Application Of Water Soluble Fertilizer Research Articles

Response of Golden Acre Cabbage to Foliar Application of Water Soluble Fertilizers on Plant Growth and Seed Yield

<div><p><em>The present study was performed to assess the effect of foliar application of water soluble fertilizers on growth and seed yield of cabbage cv. Golden Acre. Four WSF (Multi-K, NP<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>K<sub>2</sub>O, NP<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>K<sub>2</sub>O and NP<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>K<sub>2</sub>O) were tested against control (water). Plant height, no. of branches, pods as well as seed yield was found to increase with the applications of WSFs. Data also revealed that maximum plant height (162.13cm), no. of branches (27.21/plant), no. of pods (1460.49/plant) and seed yield (10.37q/h) were recorded with the foliar application of NP<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>K<sub>2</sub>O (15-15-30) against the minimum plant height (146.03cm), no. of branches (21.73/plant), no. of pods (915.46/plant) and seed yield (5.50q/h) in untreated plots. The same treatment i.e. NP<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>K<sub>2</sub>O (15-15-30) also recorded highest net return (Rs. 3.1lakh/h) as well as cost benefit ratio (1:4.78), and therefore may be recommended for seed production of cabbage.<strong></strong></em></p></div>

Response of water soluble fertilizers on maturity days, productivity per day and yield of banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) cv. GRAND NAINE

Application of water soluble fertilizers and micronutrients through drip irrigation is easy, efficient and uniform method with minimum labour involvement to maximize productivity and profit in horticulture crops. The investigation entitled Response of water soluble fertilizers in banana ( Musa paradisiaca L.) cv. GRAND NAINE was conducted at Regional Horticultural Research Station, N.A.U., Navsari during 2011-12 and 2012-13. From economic point of view, 100 per cent RDF water soluble fertilizer (W 3 ) at 15 th days interval and micronutrient Grade- IV at 3 rd , 6 th and 9 th MAP (M1) treatments gave maximum productivity per day (kg/ha) and net realization. So, 100 per cent RDF through water soluble fertilizer successfully reduced crop duration, increase yield (t/ha), maximizing productivity in kg/ha/day and net realization of banana fruit cv. GRAND NAINE.

Effect of foliar application of water soluble fertilizers on growth, yield and economics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during rabi, 2012-13 and 2013-14 on red sandy clay loam soil to study the effect of foliar application of water soluble fertilizers on chickpea. The experiment consisted of fifteen treatments which were replicated thrice in RCB Design. Results indicated that spray of water soluble fertilizer (19:19:19) at 1.5 % concentration at flowering and pod development stage along with basal application of fertilizers (13.5: 25: 25 kg N, P2O5, K2O) significantly increased growth attributes, yield and benefit cost ratio in chickpea cultivation. Further increase in spray concentration up to 2.0 % did not significantly improve the performance of chickpea.

Growth and yield of summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) as influenced by foliar application of water soluble fertilizer

The field experiment was undertaken at the District Seed Farm, Kalyani at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal during summer season of 2012 and 2013 to study the growth and yield of summer groundnut as influenced by application of water soluble foliar grade fertilizer. Application of liquid grade fertilizerat early growth stage up to 45 DAE did not influence the plant height and dry matter production significantly, but towards maturity varied significantly (P ? 0.05). Crop growth rate was faster at early part of the crop age and gradually slows at later part towards maturity. Foliar application of water soluble fertilizer along with RDF 85% had the significant (P ? 0.05) influence to increase the number of pods per plant, but shelling percentage and hundred kernel weight did not vary significantly. Liquid grade fertilizer either starter dose or booster dose or in both had the positive response to increased the groundnut pod yield up to 4-6 % over RDF only. The crop was equally responsive in increasing the pod yield, when RDF was reduced by 15% along with foliar application of liquid grade fertilizer. The foliar application of water soluble fertilizer was not the substitute to soil applied inorganic fertilizer. Instead, foliar supplementation of nutrients showed positive response to increase the pod yield, in addition to the fertilizers added to soil. Gross return decreased with reduction in amount of RDF applied for the crop, but gross return increased, when water soluble foliar grade inorganic fertilizer was supplemented with RDF. The maximum gross return of `150399 was obtained. The results obtained from correlation analysis carried out to examine the linear relationship between pod yields with different plant characters. Data obtained in case of dry matter of the plant was 0.995 and 0.997 in the respective years at 1% level of significance. Thus, it was concluded that dry matter content of plant is solely responsible over the yield increase in groundnut and foliar application of inorganic fertilizers in addition to that in soil has helped in better adsorption of nutrients in adequate amount by the crop.

