Growth, yield and nutrient uptake of knol-khol (brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) as influenced by organic manures, inorganic fertilizers and biochar

An experiment on the effect of organic manures, fertilizers and biochar on knolkhol was conducted during 2014. Highest no. leaves/plant, leaf area/plant, specific leaf weight, fresh and dry leaf and knob weight was recorded ,when enriched FYM was applied in combination with biochar, with an increase of 19.5% in fresh leaf weight and 57% in fresh knob weight over enriched FYM alone. Enriched FYM+ biochar recorded an increase of 194, and 241% over control in respect of fresh and dry root biomass, respectively. Enriched FYM + biochar recorded a significantly increase in N concentration in above ground biomass over all other treatments. However, enriched FYM + biochar was at par with inorganic fertilizer, FYM and Enriched FYM in respect of P concentration. Highest N, P and K uptake was recorded in enriched FYM+ Biochar which was followed by enriched FYM + ash.Addition of biochar resulted in a significant decrease both wet and dry bulk density. Further a significant increase in soil available N was recorded due to the application of enriched FYM + biochar. Soil available K recorded a significant increase in FYM and enriched FYM pots. Enriched FYM +biochar in combination with FYM resulted in a significant increase in soil available K.