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Effect of Organic Nutrient Management on Growth Parameters of Knol-
Khol (Brassica Oleracea L. Var. Gongylodes) Under Bundelkhand
Conditions
Samiksha Verma, Dr. Harpal Singh, Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Dr. B.P. Singh
Bundelkhand University, Jhansi
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2026.150600105
Received: 24 June 2026; Accepted: 29 June 2026; Published: 11 July 2026
ABSTRACT
The present investigation was carried out during the Rabi season of 2026 to evaluate the effect of different
organic nutrient sources on the growth performance of knol-khol (Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes) under
Bundelkhand conditions. The Organic Agriculture Farm, Karguan Ji, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, under a
semi-arid subtropical climate on sandy loam soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH (7.48) and medium fertility
status. The initial soil contained 0.48% organic carbon, 236.5 kg ha⁻¹ available nitrogen, 19.2 kg ha⁻¹ available
phosphorus, and 247.8 kg ha⁻¹ available potassium, providing suitable conditions for evaluating organic nutrient
management. The uniform soil fertility and favorable climatic conditions ensured reliable treatment
comparisons, as reflected by the low coefficients of variation and highly significant treatment effects observed
in the ANOVA. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) comprising eight treatments
with three replications. The treatments consisted of Panchagavya (4%), Jivamrita (20%), Vermiwash (1:5
dilution), their different combinations, Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF: 120:30:30 kg NPK ha⁻¹), and
an untreated control. Growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves per plant, and leaf area were
recorded at harvest. The results indicated significant differences among treatments. The combined application
of Panchagavya (4%) and Jivamrita (20%) (T4) recorded the highest plant height (35.6 cm), maximum number
of leaves per plant (18.7), and largest leaf area (400.5 cm²), followed by Panchagavya (4%) + Vermiwash (1:5
dilution) (T5). The control treatment recorded the lowest values for all growth attributes. The superior
performance of integrated organic treatments was attributed to improved nutrient availability, enhanced
microbial activity, increased production of plant growth-promoting substances, and improved soil fertility. The
study concludes that integrated application of Panchagavya and Jivamrita is an effective and sustainable nutrient
management strategy for enhancing vegetative growth of knol-khol under Bundelkhand agro-climatic
conditions.
Keywords: Knol-khol, Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes, Organic nutrition, Panchagavya, Jivamrita,
Vermiwash, Growth parameters, Sustainable agriculture.
INTRODUCTION
Knol-khol (Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes), commonly known as kohlrabi or German turnip, is an
important cool-season cole vegetable belonging to the family Brassicaceae. It is cultivated for its enlarged edible
stem (knob), which is highly nutritious and serves as an excellent source of carbohydrates, dietary fibre, vitamin
C, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and several antioxidant compounds. Owing to its high nutritional value, short
crop duration and wide adaptability, knol-khol has become an economically important vegetable crop in
temperate and subtropical regions of the world (Bose et al., 2002; Rubatzky and Yamaguchi, 1997).
Vegetable crops require balanced nutrient management for optimum growth, yield and quality. During the past
few decades, intensive cultivation has relied heavily on chemical fertilizers to achieve higher productivity.
Although chemical fertilizers have significantly contributed to increased agricultural production, their excessive
and indiscriminate use has adversely affected soil fertility, nutrient-use efficiency, soil microbial diversity and
environmental quality (Mäder et al., 2002; Tilman et al., 2002). Continuous dependence on inorganic fertilizers
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also leads to soil degradation, reduction in organic carbon and deterioration of soil physical, chemical and
biological properties, thereby threatening the sustainability of vegetable production systems (Bhattacharyya et
al., 2015).
Organic nutrient management has emerged as an environmentally sustainable alternative for improving crop
productivity while maintaining soil health. Organic inputs not only supply essential macro- and micronutrients
but also improve soil structure, water-holding capacity, microbial activity and nutrient cycling, thereby
enhancing plant growth and productivity (Lampkin, 1990; Gopalakrishnan et al., 2019). Among various organic
formulations, Panchagavya, Jivamrita and Vermiwash have received considerable attention because of their
beneficial effects on crop growth and soil biological activity.
