Influence of FYM and irrigation frequency on yield, vitamin and mineral contents of organic cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

Ajeet Kumar, Ajay Kumar Rai, Nirmal De

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Ajeet Kumar, Ajay Kumar Rai, Nirmal De. Influence of FYM and irrigation frequency on yield, vitamin and mineral contents of organic cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata). AN ASIAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, 2015, 10 (2), pp.215-221. 10.15740/HAS/AJSS/10.2/215-221. hal-04676713

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Research Article

DOI: 10.15740/HAS/AJSS/10.2/215-221

# Influence of FYM and irrigation frequency on yield, vitamin and mineral contents of organic cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

■ AJEET KUMAR, AJAY KUMAR RAI AND NIRMAL DE

Received : 26.05.2015; Revised : 11.10.2015; Accepted : 25.10.2015

MEMBERS OF RESEARCH FORUM:

**Corresponding author :**
NIRMAL DE, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Science, Banaras Hindu University, VARANASI (U.P.) INDIA
Email: nirmalde@gmail.com

Co-authors :
AJAY KUMAR RAI, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (CIAH), PANCHMAHAL (GUJARAT) INDIA

AJEET KUMAR, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Regional Research Station, Madhopur, WEST CHAMPARAN (BIHAR) INDIA

## Summary

A field experiment to assess the effect of organic fertilizers on the growth and yield of cabbage was conducted at the Research farm of Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi (U.P.). A Randomized Block Design with four level of FYM replicated three times was used in the experiment. Neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) 4 per cent was sprayed at the advent of insect pest infestation. In addition to marketable yields, cabbage leaves were digested and analyzed for 11 macro- and micronutrients. Vitamins C and E of mature crops were evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography. Soil samples were also taken at harvest, extracted with suitable extractant solution and analyzed for essential nutrients. Application of different level of FYM had varying effects on the growth and yield of cabbage. Effect of FYM was better in both the cabbage variety with respect to their variables measured, i.e. height, marketable head weight, and yield per ha. These findings can be explained in terms of the availability, especially, of the macro-nutrients in each of the treated plots. The impact of irrigation frequency on yield is transparent. We conclude that irrigation frequency had a significant bearing on yield.

**Key words:** Organic, Cabbage, Farm yard manure, Growth, Irrigation frequency, Yield, Vitamins

**How to cite this article:** Kumar, Ajeet, Rai, Ajay Kumar and De, Nirmal (2015). Influence of FYM and irrigation frequency on yield, vitamin and mineral contents of organic cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata). *Asian J. Soil Sci.*, **10**(2): 215-221.

## Introduction

Vegetables are an important source of vitamins and mineral which are vital for good health. Decline in food production, degeneration of native soil fertility and deterioration in environmental quality have emerged as the inevitable problems in Indian agriculture. As an effort to mitigate such problems, and with unprecedented demand for natural food products in the developed world, organic agriculture is becoming popular globally.

Organic agriculture is also gaining momentum in developing countries like India. It is a form of agriculture that relies on organic manure and inputs produced from farm waste and biomass such as plant and animal residues. Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which promotes and enhances the agro-ecosystem health, enhancing biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity (FAO/WHO, 1999). In accordance with such global trends, India is stepping towards organic agriculture gradually, starting with small subsistence
farming, and working towards larger production areas. The current farming system, which is based on the traditional farming practices, is still supported mostly by farmyard manure (FYM) and has the potential to increase production by adopting organic farming technologies. FYM is the major source of plant nutrients for crops grown throughout the year. Vegetable production was limited to kitchen gardening until 1970. However, in the early 1980s, the introduction of different crop varieties and the diversification of vegetable cultivation with cabbage, cauliflower, peas, beans, broccoli, and carrots have significantly contributed to the increase in cash income and nutrition for the rural population. Now a day, cabbage has become one of the main income generating crops for farmers in the country. Cabbage, however, requires large amounts of FYM to obtain optimum yield. Generally, cabbage requires 10-15 metric tonnes (MT) per acre of well decomposed FYM along with other nutrients. Plant growth in organic system, depends on the function performed by soil microbes; particularly in nutrient supply. Organic farming has potential benefits in promoting soil structure formation (Pullman et al., 2003) and improving food quality and safety (Giles, 2004) because nutrient supply and pest control largely depends upon organic inputs. Various scientific literatures have supported this perception. Somer and Beeson (1948) fueled the controversy by stating that ascorbic acid and carotene contents of vegetables were not much affected by mineral supply, and that climate, variety, and maturity were more critical.

