Application Of Water Soluble Fertilizer Research Articles

Effect of Balanced Fertilization and Mulching on Growth, Yield and Economics of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) in Odisha, India

A front-line demonstration was carried out at different farmers’ field of Kandhamal district of Odisha to determine the effect of balanced fertilization and mulching on growth, yield and economics of chilli during 2022-23. The experiment was conducted under the international collaborative project on Resilience, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kandhamal, OUAT, Bhubaneswar. The demonstration was conducted at ten farmers’ field with three treatments viz., T1 : Farmer’s Practice (FYM @ 2 t ha-1 & N:P2O5:K2O::50:30:30 kg ha-1), without mulching, T2 : FYM @ 10 t ha-1 & N:P2O5:K2O @100:75:75 kg ha-1 , foliar application of water soluble fertilizer (19-19-19) and mulching with paddy straw @ 6 t ha-1 and T3: FYM @ 10 t ha-1 & N:P2O5:K2O @ 100:75:75 kg ha-1 , foliar application of water soluble fertilizer (19-19-19) and double coated (black on silver) polythene mulching. The results revealed that significantly higher growth parameters viz., plant height (89.6 cm), number of primary branches per plant (10.4) and plant spread (69.4 cm); yield attributes viz., number of fruits per plant (142.3), fruit length (6.41cm), fresh fruit weight (1.80 g), fruit dry weight (0.69 g ), fruit girth (2.73 cm) and fresh fruit yield (178.3 q ha-1) were observed with the treatment T3 (FYM 10 t ha-1,100% RDF, foliar application of water soluble fertilizer and polythene mulching) followed by T2 (FYM 10 t ha-1, 100% RDF, foliar application of water soluble fertilizer with paddy straw mulching @ 6 t ha-1). The highest number of weeds including grasses and broad leaf weeds (342.6 number of weeds m-2) was recorded in T1 (Farmer’s practice without mulching) plot followed by T2 (67.5 number of weeds m-2) and the lowest was in T3 (10.8 number of weeds m-2) indicating black polythene mulching was more effective than paddy straw mulching in suppressing weed growth. The treatments, received FYM 10 t ha-1,100% RDF, foliar spray with water soluble fertilizer and polythene mulching (T3) resulted in higher gross return of Rs. 4,45,750 ha-1, net return of Rs. 3,47,050 ha-1 and benefit: cost ratio of 4.5 as compared to T2 and T1. Hence, application of FYM @ 10 t ha-1, N:P2O5:K2O @ 100:75:75 kg ha-1, foliar application of water-soluble fertilizer and double coated (black on silver) polythene mulching enhanced the growth parameters, yield attributes, economic parameters and yield of chilli.

Effect of Foliar Application of Water Soluble Fertilizer and Humic Acid on Physico-chemical Properties and Fertility Status of Soil after Harvest of Rose

A field experiment on “Effect of foliar application of water soluble fertilizer and humic acid on yield and quality of rosa sp was carried out during Rabi season at PG Research unit, Horticulture Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur during 2022-2023. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design. The treatments comprised of four levels of water soluble fertilizer (19:19:19) viz., Control, 200 g, 300 g and 400 g and three levels of humic acid viz., Control, 500 ppm and 750 ppm giving twelve treatment combinations replicated thrice. The collected soil samples were processed and analysed for different soil parameter like soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, calcium carbonate, available nitrogen, available phosphorus available potassium and available sulphur using standard analytical methods. Results revealed that pH of all the samples of study area was in the neutral to alkaline. Electrical conductivity of all the samples were found normal (<1.0 dsm-1). The organic carbon content of the study area varies from low to medium. The availability of NPK after harvesting was found superior in treatment combination (F4H3), which involved application of 400 g 19:19:19 with 750 ppm humic acid.

