Response of Ethiopian Mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) to Different Levels of Vermicompost in North East, Botswana

Abstract

A pot experiment was carried out in a net shade in Impala Research Station, North East District of Botswana, to investigate the response of Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) to different levels of vermicompost. The experiment treatments comprised of pure soil (Treatment 1 (T1)) and homogeneous mixture of vermicompost and sandy loam soil (T2 = 25% VC, T3 = 50% VC, T4 = 75% VC and T5 = 100% VC). In each pot, two plants were raised and the data of parameter measured were collected from them. The results showed that increasing the dosage of vermicompost, significantly increased number of leaves, plant height, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area and leaf weight. The performance of Ethiopian mustard did not differ significantly at a range between 50% VC and 100% VC in all measured parameters. Leaf length, leaf width and leaf area reached higher values at 75% VC. This suggest that level 75% VC can be used in a potting medium when growing Ethiopian mustard as a leafy vegetable.