Fertilizer management of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) as influenced by method of raising seedlings, depth of placement and doses of P using ³²P-labelled superphosphate

To standardize the fertilizer management of ‘Tetris’ cauliflower grown by transplanting seedlings nursed in raised bed on soil and in pro-trays using coco-peat medium, compiled with two bandings depths (5 and 10 cm) and three doses of P fertilizer (60, 80 and 100% of recommended dose) were evaluated. Twenty five days-old seedlings nursed on raised bed were distinctly more vigorous in terms of length, girth and dry weight compared to those grown in pro-trays. As a result, the former produced significantly higher yield, dry matter, P content, P uptake as well as fertilizer P utilization. Between the depths of placement of fertilizer, the deeper banding at 10 cm performed better in terms of different parameters of P use by the crop. Increasing P dose increased yield, dry matter and other parameters of P absorption from applied superphosphate. Interaction effect however, showed that both 80 and 100% of recommended P dose applied at 10 cm depth were at par and produced significantly higher curd yield when cauliflower seedlings were grown on raised bed. Saving of P input to the extent of 20% was possible when seedlings were grown on raised bed and banding of fertilizer was done at 10 cm depth. The results warranted that the vigour of the seedlings at transplantation stage is crucial for good performance of ‘Tetris’ cauliflower. Growing seedlings of cauliflower on raised beds using field soil still holds promise till the vigour of the pro-tray seedlings involving fermented coco peat is enhanced at par with the former seedlings by appropriate modification.