Optimum Application Rate of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertilizers for Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Yield and Soil Chemical Properties in a Reclaimed Paddy Soil: A Pot Experiment

Abstract

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) has been considered one of the alternative crops for bioenergy production, potentially replacing fossil fuel. However, there are few studies available on systematically investigating kenaf growth characteristics and its fertilization conditions so far. Our study investigated its biomass productivity and soil properties at the different fertilization regimes including three major treatments (N, P2O5, and K2O) with four application levels [0%-50%-100% (as recommended), and 200%] in a reclaimed paddy soil during pot experiment under upland condition in 2021. The results showed the maximum of kenaf biomass productivity was observed when 158 kg ha-1 of N, 156 kg ha-1 of P2O5 and 102 kg ha-1 of K2O were applied, showing 62.6 g d.w pot-1, 64.1 g d.w pot-1, and 64.9 g d.w pot-1, respectively. Our study revealed that kenaf biomass mainly showed positive correlations with electrical conductivity (EC) and total N contents in soils, suggesting that these could be major growth limiting factors for kenaf production. Our study provides a better understanding for producing the maximum kenaf biomass, filling the gap on a promising nutrient management strategy for its optimum production in southern reclaimed paddy soils.The effect of kenaf biomass productivity at different inorganic fertilization regimes in a reclaimed paddy soil during the pot experiment.