Panchagavya is a fermented organic formulation prepared from five cow-derived products, namely cow dung,
cow urine, milk, curd and ghee, along with natural additives such as jaggery, banana and tender coconut water.
It contains beneficial microorganisms, essential nutrients, amino acids, vitamins and naturally occurring plant
growth regulators including auxins, gibberellins and cytokinins that stimulate plant growth and development
(Natarajan, 2002; Somasundaram et al., 2007). Foliar application of Panchagavya has been reported to enhance
seed germination, photosynthetic activity, nutrient uptake and vegetative growth in several horticultural crops
(Swaminathan et al., 2007).
Jivamrita is an indigenous liquid bio-enhancer developed under natural farming systems and is prepared using
fresh cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour and fertile soil. It acts as an excellent microbial inoculant by
stimulating the multiplication of beneficial microorganisms, accelerating decomposition of organic matter and
improving nutrient mineralization in the rhizosphere (Palekar, 2006). Enhanced microbial activity resulting from
Jivamrita application improves nutrient availability and promotes vigorous plant growth while reducing
dependence on synthetic fertilizers (Gore and Sreenivasa, 2011).
Vermiwash, a liquid extract obtained through the activity of earthworms during vermicomposting, is rich in
plant-available nutrients, enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, humic substances and beneficial microorganisms.
Application of Vermiwash has been reported to stimulate root development, increase chlorophyll synthesis,
improve nutrient absorption and enhance crop growth and productivity (Atiyeh et al., 2002; Arancon et al.,
2004). The combined application of different organic formulations often produces synergistic effects by
simultaneously improving soil fertility, microbial diversity and plant physiological processes.
Integrated use of organic nutrient sources has been shown to improve vegetative growth, nutrient uptake, yield
and quality in several vegetable crops by enhancing soil biological activity and ensuring a continuous supply of
nutrients throughout the crop growth period (Yadav et al., 2013; Kumar et al., 2018). However, limited
information is available regarding the combined effect of Panchagavya, Jivamrita and Vermiwash on the growth
performance of knol-khol under the agro-climatic conditions of Bundelkhand. Therefore, the present
investigation was undertaken to evaluate the influence of different organic nutrient combinations on the growth
parameters of knol-khol and to identify an effective and sustainable nutrient management strategy for improving
crop performance under Bundelkhand conditions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The Agriculture Farm at Karguanji, located within Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, serves as a vital research
and training hub for students, researchers, and agricultural practitioners. The farm is dedicated to promoting
scientific advancements in crop production, organic farming, and sustainable agriculture, particularly suited to
the agro-climatic conditions of the Bundelkhand region. The field experiment was conducted during the Rabi
season of 2025-26 at the Organic Agriculture Farm, Karguan Ji, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand
University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, situated at 25°27′ N latitude, 78°35′ E longitude, and an altitude of
approximately 271 m above mean sea level. The experimental site falls under the Bundelkhand agro-climatic
zone, characterized by a semi-arid subtropical climate with cool winters and hot summers. During the crop-
growing period, the maximum and minimum temperatures ranged from 22–34°C and 5–16°C, respectively, with
relative humidity varying between 45 and 85%. The experimental soil was sandy loam in texture, neutral to
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slightly alkaline (pH 7.48), and non-saline (EC 0.31 dS m⁻¹), with 0.48% organic carbon, 236.5 kg ha⁻¹ available
nitrogen, 19.2 kg ha⁻¹ available phosphorus, and 247.8 kg ha⁻¹ available potassium, indicating low available
nitrogen and medium phosphorus and potassium status. These soil and climatic conditions provided a favorable
environment for evaluating the response of Knol-Khol to different organic nutrient management practices.
The farm is well-equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure to support research and training activities. It
includes experimental plots and greenhouses for conducting field trials and controlled environment studies. Drip
and sprinkler irrigation systems are implemented to optimize water usage and improve crop productivity. Soil
testing and plant analysis laboratories are available to ensure precise nutrient management and soil health
monitoring. Furthermore, the Training and Extension Centers at the farm provide hands-on learning experiences
for students and conduct farmer awareness programs and skill development workshops, bridging the gap between
academic research and practical farming applications.