Effect of foliar application of water soluble fertilizer, sulphur, zinc and boron on growth, yield and economics of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in a vertisol

Effect of foliar application of water soluble fertilizer, sulphur, zinc and boron on growth, yield and economics of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in a vertisol

Multi-nutrient and humic acid foliar applications enhance green gram growth and yield on alkaline soil by increasing nutrient use and physiological activity

Widespread multi-nutrient deficiency and water stress are the major yield-limiting factors in alkaline soil. Inorganic nutrient application in alkaline soil is ineffective for green gram due to the antagonistic interaction with alkalinity. In this setting, a balanced supply of foliar nutrients is a viable strategy to improve green gram nutrient utility and productivity in an alkaline environment. Field experiments were conducted for two consecutive years during Rabi 2019 and 2020. Water-soluble NPK (2%), 1% multi-micronutrient and 1% humic acid foliar nutrients in five combinations were applied at 30 and 45 days after sowing. The effect of multi-nutrient and humic acid foliar spray on green gram growth, physiology, nutrient accumulation, and yield were measured by adopting the standard protocol. Green gram seed yield increased by 20 per cent on the application of water soluble fertilizers 2% and liquid multi-micronutrients 1% with 1% humic acid. The same set of treatments augmented leaf area (428 cm2 plant−1), dry matter production (2087 kg ha−1), SPAD value (46.4), nitrogen (36.6 kg ha−1), phosphorous (4.9 kg ha−1), potassium (46.5 kg ha−1), and micronutrients uptake. Foliar application of multi-nutrients reduces nutrient stress and aids in the promotion of green gram crop growth and production in alkaline soil.

The effect of modifier and a water-soluble fertilizer on two forages grown in saline-alkaline soil.

Saline-alkali soil significantly impairs crop growth. This research employs the impacts of the modifier and water-soluble fertilizer, as well as their interaction, on the root systems of alfalfa and leymus chinensis in saline-alkali soil. The results exhibit that the hydrochar source modifier effectively enhances the root growth of both forage species. There are certain improvements in the root growth indicators of both crops at a dosage of 20 g/kg. Root enzyme activity and rhizosphere soil enzyme activity are enhanced in alfalfa, showing significant improvements in the first planting compared to the second planting. The application of water-soluble fertilizers also promotes root growth and root dehydrogenase activity. The root dehydrogenase activity of alfalfa and leymus chinensis are enhanced 62.18% and 10.15% in first planting than that of blank, respectively. Additionally, the two-factor variance analysis revealed a correlation between rhizosphere soil enzyme activity and changes in root traits. Higher rhizosphere soil enzyme activity is observed in conjunction with better root growth. The combined application of a modifier and water-soluble fertilizer has demonstrated a significant interaction effect on various aspects of the first planting of alfalfa and leymus chinensis. Moreover, the combined application of the modifier and water-soluble fertilizer has yielded superior results when compared to the individual application of either the modifier or the water-soluble fertilizer alone. This combined approach has proven effective in improving saline-alkali soil conditions and promoting crop growth in such challenging environments.

The effect of modifier and a water-soluble fertilizer on two forages grown in saline-alkaline soil

Saline-alkali soil significantly impairs crop growth. This research employs the impacts of the modifier and water-soluble fertilizer, as well as their interaction, on the root systems of alfalfa and leymus chinensis in saline-alkali soil. The results exhibit that the hydrochar source modifier effectively enhances the root growth of both forage species. There are certain improvements in the root growth indicators of both crops at a dosage of 20 g/kg. Root enzyme activity and rhizosphere soil enzyme activity are enhanced in alfalfa, showing significant improvements in the first planting compared to the second planting. The application of water-soluble fertilizers also promotes root growth and root dehydrogenase activity. The root dehydrogenase activity of alfalfa and leymus chinensis are enhanced 62.18% and 10.15% in first planting than that of blank, respectively. Additionally, the two-factor variance analysis revealed a correlation between rhizosphere soil enzyme activity and changes in root traits. Higher rhizosphere soil enzyme activity is observed in conjunction with better root growth. The combined application of a modifier and water-soluble fertilizer has demonstrated a significant interaction effect on various aspects of the first planting of alfalfa and leymus chinensis. Moreover, the combined application of the modifier and water-soluble fertilizer has yielded superior results when compared to the individual application of either the modifier or the water-soluble fertilizer alone. This combined approach has proven effective in improving saline-alkali soil conditions and promoting crop growth in such challenging environments.

