COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF FERTILIZER ON THE GROWTH INDICES OF CARROT (DAUCUS CAROTA L.)

This study presents a comparative analysis of the effects of different types of fertilizers on the growth indices of carrot (Daucus carota L.), a root vegetable valued for its nutritional and economic importance. The experiment was conducted using three fertilizer types: inorganic fertilizer (NPK 15:15:15), compost manure, and chicken manure. Carrot seeds were sown in designated plots under uniform environmental and agronomic conditions and monitored over a five-week growth period. Key growth parameters assessed included plant height, number of leaves, and stem girth. Carrots grown with chicken manure consistently exhibited superior performance in all measured parameters, with the highest plant height of 40.8 cm, 66 leaves, and stem girth of 2.4 cm, all recorded from the second week to the fifth week. This was followed by the inorganic fertilizer treatment, which recorded a total plant height of 29.9 cm, 44 leaves, and a stem girth of 2.1 cm. The lowest growth performance was observed in the compost treatment, with a total plant height of 22.9 cm, 27 leaves, and a stem girth of 1.7 cm. These findings suggest that organic fertilizers, particularly chicken manure, hold greater potential for enhancing carrot growth compared to inorganic fertilizer. This study underscores the importance of adopting organic fertilizer sources in sustainable carrot cultivation, as they not only promote better plant growth but also contribute to improved soil health and environmental safety.