Despite vegetables being widely grown, supplies are not adequate throughout the year especially in semi-arid areas of the country. By increasing water productivity in vegetable production, irrigated agriculture may increase substantially (FAO, 2000 and Rockstrom et al., 2002). Smith (2000) reported that genetic characteristics of a crop are the primary factors determining water use productivity because they determine assimilation characteristics, the respiration and physiological processes that convert the assimilates into biomass and harvest index which partitions biomass into the harvestable product and non-useful product. Doorenbos and Kassam (1979) categorized crops according to their yield response to water namely: crops sensitive to water stress and those tolerant to drought. They observed that the crops are self-exclusive, meaning that high producing crops which can obtain high water productivity are highly sensitive to water stress, while stress tolerant crops can

still achieve yields under water stress but do not attain the high yield and water use under optimal water supply. The amount of water required by plants and the timing of irrigation are governed by prevailing climatic conditions, crop and stage of growth, soil moisture holding capacity and the extent of root development as determined by crop type, stage of growth and soil. Thus, the amount of water required by plants varies from place to place. For practical purposes, it is important to determine the relationship between yield and water in a given locality in a simplified form because the relationship is intrinsically complex (Doorenbos and Kassam, 1979) as it is affected by factors other than water such as crop variety, salinity, pests and diseases, and agronomic practices.

In the present experiment the organic practices were designed by applying four doses of FYM and irrigation frequency in the experimental plot. The vegetative growth, yield, vitamin, and mineral contents of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) were assessed in response to FYM and irrigation frequency. Due to the increasing demand for organic vegetables, it is necessary to develop module for organic crop production technologies. Therefore, the experiments was designed to evaluate the vegetative growth, yield, vitamin, and mineral contents of organically grown Cabbage. This paper reports the above characters for different level of FYM. The quality and quantity of FYM as well as irrigation frequency have also play a significant role in affecting the yield, vitamin, and mineral contents of cabbage.

## Resource and Research Methods

The experiment was conducted for three years at organic field of research farm (82.52° longitudes and 25.10° N latitude) of Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi. The soil samples were collected from

<table><caption>Table A : Physical and chemical properties of soil before planting</caption><thead><tr><td>Property</td><td>Value</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Soil pH (1:2.5)</td><td>7.2-7.8</td></tr><tr><td>Available N (kg/ha)</td><td>275-310</td></tr><tr><td>Available P (kg/ha)</td><td>15-25</td></tr><tr><td>Available K (kg/ha)</td><td>290-340</td></tr><tr><td>Carbon (%)</td><td>1.50</td></tr><tr><td>Nitrogen (%)</td><td>0.13</td></tr><tr><td>CEC (me/100 g)</td><td>6.53 (Low)</td></tr><tr><td>Texture</td><td>Sandy loam</td></tr></tbody></table>
experimental site and analyzed in soil testing laboratory of IIVR. The physico-chemical properties of the soil were analyzed, following the standard procedure Jackson (1967). As the nutrient content of FYM varies based on the method of preparation and quality of ingredients, its nutrient content was also analyzed prior to application and their elemental composition are reported in Table A. FYM applied to the soil based on the assumption that 50 per cent of the total N would be available to the crop in the year of application. About 5 week old seedings of the two variety of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata cv. MHCB600 and GREEN GLOBE) were transplanted in two row with the spacing of 60 cm between rows, under four level of FYM i.e. 5t/ha, 10 t/ha, 15 t/ha and 20 t/ha at the organic farm of the institute. FYM was incorporated into the soil one week before transplanting. Transplants were irrigated for 2 weeks and protected from intense sunlight. Necessary management of the plants, such as irrigation, weeding, and hoeing was done regularly for proper growth and development of the plants. When damage by aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae L.) and common cutworm (Agrotis segetum Denis and Schiff.) were observed in the plots, bio-pesticides, Neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) 4 per cent and Neem oil were used to control the pests.

