OICC Press International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture 2251-7715 13 5 2024 05 30 Response of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) grown in the field to organic waste fortification and cropping seasons 10.57647/ijrowa-s7y3-rm56 EN Ishieze Patience Ukamaka Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria 0000-0002-8671-5626 Paul Kayode Baiyeri Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria 0009-0001-8969-8358 Ugwuoke Kevin Ikechukwu Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria 0009-0003-2670-1972 Olajide Kolawole College of Agriculture Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Kabba, Kogi State, Nigeria 0000-0002-5133-6415 Journal Article 2024 05 30 Purpose:To evaluate cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis) field performance in response to season, organic waste types, and rates; a cultivar (ATRIA 153F1) was grown for two years (2019 and 2020) under two different seasons (Rainy and Dry). This is to ascertain the effective season, type, and rate of organic waste for the promotion of sustainable agriculture and organic farming practices for cauliflower. Method: The experiment was 2 × 4 factorial in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Factor A was the two different organic wastes (poultry and pig slurry) while factor B was the four rates (0, 10, 20, and 30t ha-1) of the organic wastes. The growth and yield parameters monitored were plant height, number of leaves, curd diameter, and curd fresh weight. Data on nutrient assessment of the fortified plots were also collected. Results:The study reveals that Season played a significant role in the growth and yield of cauliflower on average for the two years studied. Dry seasons produced taller plants (30.40 cm), and a higher number of leaves (15.90), while rainy seasons produced larger curd diameter (10.28 cm) and higher curd weights (71.39 t ha-1). Soil fertility significantly improved with the application of the organic wastes. Plant height and number of leaves showed responses to manure type (MT) and manure rates (MR) suggesting that both assist in the growth and development of cauliflower in the field. Conclusion: The responses of yield components tended towards the positive side and the parameters responded to MT and varying MR. This study recommends the use of organic waste and emphasizes the need to consider cropping seasons in optimizing benefits. Optimization of organic waste management practices for cauliflower farming could lead to a significant increase in yield and sustainability in large-scale commercial agriculture. Research Highlights Season significantly influences the growth and yield of cauliflower, with taller plants and higher leaf numbers observed in dry seasons, while larger curd diameter and higher curd weights were observed in rainy seasons. Both organic manure types (poultry and pig slurry) and rates (0, 10, 20, and 30t/ha) have an impact on cauliflower growth and development. The responses of yield components in cauliflower tend to be positive and influenced by both manure type and varying rates. Plant height and number of leaves in cauliflower are positively affected by the type and rates of organic manure application The overall reduction in yield is more attributable to manure rates and nutrient levels present in the experimental site.