Effect of different organic and bio fertilizer on growth, yield and quality of Kale [Brassica oleracea var. lsquo;Acephalarsquo;]

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2024-25 at SHUATS, Prayagraj, to assess the influence of organic manures and biofertilizers on Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala). The trial included nine treatments: various combinations of vermicompost, compost, mustard cake, Azospirillum, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), laid out in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. The work revealed that treatment T8 (Mustard cake + Azospirillum + AMF) significantly outperformed all others in plant height (62.26 cm), number of leaves (40.80), leaf area (337.59 cm²), and yield (245.17 q/ha). It also showed the highest chlorophyll (106.37 mg/g), ascorbic acid (1.45 mg/100g), TSS (10.0 °Brix), and the best economic return (₹4, 19, 653.20/ha) with a B:C ratio of 5.94. The study concludes that integrated application of organic manures and biofertilizers not only improves growth, yield, and nutritional quality of Kale but also offers economic and environmental benefits, supporting sustainable vegetable cultivation.