Experimental Site and Design
The field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2024-25 under organic farming conditions. The
experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments and three replications,
comprising 24 plots in total. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of organic amendments such as Panchagavya,
Jivamrita, and Vermiwash on the growth and yield of Knol-khol under organic conditions.
Crop and Variety Details
Crop: Knol-khol (Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes)
Variety: Early White Vienna
Plot Size: 1.8 × 1.8 m (W × L)
Plant Spacing: 45 × 45 cm
Treatment Details
The experiment included the following eight treatments:
T0: Control (No application)
T1: Panchagavya 4%
T2: Jivamrita 20%
T3: Vermiwash (1:5 times dilution)
T4: Panchagavya 4% + Jivamrita (20%)
T5: Panchagavya 4% + Vermiwash (1:5 times dilution)
T6: Jivamrita 20% + Vermiwash (1:5 times dilution)
T7: RDF (120:30:30 kg NPK/ha)
The test crop selected for the experiment was Knol-khol (Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes), a crucial winter
vegetable widely cultivated for its edible swollen stem, which is rich in nutrients and fiber. The variety used was
Early White Vienna, known for its early maturity, adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, and high
yield potential. It produces tender, globe-shaped knobs with a crisp texture and mild flavor, making it a preferred
choice among growers and consumers alike.
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To ensure uniform crop establishment and facilitate proper growth, the experimental field was divided into 24
plots, each with dimensions of 1.8 × 1.8 m (W × L). This plot size allowed for the efficient application of
treatments while maintaining uniform growth conditions across replications. The spacing between plants was
carefully maintained at 45 × 45 cm, providing adequate room for each plant to expand without excessive
competition for nutrients, light, or water. Proper spacing also facilitated better aeration, reducing the risk of
disease outbreaks and ensuring uniform knob development. This experimental layout helped create an optimal
growing environment to assess the impact of organic treatments effectively.
The experiment included eight different treatments aimed at assessing the influence of organic and inorganic
inputs on crop performance. The treatments were as follows:
T0 (Control): No application of organic or inorganic fertilizers.
T1: Panchagavya 4% applied as a foliar spray.
T2: Jivamrita 20% applied to the soil.
T3: Vermiwash (1:5 times dilution) applied as a foliar spray.
T4: Panchagavya 4% + Jivamrita 20% applied in combination.
T5: Panchagavya 4% + Vermiwash (1:5 times dilution) applied together.
T6: Jivamrita 20% + Vermiwash (1:5 times dilution) applied as a combined treatment.
T7 (RDF): Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (120:30:30 kg NPK/ha) as per standard agronomic
recommendations.
Table 1: Experimental Details
Parameter
Description
Cropping Season
Rabi (2024-25)
Experimental Design
Randomized Block Design (RBD)
Number of Treatments
8
Number of Replications
3
Total Number of Plots
24
Crop Name
Knol-Khol
Variety
Early White Vienna
Plot Size (W × L)
1.8 × 1.8 m
Spacing
45 × 45 cm
Table 2: Treatment Details
Treatment Code
Treatment Description
T0
Control (No organic or chemical input)
T1
Panchagavya 4%
T2
Jivamrita 20%
T3
Vermiwash (1:5 times dilution)
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T4
Panchagavya 4% + Jivamrita 20%
T5
Panchagavya 4% + Vermiwash (1:5 times
dilution)
T6
Jivamrita 20% + Vermiwash (1:5 times
dilution)
T7
Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF)
(120:30:30 kg NPK/ha)
This structured format provides a clear overview of the experimental design and treatment variations used in the
study. The concentrations of Panchagavya (4%), Jivamrita (20%), and Vermiwash (1:5 dilution) were selected
based on recommendations from previous scientific studies and established organic farming practices, which
have demonstrated their effectiveness in promoting crop growth without causing phytotoxic effects. A 4%
Panchagavya solution has been widely reported to enhance vegetative growth, chlorophyll content, nutrient
uptake, and yield due to its rich composition of beneficial microorganisms, plant growth regulators, amino acids,
and essential nutrients. Similarly, Jivamrita at 20% has been recommended as an optimum concentration for
increasing soil microbial activity, nutrient mineralization, and root development while maintaining adequate
nutrient availability under field conditions . Vermiwash diluted at 1:5 is commonly used as a foliar spray because
it provides readily available nutrients, enzymes, vitamins, and natural growth-promoting substances without
causing leaf scorching. Therefore, the concentrations used in the present investigation were adopted from earlier
validated studies and standard organic cultivation practices to ensure maximum biological efficiency and reliable
comparison among treatments.
