Influence of potassium fertilization on yield, petiole and soil nutrient status of table grape cv. Sharad seedless

Abstract

Potassium (K) is one of the important essential elements for vine growth and yield. Grape growers are applying fertilizers through soil and also through fertigation. But, the information on to what extent they can apportion the fertilizer application through these methods to improve nutrient use efficiency is not available. Present investigation aimed to study the influence of combined application of different sources of potassium and their method of application on yield, soil and petiole-nutrient status for two consequitive years. Pooled analysis revealed that yield and major nutrients were affected significantly (P < 0.05) by the different treatments. Grapevines fertilized with 40% KNO3 (potassium nitrate) through fertigation + 60% SOP (Sulfate of Potash) through soil showed significantly highest yield vine-1 (7.00 kg). Leaf petiole analysis revealed that potassium applied at different combination caused wide variation in leaf petiole contents of N, K, Ca and Mg. The vines which received 40% SOP through fertigation + 60% SOP through soil had recorded highest potassium and lowest nitrogen, calcium and magnesium contents in petioles. The vines which supplied with 100% SOP through fertigation showed least petiole potassium content. Application of SOP through both fertigation and soil at different doses significantly increased available soil potassium compared to potassium supplied through fertigation and/or soil alone. There was significant negative correlation between potassium and calcium (r= −0.914) and potassium and magnesium (r= − 0.733) in soil.