# Integrated Nutrient Management Enhances the Growth and Yield of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) in Calcareous Soil: A Field Experiment with Mineral, Organic, and Biofertilizers

## TL;DR

This study shows that combining mineral, organic, and biofertilizers improves cauliflower growth and yield in calcareous soil in Syria.

## Contribution

The study provides field-based evidence for an effective integrated nutrient management strategy in calcareous soils of Syria.

## Key findings

- A balanced mix of 50% mineral, 25% organic, and 25% biofertilizer increased cauliflower yield by 44.5% compared to unfertilized control.
- Integrated fertilization improved plant height, head diameter, and total yield more effectively than single-fertilizer applications.
- Using balanced mixtures reduced the need for high mineral fertilizer inputs while enhancing soil properties.

## Abstract

Calcareous soil, which covers large areas of Syria and
other arid
regions, is characterized by high pH, elevated calcium carbonate content,
and low availability of essential nutrients, posing significant constraints
to vegetable production. Although integrated nutrient management combining
mineral, organic, and biofertilizers has shown promise in improving
crop performance, field-based evidence from calcareous soil in Syria
remains limited. This study aimed to identify the most efficient fertilization
strategy for cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) in calcareous soil. We hypothesized
that a balanced mixture of mineral, organic, and biofertilizers would
enhance nutrient availability and crop performance more effectively
than single-fertilizer applications. For this, a field experiment
was conducted during the 2024–2025 growing season (October–February)
at the Shabaa Research Station using a randomized complete block design
with 13 fertilization treatments and three replicates. At the end
of the experimental period, soil and plant macronutrients and cauliflower
growth parameters were measured. Results demonstrated that the treatment
combining 50% mineral fertilizer, 25% fermented cow manure, and 25%
biofertilizer significantly (p <0.05) enhanced
the plant height (51.0 cm), head diameter (31.24 cm), and total yield
(43.35 tons ha–1), representing a 44.5% increase
over the unfertilized control and outperforming mineral fertilization
alone. Treatments with a high share of mineral fertilizers (75% mineral
fertilizer + 25% organic fertilizer) increased the plant nutrient
content but were less effective than balanced mixtures, in terms of
crop yield. Moreover, individual fertilizer application resulted in
a significant reduction in plant growth compared to the use of mixtures.
This study highlights the agronomic and environmental benefits of
integrated fertilization strategies in nutrient-deficient calcareous
soil, including improved nutrient use efficiency, reduced chemical
fertilizer input, and enhanced soil properties.