Optimizing Carrot Production through Organic Amendments: Enhancing Soil Fertility and Crop Performance in Alkaline Soils

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of various organic amendments on soil properties and carrot (Daucus carota L.) growth in a pot experiment. Five treatments were evaluated: control (T0, 100% chemical fertilizer), charcoal (T1, 1% + 50% fertilizer), cattle dung (T2, 2.5% + 50% fertilizer), poultry manure (T3, 2.5% + 50% fertilizer), and compost (T4, 2% + 50% fertilizer). Results demonstrated that organic amendments significantly enhanced soil fertility by increasing organic matter content (1.6-fold), total nitrogen (1.8-fold), available phosphorus (2.1-fold), and exchangeable potassium (1.7-fold) compared to control. Poultry manure (T3) emerged as the most effective treatment, producing the highest shoot length (16 cm), root fresh weight (25 g), and dry matter accumulation. The amendments also moderately reduced soil pH from 8.81 to 7.92, improving nutrient availability in alkaline conditions. These findings conclusively demonstrate that partial substitution of chemical fertilizers with organic amendments, particularly poultry manure, enhances soil health and carrot productivity while reducing dependence on synthetic inputs, offering a sustainable approach for vegetable production in alkaline soils.