Influence of Foliar Application of 19:19:19 and Mono-Potassium Phosphate on Growth and Yield of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

Aims: Foliar application or foliar nutrition is a technique of feeding plants by applying liquid fertilizer directly to their leaves. Water soluble fertilizers (19:19:19 and mono potassium phasphate) have been introduced exclusively for foliar feeding and fertilization. There is very little information about the foliar application of water soluble fertilizers. There is need for more research in this field. Therefore, foliar nutrition is being recognized as an important method of fertilization in modern agriculture. The current study aimed to study the effect of foliar application of inorganic sources of nutrients for exploiting genetic potential of the crop for supplementing the part of nutrient requirements at critical stages. Methodology: A field experiment was conducted during late kharif 2019 on sandy loam soils at College of Agriculture, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, Karnataka, to study the effect of foliar application of water soluble fertilizers on growth and yield of green gram (Vigna radiata L.). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design comprising of 3 replications and 13 treatment combinations consisting of three water soluble fertilizers along with package of practice (viz., 2 % DAP, 1 % 19:19:19, 2 % 19:19:19, 1 % mono-potassium phosphate, 2 % mono-potassium phosphate, 1 % 19:19:19 + 1 % mono-potassium phosphate). All water soluble fertilizers were given as foliar spray at two crop growth stages (30 and 45 DAS). Results: Foliar application of monopotassium phosphate and 19:19:19 each @ 1 per cent at 30 and 45 DAS along with package of practice recorded significantly higher plant height (56.04 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (8.46), leaf area (5.37 dm2 plant-1), total dry matter production (22.16 g plant-1), number of pods plant-1 (22.10), number of seeds plant-1 (12.65), pod length (8.92 cm), seed yield (1038.82 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (1675.28 kg ha-1), thereby achieved yield increment of 25.07 per cent over package of practice and 46.85 per cent over farmers practice as compared to the other treatments. Conclusion: Foliar application of monopotassium phosphate and 19:19:19 each at 1 per cent at 30 and 45 DAS along with package of practice in late kharif found ideal for achieving higher yield potentiality in green gram.

Effect of foliar supplementation of water soluble fertilizer on growth, yield and economics of wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2015-16 at Agronomy Research Farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, to evaluate the effects of foliar application of water soluble fertilizers on growth, yield attributes and yield of wheat. The soil of the experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, low in available nitrogen (131.3 kg ha-1), medium in available phosphorus (17.2 kg ha-1), and high in available potassium (335.4 kg ha-1). The soil was alkaline in reaction (pH 7.8). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 17 treatments having three replications. The treatments comprising two fertilizers level i.e., Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) (150 kg N + 60 kg P2O5 + 60 kg K2O ha-1) and 75% of RDF and supplemented with foliar application of water soluble fertilizers viz. Urea phosphate (17:44) @ 1.5%, NPK (18:18:18) @ 1.5%, ZnSO4 @ 0.5% and Urea 2% at different stages. One treatment was control where no fertilizer applied. Growth parameters viz, plant height, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate and leaf area index were increased with T9 i.e., RDF along with foliar application of water soluble fertilizers NPK (18:18:18) @ 1.5% at 40 DAS followed by Urea phosphate (17:44) @ 1.5% at 65 DAS. Among treatments, application of RDF along with foliar application of water soluble fertilizers NPK (18:18:18) @ 1.5% at 40 DAS followed by Urea phosphate (17:44) @ 1.5% at 65 DAS exhibited the highest values of yield attributes, viz. effective tillers/ meter row length (mrl), number of spikeletes/spike, number of grains/spike and 1000-grains weight which led to the highest grain yield (6220 kg ha-1) However, alternate application of NPK (18:18:18) @ 1.5% and Urea phosphate (17:44) @ 1.5% or vice versa produced statistically similar grain yield of wheat at the same level of fertilizer application. RDF or 75% RDF along with foliar application of NPK (18:18:18) @ 1.5% was slightly superior as compared to RDF or 75% RDF along with foliar application of Urea phosphate (17:44) @ 1.5% irrespective of time of application.

Nutrient Availability and Nutrient Uptake and Economics of Ridge Gourd (Luffa acutangula L.) under Drip Fertigation in Summer Season

A field experiment entitled, “Response of Ridge Gourd to fertigation in Summer Season” was conducted during the year 2022-23. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments replicated three times.The results indicated that, the treatment of DIwith application of nutrientsas persoil test valuesthrough ferigation (T7) significantly enhanced the yield and yield contributing characters. The treatment of DI with application of nutrients as per soil test values through fertigation (T7) produced significantly higher yield (27.55t ha-1) than all other treatments. Application of water soluble fertilizers through drip irrigation resulted into more nutrient availability than conventional fertilizers. On the basis of the results obtained, it can be concluded that drip irrigation with 80 per cent RDF through fertigation as per growth stages is the best treatment for higher yield, nutrient availability and uptake, and monetary returns from ridge gourd crop (var. Aarti) cultivated in medium deep soil of Maharashtra with 20 per cent fertilizers saving.

