Different Levels Of Inorganic Fertilizers Research Articles

Effect of Organic NPK Granules and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Economics of Rice

Modern intensive agriculture, which sparked the "Green Revolution" in the early 1970s, degraded the environment, which decreased productivity and had other negative impacts on the environment and public health. In order to improve the health of the agricultural environment, organic farming, which primarily forgoes the use of chemicals in agriculture, depends on a comprehensive production and management system. The multitude of microorganisms in the soil under this holistic management method ensures that the soil is alive, active, and productive by keeping it biologically active. It is a reality that plants can and do absorb huge amounts of big organic molecules, such as vitamins, chelated minerals, hormones, and other substances that are advantageous to them, refuting the claim that plants only ever take up nutrients in inorganic form. To investigate further, a field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu from June to September 2023 to study the effect of combined application of graded levels of inorganic fertilizers along with organic NPK granules on growth, yield and economics of rice. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments, comprised of different levels of inorganic fertilizers and organic NPK granules. Among the treatments evaluated, application of 70% NPK through inorganic fertilizers and 30% NPK through organic NPK granules registered higher growth, yield attributes and yield of rice. However the net income and benefit cost ratio was observed under application of 100% NPK through inorganic fertilizers which was comparable with application of 70% NPK through inorganic fertilizers and 30% NPK through organic granules. Therefore it can be concluded that combined application of 70% NPK through inorganic fertilizers and 30% NPK through organic granules is an environmental safe and economically viable nutrient management practice for getting higher yield and income from rice and it can be recommended to the rice growers.

Influence of Municipal Solid Waste Manure with Different Levels of Inorganic Fertilizers on Soil Health Parameters, Growth, and Yield Attributes of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) In Sub-humid Climate Condition in Prayagraj, (U.P.) India

Influence of Municipal Solid Waste Manure with Different Levels of Inorganic Fertilizers on Soil Health Parameters, Growth, and Yield Attributes of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) In Sub-humid Climate Condition in Prayagraj, (U.P.) India

Impact of integrated nutrient management and foliar zinc supplementation on rice (Oryza sativa L.) nutrient uptake and yield in the Cauvery Delta Zone

In 2023, rice production reached 523.9 million tons, making it the fourth most produced crop globally. Accounting for 14% of global fertilizer use, the demand for rice continues to increase. However, the unbalanced application of NPK fertilizers poses significant environmental risks. An integrated nutrient management approach, combining organic and inorganic sources, offers a cost-effective solution to meet crop nutritional needs while enhancing soil health. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in Experimental Farm of Annamalai University during kuruvai (June-September) 2023 to evaluate the effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizers with different sources of organic manures along with foliar zinc sulphate on the yield and yield components in lowland rice. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments. These treatments included different sources of organic manures viz., farm yard manure, vermicompost, press mud and poultry manure and foliar application of zinc sulphate. The results revealed that combining 75% nitrogen through urea and 25% nitrogen from vermicompost and 100 % P and K along with foliar application of zinc sulphate (0.5%) at 25 and 50 days after transplanting (DAT) significantly improved all nutrient uptake of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium and also yield parameters viz., number of productive tillers m-2, number of filled grains/panicle, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index of rice.

Influence of City Waste Manure and Different Levels of Inorganic Fertilizers on Soil Health Parameter, Growth and Yield Attributes of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) in Inceptisols

Influence of City Waste Manure and Different Levels of Inorganic Fertilizers on Soil Health Parameter, Growth and Yield Attributes of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) in Inceptisols