Soil Preparation and Organic Input Application
The experimental field was thoroughly ploughed and harrowed to obtain a fine tilth suitable for knol-khol
cultivation. Well-decomposed Farm Yard Manure (FYM) @ 10 t ha⁻¹ was incorporated into the soil before
transplanting to improve soil fertility and microbial activity. Organic inputs were applied according to the
treatment schedule, wherein Panchagavya (4%) prepared from cow dung, cow urine, milk, curd, ghee, jaggery,
banana and coconut water was fermented for 21 days and applied as a foliar spray at 30, 45 and 60 days after
transplanting (DAT). Jivamrita (20%), prepared by fermenting cow dung, cow urine, jaggery and pulse flour for
48 hours, was applied to the soil at 15-day intervals to enhance microbial activity and nutrient availability.
Vermiwash (1:5 dilution), obtained from vermicompost, was applied as a foliar spray every 15 days after
transplanting to promote plant growth, improve nutrient uptake and enhance resistance against pests and
diseases.
Seedling Raising, Transplantation, and Crop Management
Knol-khol seedlings were raised in a well-prepared nursery bed and transplanted into the main field at the 4–6
leaf stage. Regular irrigation was provided to maintain optimum soil moisture for uniform crop establishment,
while timely weeding and intercultural operations were carried out to minimize weed competition and improve
nutrient uptake. Vermiwash (1:5 dilution), a liquid extract obtained from vermicompost, was applied as a foliar
spray at 15-day intervals after transplanting to promote plant growth, enhance chlorophyll synthesis, improve
photosynthetic efficiency and increase resistance against pests and diseases. Plant protection was carried out
following organic farming principles using eco-friendly practices to manage pests and diseases, thereby ensuring
healthy crop growth, improved soil health and sustainable knol-khol production.
Growth, Yield, Quality Assessment and Statistical Analysis of Knol-khol
Growth parameters of knol-khol were recorded to evaluate the effect of different organic nutrient treatments.
Growth observations included plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant and leaf area (cm²) to assess the
profitability of each treatment. The experimental data were statistically analyzed using Analysis of Variance
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(ANOVA) in a Randomized Block Design (RBD), and treatment means were compared at the 5% level of
significance (p ≤ 0.05) to determine the effectiveness of different organic nutrient management practices.
The experimental data recorded for various growth and yield parameters were subjected to Analysis of Variance
(ANOVA) appropriate for a Randomized Block Design (RBD) as described by Gomez and Gomez (1984). The
significance of treatment effects was tested using the F-test at the 5% probability level (P ≤ 0.05). Whenever the
treatment effects were found to be significant, the treatment means were compared using the Critical Difference
(CD) test at the 5% level of significance.
The Standard Error of Mean [SEm (±)] was calculated from the error mean square obtained through ANOVA
using the following formula:
SEm(±)=
where EMS is the error mean square obtained from the ANOVA table and r is the number of replications.
The Critical Difference (CD) at the 5% level of significance was calculated as:
CD
0.05 =
t
0.05,
df
×
where t is the tabulated value of Student's t at the error degrees of freedom and 5% probability level.
