NUTRIENT UPTAKE, SOIL PROPERTIES AND YIELD OF CAULIFLOWER (Brassica oleracea L. Group Botrytis L.) AS AFFECTED BY NATURAL AND CHEMICAL FARMING SYSTEMS
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis L.) is one of the most important cole crops cultivated worldwide for its high nutritional value and economic significance. Sustainable crop production depends largely on farming systems that not only ensure higher yields but also maintain soil fertility and ecological balance. Chemical farming practices, though highly effective in boosting productivity, often lead to soil degradation, nutrient imbalances, and environmental concerns due to excessive reliance on synthetic fertilizers and agrochemicals. In contrast, natural farming practices emphasize the use of onfarm inputs, natural formulations and biological processes to sustain soil health and crop productivity in an eco-friendly manner. The present investigation was started in 2023-2024 which was again repeated in 2024-25 at Jadari Farm, HRTS and KVK, Solan Himachal Pradesh, India during the winter season. For natural farming practices, fresh preparations of beejaamrut, jeevamrut and ghanjeevamrut were prepared using desi cow dung and cow urine. Cauliflower was intercropped with fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and oat (Avena sativa) as border crops. Prior to sowing, cauliflower seeds were treated with beejamrut (10-20%). Ghanjeevamrut was applied at the time of field preparation @ 1.5 t/ha before sowing. During field preparation, drenching with fermented jeevamrut (10%) was carried out, and repeated at 7-day intervals up to harvesting. In addition, jeevamrut foliar spray (5%) was applied every 5 days starting from the third week after transplanting until harvest. For plant protection agniastra and bramhastra were sprayed alternately at 5% concentration on a fortnightly basis, while khatti lassi (5%) was sprayed thrice during the crop cycle. Under the chemical farming practices, recommended doses of fertilizers were applied, consisting of FYM (250 q/ha), Urea (250 kg/ha), SSP (475 kg/ha), and MOP (120 kg/ha). Natural farming practices has higher number of beneficial microorganisms, enzymes and organic carbon natural farming inputs, mulching, intercropping and Vapor-Aided Plant Soil Air condition improved soil fertility, enhanced microbial activity, and ensured better nutrient availability compared to chemical farming practices. These improvements translated into higher nutrient uptake and stable yields, demonstrating the potential of sustainable farming systems to balance productivity with improved soil health
Source: PLANT ARCHIVES
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7204170802
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