Technological instructions for the application of compost in the cultivation of broccoli seedlings in late field production

The technological instruction for the application of compost in the cultivation of broccoli seedlings (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck), late field production, is intended for farmers focused on broccoli production under conventional and sustainable farming conditions.

The need to reduce mineral fertilization and to introduce innovative technologies in seedling production are the main reasons for seeking new technological elements in the cultivation of vegetable crops for late field production. The cultivation of seedlings of late crops in a substrate mixture in cell trays is a method that is not widely used in the country, but it is distinguished by a number of advantages over the classical method on open seedbeds. Enrichment of the peat-perlite mixture with compost is a new element in the technology for seedling production in the country in open areas. Compost belongs to the group of organic fertilizers and is obtained from plant and animal waste under the influence of microorganisms. Of greater importance are green wastes from agricultural land, including weed vegetation, whose composting with farmyard manure turns them into a product applicable as an organic source of nutrients in horticulture.

The scientific development presents in several steps the main stages in broccoli seedling production: preparation of the substrate mixture, sowing time of the seeds, care for the seedlings, main diseases and pests and their control. For the implementation of appropriate pest control, it is recommended to monitor the updates of plant protection products in the BFSA. An annex on the production of quality compost from plant residues, farmyard manure and straw is also added to the instruction.

“Technological instruction for the application of compost in the cultivation of broccoli seedlings (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck), late field production” has been awarded a Diploma in the innovation competition of AGRA 2023 in the section “Scientific developments”.