Effect of zinc, boron and vermicompost on growth of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted during the Rabi season of 2024-25 at the Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Mewar University, Gangrar, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. The study aimed to evaluate the integrated effects of foliar-applied micronutrients Zinc (0.5%) and Boron (0.5%) and organic nutrient source vermicompost at 0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 t/ha on the growth of cabbage. The experiment followed a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) comprising 16 treatment combinations replicated thrice. Results revealed that the combined application of Zinc and Boron (Zn1B1) significantly enhanced plant height (45.71 cm at 90 DAT), number of leaves per plant (27.98 cm at 90 DAT), stalk girth (4.81 cm at 90 DAT), Leaf Length (35.88 cm 60 DAT) and Leaf Width (34.87 cm at 60 DAT). Among vermicompost levels, 5.0 t/ha (V2) was also most effective for vegetative growth attributes. The study concludes that the integrated nutrient management strategy involving Zinc 0.5% + Boron 0.5% with 5.0 t/ha vermicompost significantly improves growth of cabbage and can be recommended for sustainable and profitable cultivation under similar agro-climatic conditions.