Evaluation of chrysanthemum residue compost for seedling production and cabbage cultivation

P. Vimala, N.C. Wong, H. Salbiah and A.R. Aini Hayati

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of chrysanthemum residue compost (CC) as an organic nutrient source for seedling growth and cabbage production in the highlands. Glasshouse studies using CC on five seedlings (chinese cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, tomato and chrysanthemum) gave superior or equivalent dry biomass, compared to two commonly used growth media. Chrysanthemum residue compost was evaluated at 0, 15, 30 and 45 t/ha in the field incorporated with inorganic fertilizer (NPK) at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% (2 t/ha). Results obtained showed significant yield responses to CC and inorganic fertilizers. Significant CC and NPK interaction effects were also obtained. When CC was used as the sole nutrient source, yields increased by 133% (from 5.8 t/ha at zero fertilizer to 13.5 t/ha at 30 t/ha CC). The yield (29.1 t/ha) obtained with 45 t/ha CC, was comparable to the yield (31.4 t/ha) obtained from poultry manure (PM) applied at 40 t/ha. Highest yield (50.5 t/ha) using CC, was obtained with 30 t/ha CC + 2 t/ha NPK. This yield was comparable to that obtained from the control treatment (20 t/ha PM + 2 t/ha NPK) which yielded 53 t/ha. Though lower yield was obtained with organic fertilizer as the sole nutrient source, the grower would be compensated by the premium price that organic produce commands. It is concluded that chrysanthemum residue compost is an effective organic nutrient source for vegetable cultivation. Chrysanthemum compost is also an excellent organic nutrient source for raising seedlings.

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