Natural farming practices enhance photosynthetic efficiency and biochemical traits of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata l.) under mid-hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh, India

Pankaj  Verma; Sanjeev Kumar; Rupam  Nehta; Ibajanai  Kurbah; Garima; Rajeshwar Singh Chandel; Ashu  Cahndel

doi:10.56093/ijas.v96i6.172673

Authors

Pankaj Verma Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni , Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173 230, India
Sanjeev Kumar Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni , Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173 230, India
Rupam Nehta Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni , Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173 230, India
Ibajanai Kurbah Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni , Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173 230, India
Garima Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni , Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173 230, India
Rajeshwar Singh Chandel Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni , Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173 230, India
Ashu Cahndel Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni , Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173 230, India

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v96i6.172673

Keywords:

Jeevamrit, cabbage, physiological attributes, biochemical quality, antioxidants, sustainable agriculture

Abstract

The study evaluated the effect of natural farming practices on physiological and biochemical traits of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) under field conditions. The field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2023–2025) under natural farming conditions in the mid-hill region of Himachal Pradesh, India. Six treatments viz., control, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% Jeevamrit were tested for chlorophyll content, carotenoids, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, leaf area index, stomatal traits, total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity. All Jeevamrit doses significantly improved these parameters over the control. The 40% dose (T₅) yielded the highest pigment content, gas exchange rates, secondary metabolite accumulation, and antioxidant activity. A decline at 50% (T₆) indicated a threshold beyond which benefits decrease. Enhanced phenolic and flavonoid content at optimal doses corresponded with higher antioxidant capacity, reflecting better stress tolerance and overall plant health. These improvements demonstrate that 40% Jeevamrit is the optimum concentration for maximizing physiological performance and biochemical quality in cabbage. The findings highlight Jeevamrit potential as a sustainable, low-cost organic amendment to enhance crop productivity, nutritional value, and resilience under eco-friendly cultivation practices.

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