Higher NPK Uptake Research Articles

System of wheat intensification (SWI): Effects on lodging resistance, photosynthetic efficiency, soil biomes, and water productivity.

Intense cultivation with narrow row spacing in wheat, a common practice in the Indo-Gangetic plains of South Asia, renders the crop more susceptible to lodging during physiological maturity. This susceptibility, compounded by the use of traditional crop cultivars, has led to a substantial decline in overall crop productivity. In response to these challenges, a two-year field study on the system of wheat intensification (SWI) was conducted. The study involved three different cultivation methods in horizontal plots and four wheat genotypes in vertical plots, organized in a strip plot design. Our results exhibited that adoption of SWI at 20 cm × 20 cm resulted in significantly higher intercellular CO2 concentration (5.9-6.3%), transpiration rate (13.2-15.8%), stomatal conductance (55-59%), net photosynthetic rate (126-160%), and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) interception (1.6-25.2%) over the existing conventional method (plant geometry 22.5 cm × continuous plant to plant spacing) of wheat cultivation. The lodging resistance capacity of both the lower and upper 3rd nodes was significantly higher in the SWI compared to other cultivation methods. Among different genotypes, HD 2967 demonstrated the highest recorded value for lodging resistance capacity, followed by HD 2851, HD 3086, and HD 2894. In addition, adoption of the SWI at 20 cm × 20 cm enhanced crop grain yield by 36.9-41.6%, and biological yield by 27.5-29.8%. Significantly higher soil dehydrogenase activity (12.06 μg TPF g-1 soil hr-1), arylsulfatase activity (82.8 μg p-nitro phenol g-1 soil hr-1), alkaline phosphatase activity (3.11 n moles ethylene g-1 soil hr-1), total polysaccharides, soil microbial biomass carbon, and soil chlorophyll content were also noted under SWI over conventional method of the production. Further, increased root volumes, surface root density and higher NPK uptake were recorded under SWI at 20×20 cm in comparison to rest of the treatments. Among the tested wheat genotypes, HD-2967 and HD-3086 had demonstrated notable increases in grain and biological yields, as well as improvements in the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and chlorophyll content. Therefore, adoption of SWI at 20 cm ×20 cm (square planting) with cultivars HD 2967 might be the best strategy for enhancing crop productivity and resource-use efficiency under the similar wheat growing conditions of India and similar agro-ecotypes of the globe.

Response of Maize (Zea mays L.) to Nitrogen Levels, Conventional and Enriched Organic Manures on Yield and Major Nutrient Uptake in a Vertisol

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2015-16 at Mulmuthla village of Dharwad taluk in Dharwad district, Karnataka, India. Research conducted to study the effect of enriched FYM and vermicompost and nitrogen levels on yield and majornutrient uptake of maize (Zea mays L.) in a Vertisol. The split plot design with four replication and twelve treatment combinations. Application of nitrogen at 200 kg ha-1+ Zn+Fe enriched vermicompost at 2.5 t ha-1 was found superior in terms of grain yield (79.93 q ha-1), stover yield (88.77 q ha-1) and test weight (100 seeds) (39.67 g) over other treatments. Similarly, the highest NPK uptake (232.33, 48.73 and 175.59 kg ha-1) was recorded with the application of 200 kg N + Zn+Fe enriched vermicompost at 2.5 t ha-1. So the study of effect of different combinations of nutrients like nitrogen, enriched FYM, FYM, enriched vermicompost, vermicompost and their interactions over yielding ability of maize can help in developing a best source of nutrients for maize yield and uptake.

Effect of weed management practices on growth dynamics and productivity of rainfed pearl millet under conservation agriculture

An experiment was conducted on rainfed pearl millet at ICAR- IARI, New Delhi, during the kharif season of 2019, in a split-plot design with three replications. Three tillage practices, viz. Conventional tillage (CT), Zero tillage and Zero tillage + Residue@ 3t/ha (ZT+R) were evaluated in the main plot and seven weed management treatments, viz. weedy check, hand weeding (HW) at 30 and 50 days after sowing (DAS), atrazine @ 0.75 kg/ha(PE) fb 2,4-D @0.75kg/ha (PoE), atrazine @ 0.75 kg/ha PE, atrazine @ 0.75 kg/ha PE fb tembotrione @ 0.05kg/ha PoE, atrazine @ 0.75kg/ha PE fb tembotrione @ 0.075kg/ha PoE, atrazine @0.75 kg/ha PE fb tembotrione @ 0.10 kg/ha PoE. ZT+R 3t/ha resulted in enhanced growth attributes, and higher NPK uptake which led to increased grain yield. Among weed control treatments, hand weeding (HW) twice at 30 and 50 DAS along with the integration of pre-emergence application of atrazine 0.75kg/ha fb 2,4-D 0.75kg/ha PoE and tembotrione, 0.075 kg/ha or 0.1 kg/ha PoE resulted in better growth attributes which significantly resulted in higher grain yield under rainfed conditions of semi-arid tropics.

