Growth and yield responses of cauliflower on tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia) compost under organic farming practices
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Abstract
Recently, organic cauliflower has been highly demanded in Indonesia since the horticultural product is healthier and pesticide free. The effect of tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia) compost on the growth and yield of cauliflower under organic farming practice was determined. The experiment was carried out at CAPS Research Station in Air Duku Village, Rejang Lebong District, Indonesia, located at 1054 m above sea level. The treatments consisted of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 ton of tithonia compost ha-1. Tithonia compost contained 0.85% nitrogen, 0.22% phosphorous, 0.63% potassium and pH of 8.5. The result indicated that application of tithonia compost at the rate of 20 ton ha-1 exhibited highest plant height and number of leaves as compared to the other treatments. An insignificant difference of plant height and leaf dry weight was detected among treatments of 20 and 25 ton ha-1. The curd diameter and total plant dry weight were recorded. Likewise, the greatest fresh curd weight was observed at the compost application of 25 ton ha-1. Curd diameter of cauliflower fertilized with 20 ton ha-1 was 12.8%, 17.5%, and 72.8% larger than those of 15, 10, and 5 ton ha-1, respectively while curd fresh weight at the rate of 25 ton ha-1 was 44.9%, 51.5%, and 100% greater than those of 20, 15, and 10 ton ha-1, respectively. Nonetheless, the yield of the cauliflower was lower than its potential.
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