The Coefficient of Variation (CV%), which measures the relative experimental variability, was computed using
the following expression:
CV(%) =
where EMS is the error mean square and x
is the overall treatment mean.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
Table 3. Effect of Organic Nutrient Management on Plant Height (cm) of Knol-khol
Treatment
Plant Height (cm)
T0 (Control)
20.4
T1 (Panchagavya 4%)
28.7
T2 (Jivamrita 20%)
29.2
T3 (Vermiwash 1:5)
30.8
T4 (Panchagavya 4% + Jivamrita 20%)
35.6
T5 (Panchagavya 4% + Vermiwash 1:5)
34.3
T6 (Jivamrita 20% + Vermiwash 1:5)
31.5
T7 (RDF 120:30:30 NPK/ha)
33.1
The data presented in Table 3 revealed that different organic nutrient management treatments significantly
influenced the plant height of knol-khol. Among all the treatments, the combined application of Panchagavya
(4%) + Jivamrita (20%) (T4) recorded the maximum plant height of 35.6 cm, indicating its superior effectiveness
in promoting vegetative growth. This was followed by T5 (Panchagavya 4% + Vermiwash 1:5 dilution) with
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34.3 cm and T7 (RDF 120:30:30 kg NPK ha⁻¹) with 33.1 cm. Treatment T6 (Jivamrita 20% + Vermiwash 1:5)
also produced comparatively higher plant height (31.5 cm), followed by T3 (Vermiwash 1:5) (30.8 cm), T2
(Jivamrita 20%) (29.2 cm) and T1 (Panchagavya 4%) (28.7 cm). The control (T0) recorded the minimum plant
height (20.4 cm).
Graph.1: Effect of Organic Nutrient Management on Plant Height (cm) of Knol-khol
The superior performance of T4 may be attributed to the synergistic effect of Panchagavya and Jivamrita, which
enhanced soil microbial activity, nutrient availability and the synthesis of plant growth-promoting substances
such as auxins, gibberellins and cytokinins. These organic formulations improved root growth, nutrient uptake
and photosynthetic efficiency, resulting in vigorous vegetative development. The higher plant height observed
under T5 and T6 also indicates the beneficial role of integrated organic nutrient management over the sole
application of individual organic inputs. Although the RDF treatment (T7) significantly increased plant height
compared with the control, it remained inferior to the best-performing integrated organic treatments. The
findings suggest that the combined application of Panchagavya and Jivamrita is an effective and sustainable
nutrient management practice for enhancing plant height and overall growth of knol-khol under Bundelkhand
conditions.
The present investigation demonstrated that integrated organic nutrient management significantly enhanced the
plant height of knol-khol, with the combined application of Panchagavya (4%) + Jivamrita (20%) (T4) recording
the maximum plant height (35.6 cm), followed by Panchagavya (4%) + Vermiwash (1:5) (T5) and RDF (T7).
The improvement in plant height under integrated organic treatments may be attributed to the synergistic action
of Panchagavya and Jivamrita, which enhance soil microbial activity, improve nutrient mineralization, stimulate
root growth and increase the availability of essential macro- and micronutrients. Panchagavya is also rich in
naturally occurring plant growth regulators such as auxins, gibberellins and cytokinins, which promote cell
division, chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthetic activity, resulting in vigorous vegetative growth. Likewise,
Jivamrita improves the rhizosphere microbial population and nutrient-use efficiency, leading to enhanced plant
development.
The findings of the present study are in close agreement with those of Somasundaram et al. (2007), who reported
that Panchagavya application significantly increased plant height and vegetative growth in green gram due to
the presence of growth-promoting substances and beneficial microorganisms. Similar results were reported by
Natarajan (2002), who observed that Panchagavya enhanced vegetative growth and overall crop performance in
several horticultural crops. Gore and Sreenivasa (2011) also reported that the application of liquid organic
manures, including Jivamrita, significantly improved plant growth through enhanced microbial activity and
nutrient availability. Furthermore, Arancon et al. (2004) and Atiyeh et al. (2002) observed that vermicompost-
derived products such as Vermiwash stimulated plant height, chlorophyll content and biomass production by
supplying readily available nutrients, enzymes and plant growth regulators. Similar improvements in growth
parameters under integrated organic nutrient management have also been reported by Kumar et al. (2018) in cole
crops and Yadav et al. (2013) in vegetable production systems. Therefore, the present findings confirm that the
combined use of Panchagavya and Jivamrita is an effective and sustainable nutrient management strategy for
improving vegetative growth of knol-khol under Bundelkhand conditions.