Response of Inorganic Fertilizer and Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Seed Yield of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different levels of inorganic fertilizer and plant growth regulator on seed yield of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) was formulated and conducted during the rabi season of 2022-23 at vegetable seed production plot, Department of Horticulture (Vegetable & Floriculture), BAC, Sabour Bhagalpur. The experiment was conducted to determine seed production ability at four levels of fertilizers viz, (F0-control, F1-N40:P30:K40, F2-N60:P40:K50,& F3-N8P50:K50) as well as seven levels of PGRs viz, P0 (Control), P1 (GA3 @ 50ppm), P2 (GA3 @100 ppm), P3 (GA3 @ 150 ppm), P4 (NAA @ 50 ppm), P5 (NAA @ 100 ppm) and P6 (NAA @ 150 ppm). Inorganic fertilizers were applied at 20 days and PGRs as foliar spray at 30 and 60 days after stecklings transplanting. The experiment was conducted in RBD (Factorial) and replicated thrice. the combined effect of inorganic fertilizers and Plant growth regulators F2P3 significantly gave maximum diameter of pod (7.64 mm), length of pod (56.61mm), number of seeds/pod (6.18), 1000- seed weight (15.12g) and seed yield (18.23q/ha) and plant height is non significant. The treatment combination F3P6 gave the maximum number of branches (8.06). Hence, F2P3 treatment combination is a best combination for seed yield of radish and enhancing seed yield is our ultimate goal. As we performed the study in a particular location, we recommend multilocation trials in different agro-climatic regions to study and final confirmation of the results.

Effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizers and NPK liquid consortia on soil health and yield attributes of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) Var moong Samrat 139

Effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizers and NPK liquid consortia on soil health and yield attributes of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) Var moong Samrat 139

Effect of Different Levels of Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Beetroot under Poplar Based Agroforestry System

Agroforestry play crucial role in satisfying the need for industrial round wood and reaching the national aim of bringing one-third of total country’s land under forest/tree cover. The risk of losing money on crops due to poor monsoon conditions is mitigated, and farmers receive a steady stream of additional income as a result. Beet root is a highly productive, popular root vegetable grown mainly for its fleshy, enlarged roots prefers moderately cool condition. Furthermore, it could make a significant impact on the national initiative to double farmers' income growing agricultural crops under with spatial and temporal management. Present experiment was laid out to assess the effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of Beetroot under Poplar based Agroforestry in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments and three replications viz. T0 – (70:110:70 kg NPK / ha), T1 –(100:110:70 kg NPK / ha), T2– (130:110:70 kg NPK / ha), T3–(160:110:70 kg NPK / ha), T4 – (70:130:70 kg NPK / ha), T5 –(70:150:70 kg NPK / ha), T6– (70:180:70 kg NPK / ha), T7– (70:110:80 kg NPK / ha), T8– (70:110:90 kg NPK/ha), T9–(70:110:100 kg NPK / ha). Findings of experiment show that fertilizer Treatment has a significant influence on the growth and yield of Beetroot. The yield parameters of beetroot were significantly affected due to different inorganic nutrient management and comparatively higher tuber yield (307.67 q/ha) was recorded in Treatment T6 (70:180:70kg NPK/ha).

Effect of integration of chemical fertilizers with organic manures on growth, yield and nutrient uptake in hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) ​ ​

Maize (Zea mays L.) becoming very popular cereal crop in India because of high production potential of hybrid varieties and it requires heavy doses of fertilizers. But the excessive and continuous use of chemical fertilizers has damaged the soil health, at the same time, the sole use of organic manure cannot compensate the produce obtained by inorganic application. Hence, it is important to reduce the usage of chemical fertilizers and supplementing the same through organic manures. Therefore, field experiment was conducted in Experimental Farm of Annamalai University during 2020 to evaluate the effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizers with different sources of organic manures on the growth, yield and nutrient uptake in hybrid maize. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments viz., 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 100% RDF + Seaweed granules @ 20 kg/ha, 100% RDF + Pressmud granules @ 125 kg/ha, 100% RDF + Poultry manure @ 2.5 t/ha, 100% RDF + Urban waste compost @ 10 t/ha, 75% RDF + Seaweed granules @ 20 kg/ha, 75% RDF + Pressmud granules @ 125 kg/ha, 75% RDF + Poultry manure @ 2.5 t/ha, 75% RDF + Urban waste compost @ 10 t/ha and replicated thrice. The results revealed that plant height, leaf area index, dry matter production, grain and stover yield and benefit : cost ratio were favourably influenced by the application of 100% RDF+Poultry manure @ 2.5 t/ha. In nutrient status, uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus was found to be significantly higher with application of 100% RDF+Poultry manure @ 2.5 t/ha, whereas potassium uptake was higher under application of 100% RDF+Pressmud granules @ 125 kg/ha. Thus, for achieving higher productivity, integrated application of 100% RDF with poultry manure @ 2.5 t/ha may be preferred to the hybrid maize cultivating farmers.

