Studies on root zone phosphorus dynamics as influenced by different levels of trickle irrigation under saline vertisols

Abstract

A study was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Gangavati, in northern Karnataka, India during Rabi/ summer, 2007-’08 and 2008-’09 with beetroot (Beta vulgaris) as the test crop in saline vertisol. During both the year and irrespective of the soil salinity levels slightly higher phosphorus was observed at 15 cm away from the dripper point compared to either at the dripper point or distances beyond 15 cm from the dripper point. The magnitude of available phosphorus decreased vertically with increase in soil depth. The drip irrigation scheduled at 1.2 ET resulted in the maximum tuber yields of 19.43 and 18.91 t ha-1 during 2007-’08 and 2008-’09, respectively. Among the salinity levels, the highest tuber yield of 18.23 and 17.89 t ha-1 were recorded in salinity level-I, respectively. Whereas, among the surface irrigation levels, irrigation at 1.2 ET recorded the highest tuber yields of 12.2 and 11.84 t ha-1, respectively.