Effect of irrigation and fertigation schedules on yield of cabbage (Brassica Oleracea var. Capitata)

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted during 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 to investigate the effect of irrigation and fertigation schedules on yield of cabbage during the winter season at AICRP on Water Management, VNMKV, Parbhani. Drip method with alternate day irrigation was adopted for all the plots with five irrigation levels as main plot viz., 0.4 ETc (I1), 0.6 ETc (I2), 0.8 ETc (I3), 1.0 ETc (I4) and 1.2 ETc (I5). Fertigation levels were 50% (F1), 75% (F2) and 100% (F3) of recommended dose of fertilizers (120:60:60; N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1) with eight splits during crop growth period. All the treatments were replicated thrice. The treatment combination of 1.0 ETc with 125% RDF, 1.0 ETc with 100% RDF and 0.8 ETc with 100% RDF give comparable and better cabbage yields. Hence the combination treatment of drip irrigation at 0.8 ETc and fertilizer level of 100% RDF may be adopted to obtain higher yields with net saving in water and fertilizers. The economic analysis of cabbage under drip fertigation also suggests that the drip irrigation at 0.8 ETc and fertilizer level of 100% RDF is more economical and feasible as compared to all other combinations.