Energy dynamics and production efficiency of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) under site-specific nutrient management in the North Eastern transitional zone of Karnataka
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/jefa.2026.21.1.24Keywords:
Cabbage, SSNM, energy productivity, profitability, target yield.Abstract
A two-year field investigation (rabi 2020 and 2021) was conducted at the College of Horticulture, Bidar, Karnataka, to evaluate the production potential, energy efficiency, and profitability of cabbage under site-specific nutrient management (SSNM). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) comprising seven treatments replicated thrice, including six fertilizer-based target yield approaches (25-45 t ha–1), recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), and farmers’ practice. Fertilizer application rates for SSNM were computed using the IPNI (2019) formula based on nutrient removal per tonne of yield. The soil was characterized by low nitrogen, medium phosphorus, and high potassium availability during both years. Results revealed that SSNM at a target yield of 40 t ha–1 recorded the highest head yield (41.9 t ha–1), energy efficiency (3.28 MJ ha–1), energy productivity (3.76 kg MJ–1), and crop profitability (` 2121.6 ha–1 day–1). In contrast, farmers’ practice registered the lowest performance in all parameters. The enhanced nutrient synchrony under SSNM optimized input use, minimized specific energy (0.37 MJ kg–1), and maximized net energy returns (348.9 × 10² MJ ha–1). These findings highlighted the agronomic and energetic superiority of site-specific nutrient strategies for sustainable cabbage production in the transitional zone of Karnataka.
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