Evaluation of Sustainable Production Practices for Asian Vegetables (Luffa and Bitter Gourd) and their Mineral Nutrient Analysis in a Piedmont Soil of North Carolina
Journal Title: Journal of Experimental Agriculture International - Year 2015, Vol 5, Issue 5
Abstract
Aims: To reduce the inorganic fertilizers used to grow Asian vegetables (Luffa and Bitter gourds) by incorporating cover crops without compromising yield in piedmont soils of North Carolina Study Design: A split-split plot design was used in this study with two main plot treatments and four rates of fertilizer as subplot treatments with four replications. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the North Carolina A&T State University Farm, Greensboro, Guilford County, NC. from Fall, 2007 to Summer, 2008. Methodology: Luffa (Luffa acutangula ‘Rama’) and bitter gourd (Momordica charantia ‘Comet’) were grown in a Mecklenburg Sandy Loam (fine, mixed, thermic ultic Hapludalfs) soil. Two cover crop treatments (Cover crop and no cover crop) and four fertilizer treatments (T1: 0-0-0, T2: 56-28-112, T3: 84-56-168, and T4: 168-112-224 N-P-K kg/ha) were studied to determine the yield of Asian vegetables in the Piedmont of North Carolina. The vegetables were hand harvested at weekly intervals for 9 weeks. Results: Both luffa and bitter gourd yields increased with increase in rate of fertilizer. Cover crop treatment produced higher yields of luffa and bitter gourd compared to no cover crop treatment for all four fertilizer treatments. Statistical analysis has shown significantly higher yields (p=0.05) in T3 & T4 treatments for both luffa and bitter gourd. Cover crop residue incorporated in to the soil decomposed and released nitrogen which was utilized by the vegetable crops and the effect was evident in increased yields in cover crop treatment plots. Conclusion: Asian vegetables (luffa and bitter gourd) were grown in piedmont soils of North Carolina and the study showed that T3 & T4 treatments produced higher yields than all other treatments. This study provides evidence that Asian vegetables – such as luffa and bitter gourd – can be grown successfully in the piedmont region of North Carolina.
Authors and Affiliations
R. Ravella, M. R. Reddy, K. O. Taylor, M. Miller
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP353806
- DOI 10.9734/AJEA/2015/11720
- Views 89
- Downloads 0
Effect of Natural Mating Frequency and Artificial Insemination on Fertility in Rabbits and Their Cyto-genetic Profile (X-chromatin)
A study was conducted to determine the cyto-genetic profile of breeding rabbits and the impact of natural mating frequency and artificial insemination on its fertility status. Twenty four (post-pubertal) does aged 8-9 mo...
Forage Intake and Wastage by Ewes in Pea/Hay Barley Swath Grazing and Bale Feeding Systems
Harvested feed costs, particularly during the winter, are traditionally the highest input associated with a ruminant livestock operation. Although swath grazing has been practiced for over 100 years and literature exists...
Assessment of Antibody Response to Newcastle Disease Vaccination in Chickens in Some Commercial Farms in Three Local Government Areas in Lagos State, Nigeria
Despite the rigorous vaccination programs, outbreaks of Newcastle disease (ND) are often reported in vaccinated as in unvaccinated flocks. This study evaluated antibody (Ab) response following vaccination against Newcast...
Effect of the Stimulating Paste Conservation Period and Economic Benefit of Ethrel-Palm Oil Mixture in Rubber Tree Plantations in South-Eastern Côte d’Ivoire
To maintain and increase sustainable productivity and natural rubber yield, the hormonal stimulation management of rubber yield should be controlled from operation centers. A study was conducted to determine the type of...
Screening for Stem Rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp Tritici, Eriks. & e. Henn.) Resistance in Mutant Barley (Hordeum vulgare l.) Lines
Stem rust is a devastating disease in barley that is caused by a fungi (Puccinia graminis f. sp tritici, Eriks. and E. Henn). The disease has been controlled for quite some time due to the presence of cultivars carrying...