Effect of mulches and nutrient levels on growth, nutrient uptake and productivity of cauliflower in mid hills of Himachal Pradesh

Field study on the effect of mulches and nutrient levels on weed infestation, growth, nutrient uptake and productivity of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) was conducted during 2009–10 and 2010–11 in mid hills of Himachal Pradesh. Twelve treatment comprising combinations of four mulches, viz. black plastic mulch (BP), grass mulch (GM), pine needles mulch (PN), unmulched control (UM) and three levels of nutrients, i.e. F₁(125% of recommended dose of NPK), F₂(100% recommended dose of NPK) and F₃(75% of recommended dose of NPK) were tried in factorial randomized block design. Results revealed that mulches effectively checked weed infestation, plant growth and cauliflower productivity were significantly influenced by mulches and nutrient levels. Black plastic mulch and 125% NPK together promoted plant and root growth, nutrient uptake, curd quality and yield of cauliflower. Treatment combination BPF₁ recorded 88.7% higher productivity (head yield 266.8 q ha⁻¹) closely followed by BPF₂ (83.6%, 259.6 q ha⁻¹) over unmulched control with 75% NPK (UMF₃).