Improved Nutrient Management Practices for Enhancing Productivity and Profitability of Wheat under Mid-Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

Two-year field experiments were conducted to study the effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizers, farmyard manure (FYM), and bio-inoculants on wheat productivity and profitability. Results specified that judicious application of inorganic fertilizers, FYM, and bio-inoculants significantly increased the productivity and profitability of wheat. Data suggested that the aggregate levels of fertilizer up to 100% NPK ha−1 resulted in significant increases in all growth attributes, grain yield (+206%), straw yield (+177%), and harvest index (+7%) as compared to control. Meanwhile, plots with the application of 10 t ha−1 FYM significantly (p < 0.05) increased grain yield (+26%) and straw yield (+22%) as compared to the control. Similarly, significant enhancement in grain and straw yields was observed with the application of PGPR + VAM over no-inoculation. Results showed that the significantly higher grain and straw yield attained by application of 75% NPK fertilizer + 10 t ha−1 FYM was at par with the application of 100% NPK fertilizer alone. Further, net returns (profitability) and B:C ratio (2.37) were significantly higher with fertilization with 75% NPK + 10 t ha−1 FYM along with PGPR + VAM as compared to 100% NPK alone. Overall, it can be concluded that the combination of 75% NPK and 10 t ha−1 FYM along with PGPR + VAM represented the optimum for net return and B:C ratio and reduced (25%) dose of NPK as compared to the rest of the treatment combinations.

Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation with Different Levels of Inorganic Fertilizers on Yield, Nutrient Content & Uptake of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2021-22, to study the effect of combination of biofertilizer and different level of inorganic fertilizers on yield, quality, nutrient content & uptake of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) at pot culture farm of Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur (U.P.). The experiment comprises of eight treatments T1 (Control), T2 (RDF 75%), T3 (RDF 100%), T4 (RDF 125%), T5 (Rhizobium), T6 (RDF 75% + Rhizobium), T7 (RDF 100% + Rhizobium), T8 (RDF 125% + Rhizobium) in randomized block design with four replications. The chickpea variety RVG-202 is grown by adopting various agronomic practices. The result revealed that among all the treatments, RDF 125% + Rhizobium (T8) treatment recorded maximum yield, highest nutrient content in terms of % N(3.58 %), % P (1.34 %) and % K (0.69 %) in grain % N(2.38 %), % P (1.35 %) and % K (0.86 %) in stover. Highest nutrient uptake viz. N (65.69 kg ha-1), P (24.58 kg ha-1) and (12.66 kg ha-1) in grain and N (61.14 kg ha-1), P (8.99 kg ha-1) and (47.78 kg ha-1) stover is also associated with the treatment T8 [RDF 125% + Rhizobium]. It is clearly identified that seed inoculated with rhizobium can increase yield, nutrient content and uptake values of chickpea crop.

Conjunctive use of organic and inorganic nutrient management on economics and quality of hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Field investigation was carried out during kharif 2002 and 2003 at research farm, IGAU, Raipur (C.G.). The experiment aimed at comparing performance of different levels of inorganic fertilizer and its conjunction with different organic fertilizers. Results showed that application of 100:60:40 kg NPK ha-1 in conjunction with PM gave the highest value of KLAC, ER and amylose content, which was comparable to inorganic fertilizer level of 100:60:40 kg NPK ha-1 applied along with FYM or blending of N with cow dung. The hulling and milling percent was also increased under these combinations. The highest input cost, net profit and per rupee investment was found under 150:80:60 kg NPK ha-1 followed by application of 100:60:40 kg NPK ha-1 along with PM.

