Precision Nutrient Management in Organic Cabbage Cultivation

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea, var. capitata L.) is a significant vegetable crop in Sikkim, a state renowned for its organic farming practices. However, the lack of robust data and standardized nutrient recommendations often leads farmers to rely on non-scientific practices, resulting in suboptimal yields. To address these challenges, a field experiment was conducted in Sikkim to assess precision nutrient management techniques for cabbage cultivation. The experiment aimed to optimize nutrient inputs using tools like precision soil testing, plant tissue analysis, and nutrient budgeting while adhering to organic farming principles. The cabbage variety Maharani was selected for the study. The experiment involved 15 treatments incorporating different combinations of organic amendments, including farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, and a balanced organic fertilizer (4:3:3). Treatments were designed based on farmers’ traditional practices as well as data-driven nutrient recommendations using Soilcare, an IoT-based soil testing and crop-specific nutrient recommendation system (patented). Baseline soil analysis revealed acidic conditions (pH 4.6) with low nitrogen (135.30 kg ha-1), phosphorus (18.40 kg ha-1), and moderate potassium (180.60 kg ha-1) levels. Liming was applied at 2tha-1, and organic fertilizers were incorporated according to precise and real time recommendations given instantly by the IoT based soil testing system. The results demonstrated significant improvement in growth, yield, and nutrient content in treatments using data-driven nutrient management. Treatment T13, comprising FYM (10tha-1), vermicompost (10 tha-1), and balanced organic fertilizer, 4:3:3 (4 tha-1), achieved the highest plant height (24.33 cm), leaf area (580.84 sq cm), and head diameter (23.34 cm). It also recorded the maximum yield (98.12 tha-1) and nutrient content (N: 2.4%, K: 5.62%). Treatments T9 (vermicompost at 30 tha-1) and T12 (FYM at 5 tha-1 + vermicompost at 5 tha-1 + 4:3:3 at 2 tha-1) showed comparable results. It also recorded the maximum yield and nutrient contents. The findings highlighted the importance of precision nutrient management and soil testing in improving organic cabbage production. Data-driven approaches demonstrated clear advantages over traditional practices, ensuring optimal nutrient utilization, increased productivity, and better nutrient content in crops. This study underscores the potential of integrating real time site specific-crop specific nutrient management to enhance sustainable agricultural practices in organic farming systems. The outcomes offer actionable insights for addressing productivity challenges in organic vegetable farming, supporting both ecological and economic sustainability.