Role of different composts and sowing dates on productivity of Gobhisarson (Brasssi canapus var. oleracea) under organic conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replications and ten treatment combinations with an objective to study the “Role of different composts and sowing dates on productivity of Gobhisarson (Brasssica napus var. oleracea) under organic conditions” during rabi 2008-09 and 2009-10 at the Research Farm of Deptt. of Organic Agriculture, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur (H.P), India. The treatments consisted of two sowing dates viz. Panchang and Non-panchang and six compost treatments viz. FYM 15 t/ha, BD compost 5 t/ha, VC 10 t/ha, FYM + VC (50:50), FYM + BD (50:50) and VC + BD (50:50). The soil of the experimental site was silty clay loam in texture, acidic in pH, medium in nitrogen, low in phosphorus and high in potassium. The crop was sown in second week of October during the first year of experimentation. Panchang sowing resulted in significantly higher number of  pods/plant, seeds/pod and hence, significantly higher seed yield over Non-panchang sowing during the first year of study i.e 2008-09, whereas, during 2009-10 the yield attributes and yield of gobhisarson were not affected significantly due to the Panchang sowing. Pods/plant and seeds/pod were affected significantly due to various composts. Biodynamic compost applied alone and in combination with other composts proved to be the best as campared to the other composts in increasing the yield attributes and yield of gobhisarson.