Effect of Fortified Humic Acid on Total Uptake of Primary Nutrients (NPK) by Mangalore Cucumber and NPK Status in Postharvest Soil

Field experiment was conducted from December (2022) to March (2023) at College of Agriculture, V. C. Farm. Mandya to study the effect of minerals (Ca, Fe and Zn) fortified humic acid on totalmajor nutrient (N P K) uptake by Mangalore cucumber and NPK status of soil after harvest of Mangalore cucumber. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with fifteen treatments, which involves foliar spray of humic acid (T3), fortified humic acid (T4 to T7) and inorganic salts (T8 to T11) at 30 and 45 DAS and soil application of fortified humic acid (T8 to T11) at the time of sowing. The data unveiled that foliar application of Ca, Fe and Zn (each @ 50 ppm) fortified humic acid @ 0.25 % (T7) at 30 and 45 DAS recorded significantly higher total uptake of nitrogen (53.89 kg ha-1), phosphorus (17.59 kg ha-1) and potassium (58.40 kg ha-1).Lowest available N, P2O5 and K2O status in soil after harvest of Mangalore cucumber has been noticed in absolute control 204.42 kg ha-1), 27.27 kg ha-1 and 204.65 kg ha-1, respectively and it was followed by treatment T7 which recorded available N, P2O5 and K2O status of 207.48, 49.87 and231.17 kg ha-1, respectively. The results suggested that two foliar spray of Ca + Fe + Zn fortified HA at 30 and 45 DAS along with PoP resulted in higher NPK uptake by Mangalore cucumber.

Effect of Different Levels and Times of Nitrogen Application on Grain and Forage Quality of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. saccharata)

This field experiment conducted during the rabi season of 2017-18 at N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat, aimed to investigate the response of sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) to different levels and times of nitrogen application under the south Gujarat conditions. The factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications was employed, considering four nitrogen levels (90 kg/ha, 120 kg/ha, 150 kg/ha, and 180 kg/ha) and four split application treatments (½ basal + ½ at knee height, ½ basal + ¼ knee height + ¼ tasseling, 1/3 basal + 1/3 knee height + 1/3 tasseling, and ¼ basal + ½ at knee height + ¼ tasseling). The results of the study demonstrated that the application of 180 kg/ha nitrogen significantly increased the protein content in grain and fodder (10.51% and 3.88% respectively) and total sugar content (14.96). Additionally, higher NPK uptake and available nitrogen (197.25 kg/ha) and phosphorus (47.53 kg/ha) levels were observed with a 180 kg/ha nitrogen application rate. When nitrogen was applied in three splits, specifically at ¼ basal + ½ at knee height + ¼ tasseling, it resulted in significantly higher protein content in grain and fodder (9.89% and 3.54% respectively), total sugar content (13.65), as well as NPK uptake in grain and fodder and available nitrogen and phosphorus (189.95 kg/ha and 45.84 kg/ha). These findings highlight the importance of nitrogen management in sweet corn cultivation to enhance the nutritional quality and productivity of both grain and fodder. Implementing the optimal nitrogen levels (180 kg/ha) and split application timings (¼ basal + ½ at knee height + ¼ tasseling) can contribute to achieving desirable protein and sugar content, as well as improving NPK uptake and availability of nitrogen and phosphorus.

Tillage and residue management on nutrient uptake by wheat under rice-wheat cropping system

A 2-year field experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of tillage and residue management practices on yield and NPK uptake by wheat under rice wheat cropping system at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand. There were four tillage practices and four residue management practices arranged in split plot design with three replications. Higher NPK uptake by wheat, protein productivity, grain and straw yield as well as yield attributes viz., number of spikes m-2, number of grains spike-1 and 1000-seed weight (g) recorded under conventional tillage wheat sown after conventional tillage rice (CTCT) and residue retained in both crops (R-R) whereas lower recorded under zero tillage wheat sown after zero tillage rice (ZT-ZT) and without residue retained in both crops (NR-NR) during both the year of experimentations.