The organic cabbages were produced following the guidelines of the organic crop improvement association Inc. (1990). The experiment was conducted to identify the best ideal level of nutrients for maximum production in Varanasi region of Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The observations related to the growth, yield and quality parameters were recorded and analyzed statistically. The cabbage heads were harvested at 115 days after transplanting, based on the head size and firmness. Ten heads were harvested randomly from each plot for analysis. Harvested heads were used for the evaluation of ascorbic acid and vitamin E nutritional parameters. Dried and spoiled leaves were removed prior to weighing the heads. Ascorbic acid was estimated by visual titration methods of reduction of 2, 6-dichlorophenol-indophenol dye. Vitamin E was analysed according to Brubacher et al. (1985). For elemental analysis, sample were oven dried at 60 ± 2°C and ground in Wiley mill to pass through a 40 mesh sieve. The diacid digestion was carried out for elemental analysis through AAS (Avanta Σ model.).

# Research Findings and Discussion

The results obtained from the present investigation as well as relevant discussion have been summarized under following heads :

## Soil characteristics and FYM contents :

The chemical composition of the soil before cropping is shown in Table A. Soil of the experimental site had sandy loam texture, and was low in organic matter, neutral in reaction, low to medium in available N and K and medium to high in available P, lies in the recently formed alluvium of Indo-Gangetic plain. The soil pH was 7.2-7.8, indicating suitability of the soil for cabbage cultivation.

The nutrient content of the FYM before application in the field is presented in Table 1. FYM was very high in available P, K, and carbon. It was also high in N content, which is good for the cabbage crop. Results from the FYM analysis (Table 1) indicated that the NPK input (0.85%, 1.25%, and 1.4%) in treatment one (T₄) was high, which had presumably contributed to the better growth in plant height observed during the experiment

<table><caption>Table 1: Elemental analysis of FYM applied to the plots</caption><thead><tr><td>Elemental analysis</td><td>Value</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Carbon (%)</td><td>14.60</td></tr><tr><td>N (%)</td><td>0.85</td></tr><tr><td>P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> (%)</td><td>1.25</td></tr><tr><td>K<sub>2</sub>O (%)</td><td>1.4</td></tr><tr><td>Zn (ppm)</td><td>150</td></tr><tr><td>Cu (ppm)</td><td>260</td></tr><tr><td>Fe (ppm)</td><td>362</td></tr><tr><td>Mn (ppm)</td><td>220</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Growth and yield performance of cabbage as influenced by various level of FYM :

A linear rise in yield of average head weight, head size and plant height of both the cabbage variety, with the level of FYM supplementation was recorded and presented (Table 2). The marketable head weight of cabbage was observed to be highest (741.8 q/ha) in Green Globe var. with 20t/ha FYM treated plots. The yield of cabbage differed among the variety due to the effect of different levels of FYM. The maximum plant height and average head weight were also noted in the same variety with same level of FYM treated plots. While the head size was recorded maximum (297.44) in MHCB.600 with 20t/ha FYM treated plots but maximum
yield (741.8) was recorded in Green Globe. It shows that the heads were not compact as compared to the Green Globe. More over the uneconomical part (outer leaves) was more in MHCB.600 as compared to Green Globe. Higher the doses of FYM, more were the uneconomical leaves, which differed significantly with each other.

