Effects of Different Rates of Maggot-Based Fertilizer and Banana Corm Liquid Organic Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Green Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Abstract

Sustainable nutrient management is essential to reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers and improve soil health in leafy vegetable production. Maggot-based organic fertilizer derived from Black Soldier Fly residues and banana corm liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) represent promising circular bioeconomy inputs; however, evidence on their comparative and combined effects on green mustard (Brassica juncea L.) remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different rates of maggot fertilizer and concentrations of banana corm LOF on vegetative growth and yield components of green mustard. A factorial randomized block design was employed with maggot fertilizer rates (0, 100, 150, and 200 g polybag⁻¹) and LOF concentrations (40, 60, and 80 mL L⁻¹). Growth parameters (plant height, leaf number, leaf width) and yield components (fresh and edible weight) were analyzed using ANOVA followed by LSD (5%). Maggot fertilizer significantly increased plant height, leaf width, fresh weight, and edible yield, with optimal performance at 150–200 g polybag⁻¹. Banana corm LOF significantly increased leaf number but had limited effects on biomass. No significant interaction effects were observed. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of maggot fertilizer as a sustainable basal nutrient source and support its integration into organic and low-input vegetable production systems.