The Effect Of Organic Fertilization and Method of Irrigation on Yield
and Quality of Cauliflower in Field Organic Cultivation
Kaniszewski Stanisław and Kowalski Artur*
Laboratory of Vegetable Crops and Edible Mushroom, The National Institute of
Horticultural Research, Konstytucji 3 Maja 1/3, 96-100 Skierniewice, Poland
*Corresponding Author: Kowalski Artur, Laboratory of Vegetable Crops and Edible
Mushroom, The National Institute of Horticultural Research, Konstytucji 3 Maja 1/3,
96-100 Skierniewice, Poland.
Received:
December 09, 2025; Published: January 31, 2026
Abstract
In a three-year experiment, the effects of organic fertilization and irrigation on the yield, curd diameter and selected physiological
indicators of cauliflower plants were investigated. The experiment compared three irrigation treatments: micro-sprinkler irrigation,
drip irrigation and control (no irrigation). The fertilization treatments included: compost applied at a rate of 30 t/ha, Fertilan
fertilizer (with an N-P-K ratio of 5.5-0.2-2.0), derived from alfalfa and sheep wool, applied at two nitrogen levels (180 and 240 kg
N/ha), and Control (no fertilization). The three-year study confirmed the significant role of organic fertilization, particularly with
Fertilan, in improving vegetative biomass and curd yield in cauliflower. Irrigation enhanced yields only in the first year, indicating
that its impact may depend on weather conditions and soil moisture availability. Organic fertilizers not only improved yield but
also influenced physiological traits such as chlorophyll content and nitrogen status, supporting their continued use in sustainable
cauliflower production systems.
Keywords: Cauliflower Fertilization; Organic Fertilization; Irrigation; Physiological Traits; Yield
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