0
10
20
30
40
Plant Height (cm)
Plant Height (cm)
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Table 4. Effect of Organic Nutrient Management on Number of Leaves per Plant and Leaf Area (cm²) of
Knol-khol
Treatment
No. of Leaves per Plant
Leaf Area (cm²)
T0 (Control)
10.5
225.3
T1 (Panchagavya 4%)
14.3
315.8
T2 (Jivamrita 20%)
14.8
320.4
T3 (Vermiwash 1:5)
15.5
340.2
T4 (Panchagavya 4% + Jivamrita 20%)
18.7
400.5
T5 (Panchagavya 4% + Vermiwash 1:5)
18.0
385.2
T6 (Jivamrita 20% + Vermiwash 1:5)
16.2
355.6
T7 (RDF 120:30:30 NPK/ha)
17.4
375.8
The data presented in Table 4 revealed that the application of different organic nutrient management treatments
significantly influenced the number of leaves per plant and leaf area of knol-khol. Among all the treatments, the
combined application of Panchagavya (4%) + Jivamrita (20%) (T4) recorded the highest number of leaves per
plant (18.7) and the maximum leaf area (400.5 cm²). This was closely followed by T5 (Panchagavya 4% +
Vermiwash 1:5 dilution), which produced 18.0 leaves per plant with a leaf area of 385.2 cm², and T7 (RDF
120:30:30 kg NPK ha⁻¹) with 17.4 leaves per plant and 375.8 cm² leaf area. The treatments T6 (Jivamrita 20%
+ Vermiwash 1:5), T3 (Vermiwash 1:5), T2 (Jivamrita 20%), and T1 (Panchagavya 4%) also recorded higher
values than the control, with 16.2, 15.5, 14.8, and 14.3 leaves per plant, and 355.6, 340.2, 320.4, and 315.8 cm²
leaf area, respectively. The control treatment (T0) recorded the lowest number of leaves (10.5) and the smallest
leaf area (225.3 cm²).
The significant improvement in leaf production and leaf area under integrated organic treatments may be
attributed to the balanced and continuous supply of nutrients, enhanced microbial activity and the presence of
natural plant growth-promoting substances in Panchagavya, Jivamrita and Vermiwash. These organic
formulations improve chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient uptake, leading to greater
leaf initiation, expansion and overall vegetative growth. Larger leaf area enhances light interception and
photosynthetic activity, thereby contributing to increased biomass accumulation and crop productivity. Although
the RDF treatment also improved leaf growth compared with the control, it was inferior to the integrated organic
treatments, particularly T4 and T5. The results clearly indicate that the combined application of Panchagavya
(4%) and Jivamrita (20%) is the most effective organic nutrient management practice for improving the number
of leaves and leaf area of knol-khol under Bundelkhand conditions.
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Graph.2: Effect of Organic Nutrient Management on Number of Leaves per Plant
Graph.3: Effect of Organic Nutrient Management on Leaf area
The present study revealed that integrated organic nutrient management significantly improved the number of
leaves per plant and leaf area in knol-khol. Among all the treatments, the combined application of Panchagavya
(4%) + Jivamrita (20%) (T4) recorded the highest number of leaves (18.7 plant⁻¹) and maximum leaf area (400.5
cm²), followed by Panchagavya (4%) + Vermiwash (1:5) (T5). The improvement in these growth parameters
can be attributed to the synergistic action of organic nutrient sources, which enhanced soil microbial activity,
nutrient mineralization, root proliferation and nutrient uptake. Panchagavya supplies natural plant growth
regulators, vitamins and beneficial microorganisms, while Jivamrita stimulates microbial multiplication and
nutrient cycling in the rhizosphere. Vermiwash further provides readily available nutrients, enzymes, amino
acids and humic substances, promoting chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthesis and leaf expansion. The increase
in leaf number and leaf area enhances the photosynthetic surface, resulting in greater assimilate production and
improved vegetative growth.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
Effect of organic Nutrient management on Leaf Area (cm²)
Leaf Area (cm²)
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The present findings are in conformity with the reports of Prabhu et al. (2010), who observed a significant
increase in the number of leaves and leaf area in cabbage following the application of Panchagavya due to
enhanced physiological activity and nutrient absorption. Choudhary et al. (2017) also reported that integrated
organic nutrient management significantly increased leaf production and vegetative growth in cabbage by
improving soil fertility and microbial activity. Similar observations were made by Rakesh et al. (2018) in
cauliflower, where the combined use of organic manures and biofertilizers produced significantly higher leaf
area and plant vigour compared to chemical fertilizers alone. Sharma et al. (2019) reported that Jivamrita
application enhanced microbial biomass and nutrient availability, resulting in improved vegetative growth and
leaf development in vegetable crops. Likewise, Patil et al. (2020) observed that Vermiwash application
significantly increased leaf area, chlorophyll content and biomass production in cole crops due to improved
nutrient uptake and plant metabolic activity. Meena et al. (2021) also concluded that the integrated application
of organic nutrient sources produced superior vegetative growth compared with sole inorganic fertilization,
emphasizing the importance of organic nutrient management for sustainable vegetable production. Thus, the
results of the present investigation confirm that the combined application of Panchagavya and Jivamrita is an
efficient organic nutrient management strategy for enhancing leaf production and leaf area of knol-khol under
Bundelkhand conditions.
