productivity and economic viability of inorganic production is almost impossible for farmers of Bangladesh. In this context, a study was carried out at the Horticulture farm of Sher- e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from October 2017 to March 2018 to evaluate the efficacy of vermicompost and biochar on agronomic properties and economy of cabbage. Four biochar treatments, ( B₀: 0 t ha^-1 biochar, B₁:2 t ha^-1, B₂:6 t ha^-1, and B₃:10 t ha^-1) and three vermicompost treatments (Vc₀ : 0 t ha^-1, Vc₁:4 t ha^-1, and Vc₂:8 t ha^-1 ) were selected. B₀Vc₀ was considered as control. The results revealed that the maximum highest plant height, number of leaves plant^-1, leaf length, leaf breadth, and plant spread were obtained when the B₃ was mixed withVc₂. But the thickness of head (10.29 cm), diameter of head (16.66 cm), % dry matter of cabbage (14.93%), the weight of cabbage head plant^-1 (1370 g), and yield of cabbage (52.75 t ha^-1) were obtained from the treatment combination of B₂Vc₂. In terms of economic sustainability, the net return (Tk 523598) with the highest BCR (3.70) was obtained from the treatment combination of B₁Vc₁. These results provide prove the effectiveness of biochar and vermicompost in sustainable Cabbage production. It also provides baseline guidelines for further investigation of choosing the appropriate combination of organic amendments based on crop requirements to maximize economic value.

Keywords: Organic production; Biochar; Vermicompost; Green cabbage; Economic sustainability; Safe food; Bangladesh

Location: Horticultural farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-10-2017

End Date: 00-03-2018

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Cabbage, Vermicompost and vermiculture

Objectives:

To investigate the efficacy of vermicompost and biochar on agronomic characteristics, yield performance, and economic viability of green cabbage production in Bangladesh.

Methodology:

Experimental design and layout- The field experiment was carried out at the Horticultural farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from October 2017 to March 2018. The variety, Atlas-70 of green cabbage was selected for the experiment. It was selected due to its better performance in previous experiments conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University. The two-factor field experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The factors were- levels of biochar (B₀⇒ 0 t/ha (Control); B₁⇒ 2.10 t/ha; B₂⇒ 6.20 t/ha and B₃⇒ 10.30 t/ha) and levels of vermicompost (Vc₀⇒ 0 t/ha (Control); Vc₁⇒ 4.1 t/ha; Vc₂⇒ 8.20 t/ha). The area of the experimental field was divided into three equal blocks, followed by a further division of blocks into 12 plots. The size of each plot is 1.8 m × 1.35 m. The distance between blocks and plots were 0.5 m and 0.25 m respectively. Plant Production- A well-drained 3m × 1m raised bed with sandy loam soil was prepared for growing seedlings. The soil was loose and friable and 5 kg cow dung was added to it. 10g of seeds were sown. Meanwhile, the experiment site was harrowed, plowed, and cross-plowed several times. The individual plots were made by making ridges (20 cm high) around each plot. Different rates of biochar and vermicompost were incorporated into the plots. Healthy and uniform-sized 30 days old seedlings were transplanted by maintaining a spacing of 45 cm × 60 cm. Intercultural operations like- gap filling, weeding, and irrigation (light over-head irrigation) were carried out at regular intervals. The crop was protected from the invasion of insect pests by spraying Malathion 45 EC at the rate of 2 ml/L water. Harvesting of cabbage was not possible on a particular date because of uniform head initiation in plants. Manual harvesting of compact marketable heads was done carefully. Statistical Procedure- Observations were made on agronomic parameters, like- plant height (cm), number of leaves plant^-1, leaf length (cm), leaf breadth (cm), and spread of plant (cm). Yield parameters, like- thickness of head (cm), the diameter of the head (cm), fresh weight (g), dry matter content (%), and Total yield (t/ ha) was recorded. The data were statistically analyzed and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was carried out by using the MSTAT-C computer package program and the means were compared by the Least Significant Difference Test (LSD) at a 5% level of probability. Economic analysis- The procedure of economic analysis was done in the standard procedure. All the material and non-material input costs, interest on fixed capital of the land, and miscellaneous cost were considered for calculating the total cost of production. After that, the gross return was calculated on the basis of mature cabbage head sales. The price of cabbage was assumed to be Tk. 15/kg basis of the current market value of Kawran Bazar, Dhaka at the time of harvesting. Finally, net return was calculated by deducting the total production cost from gross income for each treatment combination. The economic indicator, the benefit-cost ratio was calculated by the following formula for each treatment combination. Benefit-cost ratio (BCR) = Gross income per hectare/Total cost of production per hectare.

Source of Information: Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2021, 6 (2), 68-74

Article Link (Online Journal): DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/aajbb.v6i2.56142

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Organic cultivation is the best way to produce nutrient-rich, Green Cabbage when health and environment-related safety is concerned. However, maintaining the productivity of inorganic production is quite difficult in organic production. The farmers of Bangladesh cannot sustain cabbage production without economic viability. Incorporation of biochar and vermicompost in the growth medium of organic farming can improve the productivity and economic returns to the farmer alone with ensuring food safety. However, the most suitable combination of biochar and vermicompost to get the best results demands considerable attention.

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