Application of FYM at 20 t/ha resulted in significantly higher yields (741.8 q/ha) in cabbage head of variety Green Globe while the variety MHCB responded highest yield (739.55) only at FYM levels of 15t/ha. The increase in yield may be attributed to the increased growth and vigour of the plant, resulting in increased photosynthetic potential and therefore, an increase in vegetative mass and total dry matter. High FYM content may have contributed to improved cabbage growth, compared to the lower level of nutrients. This finding is supported by Khan *et al.* (2002), who mentioned that the application of NPK along with the FYM increases the total marketable weight of cabbage. FYM also has a moderate CEC (Table A), enabling the plant to absorb nutrients from the soil solution, ultimately improving plant growth and its development. Similar observations were also made by Hutchinson (2011) in seed yields of *Solanum villosum* (Black Nightshade). The overall lower yield observed for lower level of FYM treated plots may be due to the lack of major nutrients required by the plant during its development.

**Yield performance of cabbage as influenced by irrigation frequency at marketable stage:**

Irrigation frequency significantly influenced weight of marketable heads in both varieties at the experimental site. The impact of irrigation frequency on yield of cabbage variety has been shown in (Table 3). The MHCB.600 was more sensitive towards water application in comparison to Green Globe. The difference in irrigation @ 7 days caused a remarkable reduction in

yield of MHCB.600. The 30 per cent reduction in yield was reported in MHCB.600 as compared to irrigated plot. As the interval between the irrigation periods was more, yield was reduced drastically. In spite of even high level of nutrients as applied in plots with FYM @10 t/ha and 15 t/ha, the reduction in yield of MHCB.600 was reported to be 35 per cent and 39 per cent as compared to the irrigated plot. This shows that not only the nutrient level but also irrigation frequencies play a pivotal role in determination of yield. The reduction in yield of Green Globe variety was less as compared to MHCB.600. It reflects that Green Globe variety can withstand against the water stress in the early stage. This can be concluded that, it is resistant to water stress condition up-to some extent. The results agree with the findings of several researchers (Kleinhenz and Radovich, 2003; Radovich *et al.*, 2004) who documented the effect of irrigation timing on head development and weights on cabbage. They concluded that head size and weight were greatest in cabbage receiving irrigation during head development. In their studies, the independent and interactive effects of year and irrigation treatment were largely explained by the proportion of crop evapo-transpiration replaced during head development. The yields obtained from variety Green Globe are similar to those reported by Imtiyaz *et al.* (2000) in field studies where cabbage yielded as high as 71.65 t ha⁻¹.

**Influence of FYM levels on vitamins C and vitamin E contents of organically grown cabbage:**

The noticeable impact of different levels of FYM on vitamins C and vitamin E contents of organically grown cabbage were analyzed in laboratory which is shown in Table 4. The gradual improvements in contents of both vitamins were observed as the higher doses of FYM incorporated in the soil of selected plots. Recently much attention is focused on ascorbic acid and vitamine E as physiological bioactive substances. In the various

