Fermented compost and N-fertilizer for enhancing the growth and productivity of purple eggplant on vertisols

Abstract

Abstract The soil fertility and nutrient availability are limiting factors for growth and plant development. Fermented compost and nitrogen (N)-fertilizer are useful as sources of nutrients to support the growth of plant and microorganisms in soils. The combination of biological fertilizer and chemical fertilizer can support the concept of sustainable and integrated agriculture and minimize the adverse effects of chemical fertilizers. The research was conducted to get the recommended dose of fermented compost and N-fertilizer to increase the plant height and productivity of purple eggplant. The experiment was arranged as factorialized randomized block design and consisted of two factors and two replications, namely fermented compost dose (0, 5, 10, and 15 t ha−1) and N-fertilizer dose (0, 75, 150, and 225 kg ha−1). The observed responses were increase in plant height and productivity of purple eggplant. Compared to the control, the application of 15 t ha−1 fermented compost and 225 kg ha−1 N-fertilizer increased the plant height by 40.76% at 30 days after planting and 57.59% at 37 days after planting and increased the purple eggplant yield by 43.15%. BC ratio of the fermented compost (15 t ha−1) is 1.16 and BC ratio of the N-fertilizer (225 kg ha−1) is 1.09. Recommended dose to increase the plant height and productivity of purple eggplant in vertisol is 15 t ha−1 of fermented compost and 225 kg ha−1 of N-fertilizer.