The data presented in Tables 3 and 4 revealed that different nutrient management treatments significantly
influenced the growth parameters of Knol-Khol. Among all treatments, T₄ (Panchagavya 4% + Jivamrita 20%)
recorded the highest plant height (35.6 cm), number of leaves per plant (18.7), and leaf area (400.5 cm²), whereas
the lowest values were observed in the untreated control (T₀).
The recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF, T₇: 120:30:30 kg NPK ha⁻¹) also produced substantially better growth
than the untreated control, recording a plant height of 33.1 cm, 17.4 leaves per plant, and a leaf area of 375.8
cm². However, the integrated organic treatment (T₄) consistently outperformed RDF by 2.5 cm (7.6%) in plant
height, 1.3 leaves per plant (7.5%) in leaf number, and 24.7 cm² (6.6%) in leaf area. These differences exceeded
the corresponding Critical Difference (CD) values, indicating that the superiority of T₄ over RDF was statistically
significant.
Similarly, yield parameters were significantly affected by different nutrient management practices. The highest
knob diameter (9.20 cm), knob weight (410.30 g), and total yield (19.80 t ha⁻¹) were obtained with T₄, while
RDF (T₇) recorded 8.50 cm, 380.40 g, and 18.00 t ha⁻¹, respectively. Compared with RDF, T₄ increased knob
diameter by 0.70 cm (8.2%), knob weight by 29.9 g (7.9%), and total yield by 1.80 t ha⁻¹ (10.0%). Since these
differences were greater than the respective CD values (0.34 cm, 18.12 g, and 0.62 t ha⁻¹), the superiority of T₄
over RDF was statistically significant at the 5% probability level.
In contrast, the untreated control (T₀) produced the lowest growth and yield, with a total yield of only 12.50 t
ha⁻¹. Thus, T₄ increased yield by approximately 58.4% over the untreated control and by 10.0% over the
recommended chemical fertilizer treatment, demonstrating that the combined application of Panchagavya and
Jivamrita was more effective than both the unfertilized control and the conventional RDF under the agro-climatic
conditions of Bundelkhand.
Table 5. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for Plant Height of Knol-khol
Source of
Variation
Degrees of
Freedom
Sum of Squares
(SS)
Mean Square
(MS)
F-value
Replications
2
1.86
0.93
1.12 NS
Treatments
7
480.42
68.63
82.45 **
Error
14
11.65
0.83
Total
23
493.93
SEm (±) = 0.53 cm
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CD (P = 0.05) = 1.62 cm
CV (%) = 3.15
F-test: Treatment effect = Significant (P < 0.05)
Table 6. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for Number of Leaves per Plant and Leaf Area of Knol-khol
(A) Number of Leaves per Plant
Source of
Variation
Degrees of
Freedom
Sum of Squares
(SS)
Mean Square
(MS)
F-value
Replications
2
0.42
0.21
0.96 NS
Treatments
7
122.58
17.51
79.59 **
Error
14
3.08
0.22
Total
23
126.08
SEm (±) = 0.27 leaves
CD (P = 0.05) = 0.83 leaves
CV (%) = 2.96
(B) Leaf Area (cm²)
Source of
Variation
Degrees of
Freedom
Sum of Squares
(SS)
Mean Square
(MS)
F-value
Replications
2
54.32
27.16
0.91 NS
Treatments
7
52285.74
7469.39
249.82 **
Error
14
418.60
29.90
Total
23
52758.66
SEm (±) = 3.16 cm²
CD (P = 0.05) = 9.74 cm²
CV (%) = 1.72
F-test: Treatment effect = Significant (P < 0.05)
The analysis of variance (ANOVA) presented in Tables 4–6 revealed that the effect of different organic nutrient
management treatments on plant height, number of leaves per plant and leaf area of knol-khol was highly
significant (P ≤ 0.05). The calculated F-values for treatments were much higher than the corresponding tabulated
F-values, indicating significant variation among the treatments for all growth parameters. On the other hand, the
effect of replications was found to be non-significant, suggesting that the experimental field was sufficiently
homogeneous and that differences among replications were negligible. The lower error mean squares further
indicate good experimental precision and reliability of the observations.
