Effect of Vermicompost and Mulching Practice on Growth and Yield of Cabbage using Furrow Irrigation System

Surface irrigation, including techniques such as furrow, basin, and border irrigation, is widely used to supply water to crops through gravity flow. This study evaluated the effects of mulching, vermicompost, and urea application on cabbage grown under a furrow irrigation system. Mulching, particularly with jute agrotextiles, reduced water consumption compared to plots without mulching, urea and vermicompost-based plots. Vermicompost application significantly enhanced total yield, producing approximately 35% higher yield than other treatments. Nutritional analysis revealed that vermicompost plots had the highest protein content and overall nutritional value but lower carbohydrate levels, while mulching plots exhibited lower fat and sugar content, promoting balanced crop nutrition. Overall, the combination of mulching and vermicompost proved most effective in improving water-use efficiency, crop yield, and nutritional quality, highlighting their potential for sustainable cabbage cultivation.