Effects of varieties and inorganic fertilizers ongrowth and flowering of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii)

An experiment was conducted at the Landscaping Section of the Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from November 2017 to May 2018 to investigate the effect of varieties and inorganic fertilizers on growth and flowering of gerbera. The experiment consisted of two factors viz., Factor A: varieties (V1= Mini Daisy, V2= Aladin) and Factor B: Different levels of inorganic fertilizers (T0 = 0, T1 = N 300 kg/ha, T2 = P 275 kg/ha, T3 = K 225 kg/ha, T4= N+P+K 300+275+225 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Varieties and different levels of inorganic fertilizers had significant effect on plant height, number of leaves per plant, spread of leaves, days to first flower bud emergence, days to harvest maturity, total number of flowers produced and spread of flowers and field life of gerbera. Total number of flowers per plant (10.89) was recorded from Aladin (V2), which was higher than that of Mini Daisy (V1) (10.16). The highest number of flowers per plant(12.44), while, the lowest number of flowers (9.10) was obtained from T0 (control). Considering the combined effect, the maximum number of flowers per plant (12.87) was obtained from the treatment combination of V2T4 (Aladin+N+P+K), while, the lowest number of flowers per plant (8.67) was recorded from V1T0 (Control). Therefore, combined application of N, P and K fertilizers along with variety Aladin was found to be better in respect of growth and flowering of gerbera.

Effect of agro industrial wastes compost on soil health and onion yields improvements: study at field condition

PurposeIndustries are generating numerous amount and types of organic wastes to the environment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of agro industrial wastes compost on soil physicochemical quality, soil microbial population, growth and yield of onion (Allium cepa L.) under field condition .MethodsThe experiment was conducted in a completely randomized plot design at field condition. Allium cepa L. was grown using five different levels of agro industrial wastes compost, three different levels of inorganic fertilizers and three controls.ResultsCompost amendment improved the soil pH, TOC, TKN, field capacity (FC), permanent wilting point (PWP), and available water content (AWC), cultivable bacterial count and fungi. But no significant effect was found on electrical conductivity (EC), available phosphorus (P) compared to the control. Exchangeable Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Cu increased while Pb, Cr, and Mn value showed no significant change with compost application. Field application of compost improved onion shoot numbers, shoot girth, and shoot length. Further, significant shoot weight and bulb weight were also obtained after compost treatment.ConclusionsAfter compost amendment significant improvement in soil fertility and onion yield was obtained. This can be recommended for small scale farmer’s food security improvement and combined with agro industrial wastes management.

Quality and Grain Yield Attributes of Rwandan Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivars Grown in a Biotron Applying Two NPK Levels

High-yielding rice cultivars with good processing quality and rich in nutrition suitable to a changing climate are of particular importance for future rice-based food production. Here, seven Rwandan rice cultivars were grown in a climate chamber of the biotron facility at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, to be evaluated for their grain yield, nutritional composition, and dough mixing properties. Two different levels of inorganic fertilizer were applied weekly from the seedling stage until flowering. Significant differences for grain yield and quality attributes were found between cultivars. Jyambere showed significantly the highest yield while Ingwizabukungu, Nemeyubutaka, and Jyambere were high in mineral elements content. Ndamirabahinzi and Mpembuke had the highest levels of TPC and TAC. Generally, the lower fertilizer dose resulted in a better performance of the cultivars for both yield and quality attributes. Significantly higher content of Fe, Ca, and Ba was found in grains from the moderate fertilizer dose, whereas K, Na, P, S, Zn, Cd, and Pb increased in grains from the higher fertilizer dose. The cultivar Ndamirabahinzi showed less variability of evaluated characters across fertilizer doses. The results from this study may be used for rice breeding of cultivars with high yield and good grain quality.