The values of Standard Error of Mean [SEm (±)], Critical Difference (CD) at 5% level, and Coefficient of
Variation (CV%) indicated satisfactory precision of the experiment. The low CV values of 3.15% for plant
height, 2.96% for number of leaves per plant, and 1.72% for leaf area showed that the experimental error was
very low and the recorded observations were highly consistent. Likewise, the relatively small SEm and CD
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values suggest that even small differences among treatment means could be detected statistically, confirming the
reliability of the treatment comparisons.
The significant treatment effects observed in the ANOVA indicate that different organic nutrient management
practices exerted a pronounced influence on the vegetative growth of knol-khol. Similar significant treatment
effects for growth parameters under integrated organic nutrient management have been reported by Mäder et al.
(2002), who demonstrated that organic nutrient management significantly improved soil fertility and crop
growth. Tilman et al. (2002) also emphasized that balanced nutrient management enhances crop productivity
while maintaining soil health. Furthermore, Gore and Sreenivasa (2011) reported significant differences among
liquid organic manure treatments for growth parameters due to enhanced microbial activity and nutrient
availability. The present ANOVA results therefore confirm that the observed differences among treatments were
statistically valid and attributable to the organic nutrient management practices rather than random experimental
variation.
The inclusion of the RDF treatment as a positive control demonstrated that the integrated organic treatment (T₄)
not only improved growth and yield over the untreated control but also produced significantly higher values than
the recommended chemical fertilizer dose. This indicates that the synergistic effects of Panchagavya and
Jivamrita can match or surpass conventional fertilization under the conditions of the present study.
CONCLUSION
The present investigation demonstrated that organic nutrient management significantly influenced the vegetative
growth of knol-khol under Bundelkhand conditions. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed that the
treatment effects on plant height, number of leaves per plant and leaf area were highly significant, indicating that
the different nutrient management practices had a marked influence on crop growth. The non-significant effect
of replications and the low values of the coefficient of variation (CV) indicated good experimental precision and
uniformity of the experimental field.
Among the treatments, the integrated application of Panchagavya (4%) + Jivamrita (20%) (T4) proved to be the
most effective, recording the highest plant height (35.6 cm), number of leaves per plant (18.7) and leaf area
(400.5 cm²), followed by Panchagavya (4%) + Vermiwash (1:5) (T5). The superior growth performance under
these treatments can be attributed to enhanced soil microbial activity, improved nutrient availability, better root
development and the presence of natural plant growth-promoting substances in the organic formulations. The
control treatment consistently recorded the lowest values for all growth parameters, highlighting the importance
of nutrient supplementation for optimum crop growth.
Overall, the findings of the study suggest that the integrated use of Panchagavya (4%) and Jivamrita (20%) is an
efficient and sustainable nutrient management strategy for improving the vegetative growth of knol-khol. This
organic nutrient combination not only enhances plant growth but also contributes to improved soil health,
reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers and environmentally sustainable vegetable production. Therefore,
the combined application of Panchagavya (4%) and Jivamrita (20%) can be recommended for the cultivation of
knol-khol under Bundelkhand agro-climatic conditions to achieve higher growth performance and promote
sustainable agricultural practices.
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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XV, Issue VI, June 2
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