Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Application on the Growth and Yield of Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea) under Protected Agriculture

Abstract

Protected agriculture is a modern and scientific method of farming that give an authority to farmers to produce high-value crops at maximum productivity in an effective and environmentally-opened way. This method brings the possibility to produce crops year-round without being affected by extreme weather events and climate conditions. Hence, it creates a huge increase in output with less input. This put into practice, with reduced use of fertilizers, water, pesticides, has changed the growing environment. The purpose of a controlled environment is to provide protection to the crops from cold or heat and from the undesirable pests to the crops and also maintains the good quality of crops

     This study was aimed to determine the growth and yield performance of cabbage applied with organic and inorganic fertilizer under protected environment. It was conducted in Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology Gabaldon Campus Research Area, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. The treatments used were as follows; T1 (100% organic fertilizer), + T2 (100% inorganic fertilizer), + T3 (50% organic fertilizer and 50% inorganic fertilizer, and T4 (no fertilizer).

          Combine application of organic and inorganic fertilizer performed well in most of the parameters: average number of days to head formation, average head diameter, average weight of head, average number of marketable head, least number of nonmarketable head and average yield/ha.These findings has the potential to decrease the usage of inorganic fertilizer, leading to enhanced soil health and improved environmental conditions in the long term."