Effect of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on yield attributes of African marigold
Abstract
Marigold holds significant cultural and religious importance, making them widely cultivated flowers in Nepal. However, its yield remains comparatively low due to the loss of nutrients through leaching and volatilization, which diminishes nutrient availability and soil fertility. This study aimed to identify an appropriate nutrient source for higher flower yield in marigolds while ensuring sustainable soil health by providing essential nutrients to the soil. For this, a field experiment was conducted in Biratnagar, Morang, Nepal in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications and five treatments. The treatments include Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (T1), 75% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (T2), 125% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (T3), Poultry Manure (T4) and Vermicompost (T5). Vermicompost (T5) demonstrated superior performance, with the tallest plants (19.25 cm at 24 DAT, and 58.48 cm at 69 DAT), the highest fresh flower weight (7.4 g), and maximum flower yield (12.54 t ha-1). Similarly, T2 (75% RDF) resulted in significantly taller plants (52.88 cm) at 54 DAT. T3 (125% RDF) promoted highest number of branches (17.53) at 54 DAT. T1 had the thinnest stem diameter at 24 DAT, whereas other treatments were on par with each other. No significant differences were observed at days to first flowering. Vermicompost was observed as the most effective nutrient source, which significantly improved the growth and yield of marigold when compared to poultry manure and chemical fertilizers. Hence, the farmers in Biratnagar Metropolitan City are recommended to use vermicompost for higher and sustainable yield, along with sustainable soil health.
Keywords
References
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