<table><caption>Table 2: Growth and yield performance of cabbage variety as influenced by various level of FYM at marketable stage</caption><thead><tr><th rowspan="3">FYM</th><th colspan="10">Cabbage variety</th></tr><tr><th colspan="5">M.H.C.B.600</th><th colspan="5">Green globe</th></tr><tr><th>Yield (q/ha)</th><th>Plant height (cm)</th><th>Head size (cm²)</th><th>No. of outer leaves</th><th>Average head wt. (kg)</th><th>Yield (q/ha)</th><th>Plant height (cm)</th><th>Head size (cm²)</th><th>Average head wt (kg)</th><th>No. of outer leaves</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>5t/h</td><td>564.43</td><td>27.5</td><td>183.27</td><td>11.00</td><td>0.79</td><td>576.5</td><td>30.9</td><td>190.92</td><td>0.961</td><td>10.22</td></tr><tr><td>10t/h</td><td>611.37</td><td>29.9</td><td>214.6</td><td>11.44</td><td>0.99</td><td>635.7</td><td>31.2</td><td>206.72</td><td>1.05</td><td>10.44</td></tr><tr><td>15t/h</td><td>739.55</td><td>30.4</td><td>248.9</td><td>11.53</td><td>1.06</td><td>685.9</td><td>34.4</td><td>263.94</td><td>1.19</td><td>10.77</td></tr><tr><td>20t/h</td><td>675.11</td><td>31.8</td><td>297.44</td><td>12.86</td><td>1.51</td><td>741.8</td><td>37.4</td><td>271.89</td><td>1.95</td><td>10.99</td></tr><tr><td>LSD=0.05</td><td>51.3</td><td>1.9</td><td>1.24</td><td>0.05</td><td>0.12</td><td>41.4</td><td>1.4</td><td>2.22</td><td>0.85</td><td>0.02</td></tr></tbody></table>
literature it is well documented that ascorbic acid show anti oxidant activity (Frei, 1991 and Roja *et al.*, 1994). Vitamine E is related to promote the improvement of lipid metabolism, to have bioprotecting activity against lipid peroxide and to prevent cell aging (Ikeda and Sugano, 1983), atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (Hermann *et al.*, 1979). The range of ascorbic acid (39.8-53.2 mg/100 g fresh weight) and vitamin E (0.023-0.043 mg/100 g fresh weight) contents in cabbage variety MHCB.600 while the same parameter for variety Green Globe ranged from 40.3-53.0 (mg/100 g fresh weight) and 0.029-0.044 (mg/100 g fresh weight of plant) was reported in Table 4. The highest content of vitamin C

(53.2 mg/100 g fresh wt.) was reported in variety of M.H.C.B.600 followed by Green Globe, however, the over all consistent performance of Green Globe in respect to ascorbic acid and vitamin E was superior to M.H.C.B.600. All the values of vitamins differed significantly among the analysed values. It is concluded from the table that variety Green Globe is the good source of ascorbic acid and Vitamin E which is anti sterility vitamins.

## Varietals performance of organically grown cabbage with respect to mineral contents :

The significant contents of mineral nutrient including

<table><caption>Table 3: Yield performance of cabbage variety as influenced by irrigation frequency at marketable stage</caption><thead><tr><th rowspan="3">Irrigation frequency</th><th colspan="6">Cabbage variety</th></tr><tr><th colspan="3">M.H.C.B.600</th><th colspan="3">Green globe</th></tr><tr><th>Yield (q/ha)</th><th>Head size (cm²)</th><th>Average head wt. (kg)</th><th>Yield (q/ha)</th><th>Head size (cm²)</th><th>Average head wt. (kg)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>7 Days</td><td>395.8 (30%)</td><td>349.5</td><td>1.7</td><td>449.6 (22%)</td><td>418.8</td><td>1.99</td></tr><tr><td>14 Days</td><td>398.7 (35%)</td><td>308.67</td><td>1.2</td><td>470.4 (26%)</td><td>244.9</td><td>0.94</td></tr><tr><td>21 Days</td><td>452.9 (39%)</td><td>90.24</td><td>0.46</td><td>446.8 (35%)</td><td>96.90</td><td>0.35</td></tr><tr><td>LSD=0.05</td><td>28.6</td><td>0.91</td><td>0.91</td><td>15.9</td><td>1.67</td><td>0.74</td></tr></tbody></table>

Values in parenthesis shows that per cent reduction in yield in comparison to irrigated plot

