N and K requirements of lowland cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var Capitata) under netted structure on peat
2002
Leong A.C., MARDI, Jalan Kebun, P.O. Box 186, 41720 Klang, Selangor (Malaysia). Horticulture Research Centre | Salbiah H., MARDI, P.O. Box 12301, 50774 Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Economics and Technology Management Research Centre | Izham A. (eds.), MARDI, P.O. Box 12301, 50774 Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Horticulture Research Centre
In the year 2000, Malaysia's net import of cabbage was 22.5 million tons worth RM 11.6 million. The loss in foreign exchange can be reduced, by planting heat tolerant cabbage varieties in the lowlands under netted structures. The netted structure can prevent the entry of most of the common lepidopteran pests of cabbage, thus reducing the frequency of insecticide application. The current recommended fertilizer rate is meant for cabbage in open field planting. This rate may not be applicable for cabbage under netted structure. Therefore different rates of N and K were evaluated, to further improve the nutrient uptake efficiency of cabbage grown under netted structure. Four rates of N and K were investigated, using the cabbage variety KK Cross. The 4 x 4 factorial experiment was laid out in a RCB design replicated four times and repeated over three crop cycles. K can be reduced from 240 kg/ha to 120 kg/ha with no detrimental effect on the yield. H owever, the yield response to N was variable. Results from two out of the three crop cycles recorded a linear response. No response was recorded in the remaining crop cycle. Doubling the N rate increased the yield by only 11%. The foliar K content in the composite samples of the cabbage heads, reconfirmed the yield results obtained. The foliar N content was higher in the plots that received the higher N rate. A rate of 120 kg N/ha and 240kg N/ha should be the recommended rate for cabbage, grown on peat under netted structure, during the drier months and the rainy season respectively.
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