Effect of Drip Fertigation on Growth, Yield and Quality of Ratoon Sugarcane

A field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, V.C. Farm, Mandya, Karnataka, India during Kharif 2020-21. The effect of water-soluble fertilizers on performance of ratoon sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) as influenced by fertigation through surface drip irrigation was studied. The soil at the experimental site was red sandy loam with neutral pH (6.7), normal electrical conductivity (0.21dS m-1), medium organic carbon (5.2 g kg-1), low available nitrogen (275 kg ha-1), medium phosphorus (35 kg ha-1) and potassium content (280 kg ha-1). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications comprising seven treatments using VCF-0517 sugarcane mild late (12-14 months) maturing variety. The application of WSF at 125 per cent RDF (312.5:125:156:N:P2O5:K2O) through drip fertigation showed significantly superior growth and yield attributes viz., plant height (357.0 cm), no. of tillers clump-1 (15.0), internode length (16.67 cm), cane dry weight (54.8 t ha-1), millable canes (8.17 clump-1), cane length (341.67 cm), cane girth (3.30 cm), single cane weight (2.40 kg), number of internodes cane-1 (21.40) and cane yield (182.67 t ha-1). Also, superior juice qualities such as juice extraction percentage (70) and sugar yield (20.88 t ha-1) were recorded. The results clearly indicated application of water-soluble fertilizers at 125 per cent RDF through surface drip fertigation resulted in higher growth and yield of sugarcane due to enhanced water and nutrient use efficiency.

Yield Potentiality and Economic Profitability as Influenced by Conjoint Application of Spent Mushroom Compost, Biofertilizers and Mono Potassium Phosphate (MKP) in Marigold

The present investigation was carried out under open field conditions during the year 2018-19 to ascertain the influence of spent mushroom compost, biofertilizers and foliar application of water soluble fertilizer, Mono Potassium Phosphate (MKP) on flower yield and economics of French marigold ‘Local’. The results revealed that the overall cost of cultivation as well as the economics of marigold flower production was significantly influenced by various Integrated nutrient management (INM) schedules. French marigold ‘Local’ plants supplied with 75% RDF + Spent mushroom compost (1 kg/m2) + Biofertilizers + 1% foliar spray of MKP (00:52:34) produced maximum yield of saleable flowers (25000 Kg/ha) followed by 75% RDF + Biofertilizers + 1% foliar spray of MKP (23000 Kg/ha) which was significantly superior over the 100% RDF recording 20000 Kg/ha flower yield. Both the above mentioned treatments also recorded maximum net returns of Rs.339171.60/ha. The highest benefit : cost (B: C) ratio of 2.81 was recorded with the treatment 75% RDF + Biofertilizers + 1% foliar spray of MKP.

Effect of Foliar Application of Water Soluble Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Hybrid Tomato cv. Phule Raja

The investigation was conducted on hybrid tomato cv. Phule Raja at Tomato Improvement Scheme, MPKV., Rahuri during rabi season of 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20. Foliar application of three water soluble fertilizers NPK 19:19:19, 00:52:34 and 13:00:45 at different crop growth stages and in different concentrations was experimented along with soil application of gross recommended fertilizer dose for hybrid tomato. The experiments were laid out in a randomized block design with eleven treatments and three replications. The results of the experiments revealed that The maximum plant height( 177.79 cm), fruit Weight (87.98 g), pericarp thickness (6.65 mm), equatorial diameter (5.09 cm) and Yield (2.07 kg plant-1, 73.03 kg plot-1 and 61.41 t ha-1) recorded in treatment T5 i.e. combination of 87.5% GRDF i.e. 262.5:131.25:131.25 kg NPK ha-1 with foliar application of WSF 19:19:19 (1.5%) at 15, 30 and 45 DAT, 00:52:34 (1.5%) at 60, 75 and 90 DAT and 13:00:45(1.5%) at 105 and 120 DAT.

Effect of foliar application of water soluble fertilizer on growth, yield and quality attributes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.)

Effect of foliar application of water soluble fertilizer on growth, yield and quality attributes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.)

Diversity of microbial communities and soil nutrients in sugarcane rhizosphere soil under water soluble fertilizer.

