Growth, Yield, and Dietary Antioxidants of Broccoli as Affected by Fertilizer Type

The source of nutrition available to plants can affect yield quantity and quality. Incorrect use of synthetic fertilizers can cause serious damage to the soil, the ecosystem, and quality of produce. Field experiments were conducted for two consecutive winter seasons from 2003 to 2005 in an Alfisol at Umiam, Meghalaya, India to study the effect of type of fertilizer on growth, yield and quality of broccoli in comparison with synthetic fertilizer (Control). Yields with some organic materials were higher than those produced with synthetic fertilizer. Use of solid organic materials and compost teas, in some cases, enhanced yield and quality, and reduced input costs. Application of organic materials reduced soil acidity, and improved the organic matter and available nutrients of the soil. Use of organics in vegetable production appears to provide an alternative to conventional methods.