Enhancing leaf mustard (Brassica juncea L.) productivity using nitrogen-based fermented plant juice (FPJ)

Abstract

The use of fermented plant juice (FPJ) as liquid fertilizer is widely practiced in organic farms. However, the length of fermentation and levels of concentration vary and its use in leaf mustard production has not yet been explored. This study was conducted to enhance the productivity of Brassica juncea L. in terms of weight, yield, and yield-related parameters across three FPJ concentrations (1.5 tbsp/L, 2.0 tbsp/L, 2.5 tbsp/L) and three durations of fermentation (5 days, 10 days, 15 days). Results showed no significant effect of duration or concentration on the weight of marketable plants or plant biomass. However, for plant biomass, a significant interaction was found between duration and concentration. With respect to return on investment (ROI) and benefit-cost ratio (BCR), there was a significant effect of concentration. A higher concentration resulted to a higher production cost. Results revealed that the different durations of fermentation and concentrations of FPJ had no significant effect on the productivity of B. juncea. However, based on ROI and BCR, lower FPJ concentrations were shown to be cost-effective. Thus, the recommendation is to use FPJ at 1.5 tbsp/L fermented over a 5-day duration.