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Research on Crops

Influence of drip fertigation on the growth, yield and quality of cauliflower under polyhouse and open-field conditions


DOI: 10.31830/2348-7542.2026.ROC-1346    | Article Id: ROC-1346 | Page : 515-522
Citation :- Influence of drip fertigation on the growth, yield and quality of cauliflower under polyhouse and open-field conditions. Res. Crop. 27: 515-522
SANTOSH D.T., MASINA SAIRAM, DINKAR J. GAIKWAD, SUMIT RAY, SHAIK RISHITHA AND SAGAR MAITRA sagar.maitra@cutm.ac.in
Address : Center for Smart Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha, India
Submitted Date : 6-08-2026
Accepted Date : 4-09-2026
Online Published:

Abstract

Efficient management of water and nutrients is essential for sustainable cauliflower production, helping to improve productivity while conserving natural resources in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Fluctuations in temperature, soil moisture and nutrient availability often affect crop growth, yield and curd quality. Hence, there is a need to identify suitable drip fertigation levels under protected and open field conditions for better crop performance and resource use efficiency. A two-year study was conducted during the winter seasons of 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 at the Research Centre for Smart Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India, to evaluate the effect of different drip fertigation levels on the growth, yield and quality of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) under polyhouse and open field conditions. The experiment was designed based on randomized block design with three replications and eight treatments of 100%, 80 and 60% of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) applied in drip fertigation under polyhouse and open field condition and conventional soil application. The pooled data were analysed for growth, yield, quality, chlorophyll index and leaf nutrient content. All the parameters studied showed significant differences between the different treatments. The crop performance of polyhouse cultivation system with drip fertigation was significantly better than the open field cultivation system. The plant height (60.1 cm), functional leaves (18.9/plant), chlorophyll index (62.1 SPAD), curd weight (796.1 g) and marketable yield (28.0 t/ha) and total yield (29.5 t/ha) were the highest in 100% RDF with drip fertigation under polyhouse conditions (T₁). The treatment also resulted in better quality parameters such as dry matter (12.1 %), total soluble solid (6.80 °Brix), ascorbic acid (58.5 mg/100 g) and shelf life (11.1 days), and the highest level of nitrogen (3.46 %), phosphorus (0.70 %) and potassium (3.40 %) in the leaves. As the fertigation levels decreased, growth, yield and quality parameters reduced and were minimum in conventional soil fertilization. The results reveal that use of polyhouse and 100% RDF drip fertigation is an effective production practice to improve productivity, produce quality and nutrient uptake of cauliflower crops.

Keywords

Cauliflower controlled-environment agriculture nutrient-use efficiency water-use efficiency yield

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