The dynamics of soil microbial communities are important for plant health and productivity. Soil microbial communities respond differently to fertilization. Organic water soluble fertilizer is an effective soil improver, which can effectively improve soil nutrient status and adjust soil pH value. However, little is known about the effects of water soluble fertilizers on soil microbial community, and the combined effects on soil nutrients and sugarcane productivity. Therefore, this study sought to assess the effects of water soluble fertilizer (1,050 kg/hm2 (WS1), 1,650 kg/hm2 (WS2)) and mineral fertilizer (1,500 kg/hm2 (CK)) on the soil microbial community, soil nutrients and crop yield of sugarcane. The results showed that compared with CK, the application of water soluble fertilizers (WS1 and WS2) alleviated soil acidity, increased the OM, DOC, and AK contents in the soil, and further improved agronomic parameters and sugarcane yield. Both WS1 and WS2 treatments significantly increased the species richness of microorganisms, especially the enrichment of beneficial symbiotic bacteria such as Acidobacteria and Planctomycetes, which are more conducive to the healthy growth of plants. Furthermore, we found that soil nutrient contents were associated with soil microbial enrichment. These results indicate that water soluble fertilizer affects the enrichment of microorganisms by improving the nutrient content of the soil, thereby affecting the growth and yield of sugarcane. These findings therefore suggest that the utilization of water soluble fertilizer is an effective agriculture approach to improve soil fertility.

Effect of foliar spray of water- soluble fertilizer on growth and yield of chilli (Capsicum annuum)

The experiment was conducted to find out the effect of foliar application of water soluble fertilizers on growth and yield of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) during 2015–16, 2016–17 and 2017–18 at Bharatpur, Rajasthan. The application of recommended dose of fertilizers-NPK @ 70:48:50) + water-soluble fertilizers (polyfeed NPK-19:19:19) @1% at 45 and 75 days after transplanting recorded higher yield of green chilli (93 q/ha) as compared to the control (84 q/ha). There was 10.71% increase in yield over the control.The technology gap in productivity (7 q/ha) was computed. The technology index value (7.53%) was recorded. The results indicated the gap existed in the potential yield and demonstration yield is due to soil fertility and weather conditions. By conducting on-farm testing of proven technology of nutrient management, yield potential of chilli can be increased. This will substantially increase the income as well as the livelihood of farming community.

Foliar nutrition in vegetables: A review

Vegetables being a rich source of vitamins, minerals and non- nutritive phytochemicals play a vital role in our diet. According to World Health Organization, lower intake of vegetables is one of the main risk factors for mortality. To make a healthy diet affordable to all, the gap between actual and potential yield of vegetables should be reduced. Foliar application of water soluble fertilizers can boost production in vegetables thus attaining the goal of food security. Foliar applied nutrients absorbed through stomata and cuticle. For better results, foliar application of nutrients at proper growth stage of crop is important. It is not an alternative to soil application, but supplement soil application especially when secondary and micro nutrient deficiencies arise. In spite of a few limitations foliar nutrition serves as an efficient means of nutrient management in vegetables. To combat the wide spread deficiencies of nutrients especially arising at the critical stages of crop growth foliar nutrition can be successfully adopted.

Effect of Fertigation and Mulching on Root Studies and Crop Growth Indices for Seed Production in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench

Background: Okra is an important vegetable crop in India, Method of fertilization also plays an important role in supplying the nutrient to the plants because, the efficacy of fertilizers applied in soil being low due to various losses and fixation, mainly in area of problematic soil. Water and fertilizers are the two important inputs which are used scientifically and judiciously through precision farming technologies to increase productivity, profitability and nutrient use efficiency in okra seed yield and quality. Methods: The experiments were conducted during kharif 2016 and kharif 2017 to study the effect of precision farming technologies including fertigation and black polythene mulching to know the crop growth, yield, quality of seeds and root studies in okra seeds var. Arka Anamika and at ICAR-IIHR Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru. The experiment was laid out in RBD with three replication and four treatments each with mulch and on mulch viz., 100:50:75 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 100:50:100 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 T3-150:75:112.5 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 T4- 150:75:150 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 compared with soil application treatments. Result: Application of water soluble fertilizer @ T4-150:75:150 NPK kg/ha through fertigation either mulch (14.05q/ha) or non mulch (11.83q/ha) recorded significantly higher seed yield than fertilizer through soil application (9.92 q/ha).Similarly significantly higher value of Absolute Growth Rate (AGR) Crop Growth Rate (CGR) and root character were observed in the NPK fertigation treatment with or without mulch than the soil application of fertilizers (NPK soil application @ 100:50:100kg per ha (T9) and NPK soil application @ 150:75:150kg per ha (T10). Significantly higher root parameter tap root length (21.03cm), average length of primary roots (64.63cm), number of primary roots (10.83 nos), fibrous roots arising from main stem (26 nos) and root dry weight (23.07 g/plant) were recorded in the T4-150:75:150 NPK kg ha-1 through fertigation (WSF) with mulch than the fertigation without mulch and fertilizer applied through soil.

