Long term effect of different plant based nitrification inhibitors and calcium carbide on total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid and protein content of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis L)

Abstract

The study was devoted to assess the effect of different nitrification plant based nitrification inhibitors and chemical inhibitor on total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid and proteins content of cauliflower. The study was conducted as a field experimental with eight treatment combinations replicated thrice in completely randomized block design during rabi season 2018-19 and 2019-20. Different treatments combinations viz. melia fruit powder, pomegranate rind powder, commercial neem cake, calcium carbide (CaC2) and absolute control were incorporated in the study. The results revealed that during both the years of study maximum TSS values of 6.70 and 6.83 o brix were recorded in MF@ 20 g kg-1 soil and NC @ 20 g kg-1 soil, respectively. While the least TSS value recorded in control treatment. Maximum ascorbic acid was attributed to NC@ 20 g kg-1 soil i.e. 74.43 and 76.19 mg 100 g-1 during 2018-19 and 2019-20, respectively. Moreover, protein content in cauliflower varied from 2.44 g 100g-1 in control to 2.76 g 100g-1 in NC @20 g kg-1 soil during 2018-19 and 2.49 g 100g-1 in control to 2.76 g 100g-1 during 2019-20 in the same treatment. Application of plant based nitrification inhibitor neem cake@ 20 g kg-1 soil with recommended dose of NPK and farmyard manure was found effective over the chemical inhibitor and therefore improved the quality of cauliflower.