Optimizing growth, yield, and nutritional quality of Chinese cabbage throughvermicompost and reduced fertilizer application in organic farming systems

Chinese cabbage, though less prominent in Bangladesh, has shown potential for successful cultivation in the region. This study aimed to assess various cultivars’ efficacy on Chinese cabbage growth, yield, and quality within an organic farming system. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years, investigating the combined impact of cultivar and vermicompost with reduced fertilizer levels on yield. Three cultivars, viz., BARI Chinakopi 1, Blues, and Retasi, were tested along with four fertilizer levels: recommended NPK (control); 80% NPK + vermicompost 6 t/ha; 70% NPK + vermicompost 8 t/ha; and 50% NPK + vermicompost 10 t/ha. Results demonstrated that cv. Blues, treated with 50% NPK + 10 t/ha of vermicompost, exhibited significant enhancements in various parameters compared to the control group. Notably, the treated variety Blues showcased increased plant height (43%), head diameter (46.3%), dry matter (71.2%), and gross yield (72.2%) at harvest. Moreover, var. Blues treated with vermicompost at 10 t/ha displayed elevated levels of vitamin C (28%), β-carotene (96.3%), Ca (7.1%), Mg (18.4%), P (5%), K (10.5%), Fe (13.1%), and Zn (21%) compared to control. These findings suggest that utilizing 50% NPK + vermicompost at 10 t/ha significantly enhances Chinese cabbage growth and quality, particularly in cv. Blues. Incorporating this treatment method could effectively elevate both production yield and crop quality, providing valuable insights for organic farming practices.