Effect of Foliar Application of Water Soluble Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Background: Foliar application or foliar nutrition is a technique of feeding plants by applying liquid fertilizer directly to their leaves. Water soluble fertilizers have been introduced exclusively for foliar feeding and fertilization. There is very little information about the foliar application of water soluble fertilizers. There is need for more research in this field. Therefore, foliar nutrition is being recognized as an important method of fertilization in modern agriculture. The current study aimed to study the effect of foliar application of water soluble fertilizers on growth and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Methods: The field experiment was conducted during rabi 2017-18, 11 different treatments were laid out in a randomized block design on clay loam soil. In the field, the data was collected and analyzed and the final result was concluded. Result: The experiment revealed that the growth attributes such as plant height (60.28 cm), number of primary branches (5.22), number of secondary branches (22.93) and dry matter accumulation (241.61 g) were maximum with 75% RDF + foliar application of 2% DAP + 2% Urea + 2% WSF at 60 and 80 DAS (T10) and minimum in control (T1) at harvest stage. Further, seed yield (24.26 q ha-1), stover yield (31.38 q ha-1) and biological yield (55.65 q ha-1) was maximum with 75% RDF + foliar application of 2% DAP + 2% Urea + 2% WSF at 60 and 80 DAS (T10) and minimum in control (T1).

Effect of Fertigation on Yield, Fertilizer Use Efficiency and Economics in Hybrid Ridge Gourd

A field Investigation was carried out to study the effect of fertigation on yield, fertilizer use efficiency and economics of hybrid ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb] Arka Vikram during 2018-2019 at Vegetable Research Block of ICAR- Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design having eight treatments and three replications. The results of the experiment revealed that the treatment T3 i.e application of water soluble fertilizers @ 150:90:150 kg NPK ha-1 through fertigation recorded maximum number of female flower per vine (29.73), number of fruits per vine (19.68), fruit length (49.76 cm), fruit girth (18.40 cm), average fruit weight (454.03 g), fruit yield per vine (4.03 kg) and fruit yield per hectare (53.73 t). Application of water soluble fertilizers @ 150:90:150 kg NPK ha-1 through fertigation (T3) recorded significantly higher fruit yield per hectare (53.73 t ha-1), which was higher to the tune of 23.8 to 70.4 per cent than other treatments tested in hybrid ridge gourd. The second highest fruit yield was obtained with T2 (43.40 t ha-1) followed by T1 (42.10 t ha-1). However, T5 i.e application of water soluble fertilizers @ 50:30:50 kg NPK ha-1 resulted in highest fertilizer use efficiency (245.38 kg yield kg-NPK-1) compared to other treatments. Fertigation at 100% NPK dose along with mulching with silver-black plastic mulch gave the highest net income (Rs.555435.0 ha-1) and B: C ratio of 2.22.

Performance of Mulching and Fertigation on Nutrient Uptake and Nutrient Use Efficiency in Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L. Moench) for Seed Production

Application of water soluble fertilizer @ T4-150:75:150 NPK kg/ha through fertigation either with mulch (14.05q/ha) or non-mulch (11.83q/ha) recorded significantly higher seed yield than fertilization through soil application (9.92 q/ha). The increased seed yield of 16.91 and 10.14 per cent was noticed in fertigation with mulch or without mulch treatment over soil application, respectively. NPK fertigation @150:75:150kg per ha with mulch (T4) resulted in higher NPK uptake in stem (63.49, 14.12&121.42 kg/ha), leaves (117.65 19.42&122.43 kg/ha) and in fruits (146.79 28.05&162.66 kg/ha), respectively than the fertilizer applied through soil at harvest. Maximum fertilizer use efficiency and water use efficiency were recorded in the treatment with integrated application of fertigation and mulch.