Response of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Production to Different Doses of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizers under cooled plastic Tunnels

Abstract

The research work was conducted in a cooled plastic tunnel to Study the response of cucumber to different doses of soluble nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N, P and K) fertilizers at Shambat Research Station, Sudan, during the seasons, 2020 and 2021. The experiment was laid out in Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The hybrid variety of cucumber “Mawasim” was used. Three combination doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers (20gm N + 13.3gm P + 23.3gm K), (40gm N + 26.7gm P + 46.7gm K) and (80gm N + 53.4gm P + 93.4gm K) per m2 in addition to control (no fertilizer) were applied. The fertilizer doses were added twice weekly starting two weeks from sowing date. The data collected included plant growth parameters, the yield, yield and its components and fruit quality. The combined ANOVA was used for analysis. The results showed that application of fertilizers significantly increased all growth, yield and its components compared to control. The medium dose (40gm N + 26.7gm P + 46.7gm K/ m2), gave significant positive effects on all parameters tested in both seasons. The growth and yield values were decreased with increased fertilizer dose. This indicates that the medium dose from N, P and K can be recommended for cucumber production under the cooled plastic tunnels.