Nutrient use and dynamics under different fertigation scheduling for banana (Musa paradisiaca) cultivation in vertisol

Field experiment was conducted at Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri (Maharashtra) for three consecutive years (2008-2011) to study the nutrient availability, uptake and movement in vertisol under drip fertigation for banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) cv Grand naine. The drip fertigation @ 100, 80 and 60 per cent of recommended dose through water soluble fertilizers (WSF) applied in two schedules and results were compared with three control treatments. The drip fertigation @ 100 per cent recommended dose scheduled as per crop growth stages showed 46.22 per cent increase in yield (82.94 tonnes/ha). However, it was on par with 80% fertigation treatment (79 tonnes/ha) whereas, 60 per cent fertigation (Schedule as per crop growth stages) resulted into 40 per cent fertilizer saving and 24.5 per cent increase in yield over surface irrigation (57.40 tonnes/ha). The drip fertigation relatively improved the nutrients availability and uptake as compared to band placement of dry fertilizers. The study indicated that application of water soluble fertilizers through drip as per the growth stages proved superior as compared to uniform splits for periodical availability of nutrients, uptake and nutrient movement in soil than conventional fertilizers. The maximum movements of nutrients in vertisol were recorded for 100 and 80% fertigation using water soluble fertilizers. The N was moved up to 45 cm laterally and 60 cm vertically. P was moved up to 30 cm laterally and 40 cm vertically and K movement was up to 45 cm laterally and 60 cm vertically during the crop growth. The 100% fertigation, also registered higher economical parameters, however the difference with 80% fertigation was non significant.

Enhancing nutrient use and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) productivity with reduced cost through drip fertigation in western Maharashtra

A field experiment was conducted at Interfaculty Department of Irrigation Water Management, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri (Maharashtra) during three consecutive years 2007-2010 to study the yield, nutrient use and cost economics for sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) cultivation under different fertigation schedules. The experiment comprised 100, 80 and 60 per cent water soluble fertilizers (WSF) applied through drip in two schedules and results were compared with three control treatments. The 100 per cent fertigation as per growth stages (schedule B) showed higher cane yield (187.85 tonnes/ha) and sugar yield (22.00 tonnes/ha); however, it was on par with 100% fertigation in uniform equal splits (schedule A) and 80% fertigation (schedule B). The study indicated that drip irrigation resulted into 25 % increase in sugarcane yield whereas drip with fertigation resulted into 42 % increase in yield as compared to conventional method. Application of water soluble fertilizers had positive effect on periodical availability of nutrients and uptake than conventional fertilizer. The higher net seasonal income (Rupees 226 195 per ha) and net extra income over conventional method (Rupees 66 246 per ha) were obtained in 100 % fertigation as per schedule B however, the economical parameters were on par with 100 % fertigation as per schedule A and 80% fertigation as per schedule B. The application of 80 % water soluble fertilizers as per schedule B through drip irrigation was found best practice to obtain better yield, improve nutrient and water use as well as cost economics among the practices studied.

Influence of Various Sources and Levels of Fertilizer Applied through Fertigation on Hybrid Watermelon Grown in Rabi-Summer

A field experiment was conducted at Bangalore during 2006-2008 to study the effect of fertigation on growth and yield of rabi-summer grown watermelon. Seven treatments comprising varying rates and sources of fertilizers were applied. Application of water soluble fertilizer @ 70:70:70kg N:P2O5:K2O per hectare through fertigation gave significantly higher vine length, number of branches per plant and leaf area index. In general, fertigation treatments recorded higher values for number of fruits per plant, fruit weight and total soluble solids than conventional soilapplication of fertilizers. All the fertigation treatments recorded higher average marketable watermelon yield over conventional soil-application of fertilizers amounting to 7.22 to 26.4% increase. Among fertigation treatments, though recommended dose of fertilizer applied as water soluble fertilizer resulted in highest marketable-fruit yield, highest net income (Rs. 229775) and B:C ratio (3.03) was obtained in treatment with 70% of recommended dose of NPK using conventional fertilizers supplied through fertigation.

Improving productivity of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) by using water soluble fertilizer through drip irrigation