Effect of inorganic fertilizer dose and vermicompost on growth and yield of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Lalit

The experiment was conducted on two years old guava at Research Field, Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Allahabad, during the year 2016-2017. It was laid out in Randomized Block Design (R.B.D) with 4 replications and 11 treatments. The treatments included different levels of inorganic fertilizer and vermicompost. The maximum increase in plant height (155.71 cm), number of branches (25.23), canopy spread E-W direction (101.88 cm) and N-S direction (104.88 cm), was obtained with the application of T10 [50% RDN through chemical fertilizer +50% RDN through vermicompost (100:50:50 g NPK+1kg vermicompost)]. Maximum number of flowers/plant (18.25), fruit set (48.42%), fruit length (7.57 cm), fruit diameter (7.78 cm), volume of fruit (118cm3) and specific gravity (1.14 g/ml), were recorded with the application of T10 (50% RDN through chemical fertilizer +50% RDN through vermicompost), which was superior as compared to other treatments taken under present study. The maximum average fruit weight (128g) and number of fruits per plant (8.53) as well as significant highest yield per plant (959.14g) were obtained with the application of 50% RDN through chemical fertilizer+50% RDN through vermicompost (T10). The maximum total soluble solids (12.040Brix), ascorbic acid (180.89mg/100 g pulp) and minimum titratable acidity (0.51%) were recorded with the soil placement of 50% RDN through chemical fertilizer +50% RDN through vermicompost (T10), which was superior and economically viable as compare to other treatments with a maximum cost benefit (C:B) ratio of (1: 1.04).

Effect of inorganic and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of strawberry [Fragaria x ananassa L. Duch.] cv. CHANDLER in Central Uttar Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted during 2014-15 to study the performance of different levels of inorganic fertilizers with combination of bio-fertilizers at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow. It comprised application of different level of inorganic and bio-fertilizers in Randomized Block Design with thirteen treatments i.e. T 1 -Control (No inorganic and no bio-fertilizer), T 2 -(100 kg N ha -1 + Azotobacter ), T 3 -(100 kg N ha -1 +PSB), T 4 -(75 kg N ha -1 + Azotobacter ), T 5 -(75 kg N ha -1 +PSB), T 6 -(60 kg P ha -1 + Azotobacter ), T 7 -(60 kg P ha -1 +PSB), T 8 -(45 kg P ha -1 + Azotobacter ), T 9 -(45 kg P ha -1 +PSB),T 10 -(60 kg K ha -1 + Azotobacter ), T 11 -(60 kg K ha -1 +PSB),T 12 -(45 kg K ha -1 + Azotobacter ) and T 13 -(45 kg K ha -1 +PSB). It was observed that overall minimum plant height was obtained (14.18 cm) at 90 days after transplanting in T 1 -Control and maximum plant height (18.67 cm) in T 2 -(100 kg N ha -1 + Azotobacter ). The maximum number of leaves was recorded highest (18.67) in T 2 -(100 kg N ha -1 + Azotobacter ) with followed by (17.67) in T 4 -(75 kg N ha -1 + Azotobacter ). The minimum spreading of plant in North-South direction (15.63 cm) was recorded in case of control. The highest yield per plant observed in T 2 (173.42g). Among the thirteen treatments T 2 -(100 Kg N ha -1 + Azotobacter ) showed best performance in terms of maximum fruit yield of strawberry.

Effect of inorganic fertilizers, organic manure and their time of application on fruit yield and quality in mango (Mangifera indica) cv. Dushehari

The experiment was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Fruit Research Station, Bahadurgarh, Patiala on 15-years old mango trees of cultivar Dushehari planted at 10x 10 m. to study the effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizers, organic manure and their time of application on yield and quality of mango fruit Cv. Dushehari. There were ten treatments for this research experiment that included different levels of FYM, N, P2O5 and K2O T1- FYM 100kg (End of December) T2-FYM 50Kg+N500g P2O5500g +K2O500g. (End December) T3-N 1000g+P2O5 1000g+K2O1000g (End December) T4-FYM 100kg (Early July), T5-FYM 50 Kg+N500g P2O5 +500 g+K2O500g.(Early July) T6-N 1000g+P2O5 1000g+K2O1000g (Early July), T7- FYM 100kg (End September), T8- FYM 50Kg+N500g+P2O5 500 g+K2O500g.(End September)T9- N1000g+P2O51000g+K2O1000g (end September) and T10-Control. The results of the experiment showed that maximum fruit yield (66.85 kg/plant) and maximum number of fruits (347/tree) were obtained with the application of 50 kg. farm yard manure along with 500 g each of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium per tree in the month of September before flower bud differentiation.

Effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizer and sulphur on physico-chemical properties of soil, and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season 2012-13 to study the effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizer and sulphur on physico-chemical properties of soil and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The area is situated on the right bank adjacent to Yamuna river in south of Allahabad city, which is located at 25 27' N Latitude and 81 51' E Longitude and 98 meter above the mean sea level having the mean temperature during the growing period was 4.7 to 37.2 C. The soil texture class sandy loam, experimental area falls in order of inceptisol. The design applied for statistical analysis 3 Factorial Randomized Block Design having three factors with three levels of NPK 0, 50, and100 per cent ha, three levels of sulphur 0, 50, and 100 per cent ha, respectively were replicated thrice. The best treatment was T 8 -L 2 S 2 [@100 % NPK ha + @100 % sulphur ha] that showed the highest yield regarding all parameters it, gave the best results with respect to plant height 105.10cm, number of leaves per plant 22.16, number of branch per plant 11.96, fresh weight 64.73 g and dry weight 18.50 g, it gave highest yield, 22.04 q ha, test weight 3.96 g. Combined use of NPK and sulphur resulted in significant increase on enrichment of soil fertility status. NPK in combination with sulphur resulted in a slight decrease in pH 7.50, EC 0.24dSm. Combination of NPK observations resulted in significant increase in OC 0.73 per cent, particle density 2.50g cm, bulk density 1.22g cm, pore space 50.26 per cent and available N 310.16 kg ha, P 27.40 kg ha , K 206.52 kg ha, S 13.24ppm, in the soil. From the economical point of view, the same treatment T 8 combination gave the maximum net profit of Rs. (48428.6 ha) with C: B ratio of 1:2.82).

Effect of inorganic and Rhizobium fertilizer levels on soil physco-chemical properties under pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivation

A field experiment was conducted on effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizers and Rhizobium on soil properties with pea (Pisum sativum L.) during Rabi season 2013-14 at the Research farm of Soil Science, Allahabad. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications, with 3 × 3 factorial RBD, on sandy loam soil sand 61.73 per cent, silt 20.12 per cent and clay 18.15 per cent (Inceptisol), consisted nine treatment it was observed that the best findings were reported for post harvest soil properties in treatment T 8 L 2 R 2 (N 30 P 60 K 40 kgha and 20 g Rhizobium kg seed), organic carbon 0.62 per cent, available nitrogen 273.43 kg ha, phosphorus 29.60 kg ha, potassium, 165.99 kg ha, pore space 50.54 per cent, bulk density 1.35g cm, particle density 2.73g cm, pH 7.64 and EC at 25C 0.25 dSm , respectively, and available nitrogen, phosphorus, organic carbon, pore space were found to be significant, and available potassium, bulk density, particle density, EC, pH , were found to be non-significant.Adequate plant nutrient supply holds the key for improving the food grain production and sustaining soil fertility.

Impact of integrated nutrient management on growth and flowering of gladiolus (Gladiolus hybrida) cv Novalux

The present investigation was carried out at Model Floriculture Centre, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, during 2010-11 and 2011-12. The experiment was conducted in simple Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and twenty five treatments consisting of biofertilizers (Azotobacter, PSB and KSB), different levels of inorganic fertilizers, and their combinations. Application of 3/4th N, P and K+ Azotobacter +PSB + KSB (T24) was found most effective in enhancing plant height (112.84 cm), bud emergence (7.31 days), days taken to spike emergence (87.28 days), size of florets (10.22 cm), length of spikes (109.27 cm), rachis length (52.6 cm), chlorophyll content (70.98 SPAD), photosynthetic rate (17.73 μmol/m225). However, maximum number of leaves and days taken for opening of first floret were obtained when plants were fertilized with 3/4thN, P and K+ Azotobacter + PSB (T15). Maximum duration of flowering was obtained with application of 3/4th N, P and K+ Azotobacter + KSB (T18). Treatment 3/4th N, P and K+ PSB + KSB (T21) resulted in maximum stomatal conductance of spikes.