<table><caption>Table 4: Vitamin C and vitamin E contents (mg/100 g fresh weight) of organically grown cabbage</caption><thead><tr><th rowspan="3">FYM</th><th colspan="4">Cabbage variety</th></tr><tr><th colspan="2">M.H.C.B.600</th><th colspan="2">Green Globe</th></tr><tr><th>Vitamin C<br>(mg/100 g fresh wt.)</th><th>Vitamin E<br>(α tocopherol)</th><th>Vitamin C<br>(mg/100 g fresh wt.)</th><th>Vitamin E<br>(α tocopherol)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>5t/h</td><td>39.8</td><td>0.023</td><td>40.3</td><td>0.029</td></tr><tr><td>10t/h</td><td>41.5</td><td>0.034</td><td>58.6</td><td>0.032</td></tr><tr><td>15t/h</td><td>48.1</td><td>0.031</td><td>49.2</td><td>0.034</td></tr><tr><td>20t/h</td><td>53.2</td><td>0.043</td><td>53.0</td><td>0.044</td></tr><tr><td>LSD=0.05</td><td>2.8</td><td>0.002</td><td>3.1</td><td>0.008</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table><caption>Table 5: Varietals performance of organic cabbage with respect to macronutrient and micronutrient contents (g kg⁻¹ dry weight, mean. ± SD)</caption><thead><tr><th rowspan="2">Mineral contents</th><th colspan="2">Variety</th></tr><tr><th>M.H.C.B.600</th><th>Green Globe</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Macronutrient contents (g kg<sup>-1</sup> dry weight; mean. ± SD)</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>N</td><td>19.9±0.5</td><td>19.8±2.4</td></tr><tr><td>P</td><td>2.12±0.13</td><td>2.36±.18</td></tr><tr><td>K</td><td>22.96±0.87</td><td>25.20±1.30</td></tr><tr><td>Ca</td><td>3.41±0.23</td><td>3.57±0.31</td></tr><tr><td>Mg</td><td>1.5±0.06</td><td>1.6±0.06</td></tr><tr><td>S</td><td>3.09±0.09</td><td>3.37±0.39</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Micronutrient contents (mg kg<sup>-1</sup> dry weight, mean ± SD)</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fe</td><td>24.0±7.8</td><td>26.0±7.2</td></tr><tr><td>Mn</td><td>25.4±2.6</td><td>23.0±0.6</td></tr><tr><td>Cu</td><td>1.7±2.1</td><td>4.0±4.5</td></tr><tr><td>Zn</td><td>13.0±5.6</td><td>17.1±1.9</td></tr><tr><td>B</td><td>13.8±2.1</td><td>16.4±3.9</td></tr></tbody></table>
macronutrient and micronutrient in cabbage variety are reported in Table 5. Among the macronutrient the N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S were analyzed while among micronutrients Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and B were analyzed which are shown in Table 5. Among the macronutrients except the nitrogen, the Green Globe cabbage variety proved superior to MHCB.600 and similarly, the same variety in regards to micronutrients except Mn has performed well. Therefore, the overall performance in respect to mineral contents was better for Green Globe cabbage variety. Our findings are in support of the findings of various scientific literatures. Organically grown cabbage have shown that an increase in the concentration of desirable compounds such as vitamin A, B1 (thiamin), B2, B12 (cynocobalamin), C, E, β-carotene, soluble protein, carbohydrates, total sugars (sucrose, glucose and fructose) and mineral compounds (Ca, K, Mg, S and Na) as compared to inorganic produced vegetables (Wong *et al*., 1998; Premuzic *et al*., 2002; Liu and Li, 2003; Suojala, 2003 and Xu *et al*., 2003).

**Conclusion :**

Application of different level of FYM had varying effects on the growth and yield of cabbage. Effect of FYM was better in both the cabbage variety with respect to their variables measured, i.e. height, marketable head weight, and yield per ha. These findings can be explained in terms of the availability, especially, of the macro-nutrients in each of the treated plots. The impact of irrigation frequency on yield is transparent. We conclude that irrigation frequency had a significant bearing on yield. The Green Globe variety is better option to the farmers while growing in area of uncertainty and paucity of water availability because this crop withstand against the water stress.

**Acknowledgement :**

The author acknowledge with thanks the funding from the Uttar Pradesh Council of Agriculture and Research (UPCAR), U.P. Lucknow. The authors sincerely thank to Dr. Mathura Rai, Director, IIVR, Adalpura, Varanasi, for his co-operation at different stages of the project entitled "Development of organic farming protocols for vegetable based cropping system".

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10th
Year

★★★★★ of Excellence ★★★★

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