A field experiment was conducted during the summer seasons of 2011 and 2012 at Junagadh, Gujarat to im- prove productivity of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) by using water soluble fertilizer through drip irrigation. Re- sults indicated that maximum SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR) was recorded with the application of water soluble fertilizer through drip irrigation @ 150 kg/ha at 50 DAS, while dry matter accumulation/plant, plant height and number of nodules/plant (at 75 DAS) were found higher in the treatment receiving water soluble fertilizer @ 226.5 kg/ha through drip irrigation. Similarly, number and weight of mature pods/plant, 100-kernel weight and shelling out-turn were also recorded higher with water soluble fertilizer @ 226.5 kg/ha through drip irrigation. Maxi- mum pod yield (2.67 t/ha), haulm yield (4.96 t/ha), kernel yield (1.82 t/ha), oil content (50.3%), oil yield (0.92 t/ha), protein yield (0.50 t/ha) and nutrient uptake (200.1 kg NPKB/ha) were recorded with the application of water soluble fertilizer through drip irrigation @ 226.5 kg/ha. This treatment also gave maximum net returns (50.9 103 /ha) and water productivity (787 g/m3), while maximum benefit: cost ratio (2.42) was obtained under recom- mended dose of fertilizers (25 kg N, 22 kg P and 24.9 kg K/ha) fb check basin method of irrigation. After harvest- ing of groundnut, maximum actual N (36.0 kg/ha), P (8.5 kg/ha) and K (31.4 kg/ha) gains were recorded in the treatment receiving water soluble fertilizer @ 250 kg/ha through drip irrigation compared to all other treatments. Application of water soluble fertilizers through drip also saved 3638% water over check basin method of irriga- tion.

Growth and nutrient content of poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotz) in a soilless growth medium containing sewage sludge pellet fertilizer

The effectiveness sewage sludge pellet fertilizer (SPF) as a nutrient source for containerized poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotz) was determined by comparing the growth and nutrient element content of ‘Eckespoint Celebrate 2’ plants grown with SPF in the growth medium versus plants fertilized with conventional water‐soluble fertilizer (WSF). Plants were grown in 1.6‐L pots of soilless growth medium with SPF incorporated at planting at the rates of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, or 3.0 gm nitrogen (N) pot‐1. Sludge pellet fertilizer plants received either no WSF or a dilute solution of 2ON‐4.3P‐16.6 potassium (K) (50 mg N L‐1) twice a week. Control plants had no SPF and were fertilized with WSF at 250 mg N L‐1 twice a week. At the end of the experiment plant growth measurements were made, leaves were analyzed for their nutrient element content, and growth medium was analyzed for pH and electrical conductivity (EC). Plants grown with SPF, with or without dilute WSF, were of commercially acceptable quality, but were somewhat smaller than the control plants. Plants growing with SPF alone and no WSF developed a chlorosis suggestive of N deficiency which was largely prevented by the application of WSF. Foliar analysis revealed that N in the leaves of plants receiving SPF alone was at the critical level for deficiency established for poinsettia. In treatments where dilute WSF was applied, the N content of the leaves was within the normal range. The foliar levels of all other nutrients fell within the normal ranges established for poinsettia in all SPF treatments. In addition to N deficiency, high growth medium EC at planting and low EC by the end of the experiment might also explain the inhibition of growth with SPF versus the WSF control. Results of this study suggest that poinsettia can be successfully grown using SPF as the sole source of nutrition, however the best growth is possible only when a dilute solution of N‐containing WSF is applied on a regular basis.

Early-Season Fertilization Reduces Fertilizer Use Without Reducing Plant Growth

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to determine the effect of season-long continuous fertigation (constant application of water soluble fertilizer during irrigation events) or various periods of fertigation on growth of seedlings of 17 woody plant species. For 13 of the 17 species, growth was vigorous; typically seedlings doubled in size during the 13-week experiment [from 1 m (3 ft) initial height to 1.5 or 2 m (4.5 to 6 ft) final height]. In the second and third experiments, seedlings grown under three to four weeks of fertigation (580 and 380 mg N per day, 1995 and 1996, respectively, from water soluble fertilizer) and then switched to weekly fertigation (580 and 380 mg N per week, 1995 and 1996, respectively) had similar height as seedlings receiving fertigation for 13 weeks. The three- to four-week fertigation treatment reduced nutrient application rates by 63 to 55% without reducing plant growth.

CONTROLLED-RELEASE FERTILIZER REGIMES INFLUENCE PRODUCTION AND POSTPRODUCTION QUALITY OF POTTED CHRYSANTHEMUMS

Controlled-release fertilizers (CRF), Nutricote 14N–6.2P-11.6K or Osmocote 14N-6.2P-11.6K, at the recommended rate (1×) and at half that rate (0.5×) plus 200 mg/l N of Peter's 20N-4.4P-16.6K water soluble fertilizer at every irrigation were applied to potted chrysanthemums cv. `Bright Golden Anne' and `Torch'. Production and postproduction quality was evaluated. CRF applications (1×) resulted in reductions of plant height (-10%), plant diameter (-17%), leaf area (-35%), and leaf dry weight (-47%), but did not affect number of flowers compared to plants receiving only water soluble fertilizer. Application of water soluble fertilizer with CRF (0.5×) increased foliar nutrient levels above water soluble fertilizer application alone, or above either CRF (1×). CRF applications (1×) resulted in improved floral longevity (up to +8 days) and flower color rating (up to +54%), and less foliar senescence (up to -45%) than the water soluble fertilizer application alone, or either of the CRFS (0.5×) used with water soluble fertilizer.