Nutrient Availability and Nutrient Uptake by Crop and Weed as Influenced by Stale Seedbed, Mulching and Mechanical Weeding in Okra

Background: Weeds are the major biological constraint in okra due to its slow initial growth and wider row spacing. Due to severe crop weed competition, weeds removed considerable amount of nutrients from the soil. Competition exists between the crop and weed for nutrients results in nutrient deficiencies in crop. Hence the present experiment is formulated to assess the effect of stale seedbed, mulching and mechanical weeding on nutrient availability, nutrient uptake by crop and weed in okra. Methods: Experiment was conducted at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala during Rabi 2020-21. Design adopted for the study was RBD with two factors. The first factor was seedbed preparation (S) and the second factor was weed management (W). Stale seedbed (S1) and normal seedbed (S2) were the two different seedbed preparation methods and dried banana leaf mulch @10 t ha-1 alone (W1), dried banana leaf mulch @10 t ha-1 fb wheel hoe weeding at 30 and 45 DAS (W2), dried banana leaf mulch @10 t ha-1 fb hand weeding at 30 and 45 DAS (W3), wheel hoe weeding at 15, 30 and 45 DAS (W4), hand weeding at 15, 30 and 45 DAS (W5) and weedy check (W6) were the six different weed management options tried. Soil samples were collected after the harvest of the crop to determine the nutrient availability. Weed samples at 30 and 60 DAS and plant samples at harvest were analyzed to determine the NPK content and respective uptake of nutrients were calculated by multiplying the nutrient content with DMP. Result: Stale seedbed significantly enhanced the dry matter production and nutrient uptake by okra at harvest and lowered the nutrient removal by weeds at 30 and 60 DAS. Compared to non-stale, stale seedbed recorded significantly higher fruit yield. Among the weed management, wheel hoe weeding at 15, 30 and 45 DAS, recorded the lowest total weed dry weight at 30 and 60 DAS and resulted in the highest NPK uptake by crop and fruit yield. Uncontrolled weed growth resulted in a loss of 81.33, 18.16 and 50.84 kg N:P:K ha-1 at 30 DAS and 102.09, 57.90 and 55.31 kg N:P:K ha-1 at 60 DAS, respectively. Nutrient removal by weeds was the lowest in wheel hoe weeding at 15, 30 and 45 DAS and the highest in weedy check. It could be concluded that, wheel hoe weeding at 15, 30 and 45 DAS was the best option for the management of weeds, higher nutrient availability and uptake and yield in okra.

Dry Matter Yield and Nutrient Uptakes of Arabica Coffee Seedlings as Influenced by Lime and Coffee Husk Compost Amendments at Western Ethiopia

Nursery experiment was conducted at Haru Agricultural Research Sub Center (HARSC) of Jimma Agricultural Research Center, Western Ethiopia, to investigate dry matter yield and its nutrient uptake of Arabica coffee seedlings under different lime and coffee husk compost rates and establish optimum combination of theseagricul tural inputs that produce seedlings with better dry matter yield for field planting. The experiment was laid out in a factorial experiment arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments included four levels of lime (0, 1.6, 3.2 and 4.8 t ha-1) and coffee husk compost (0, 5, 10 and 15 t ha-1). Nutrient uptake and dry matter yield data of coffee seedlings were collected and subjected to analysis of variance using SAS package and treatment means were compared at 0.05 probability using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results revealed that lime and coffee husk compost rates significantly (P< 0.01) affected NPK uptake and total dry matter yield of coffee seedlings. The highest NPK uptake and total dry matter yield of coffee seedling were obtained from the application of 15 t.ha-1 coffee husk compost and combined lime and coffee husk compost at the modest levels of 3.2 t.ha-1 lime and 10 t.ha-1 coffee husk compost with a nonsignificant variation. From the study, it can be concluded that application of 15 t.ha-1 coffeehusk compost or combining 10 t.ha-1 of coffee husk compost and 3.2 t.ha-1 of agricultural lime could be a promising alternative amendment for acid soil management and production of vigorous coffee seedlings with high nutrient uptake and high dry matter yield in HARSC areas.

Dry Matter Yield and Nutrient Uptakes of Wollega Coffee Seedlings as Influenced by Lime and Coffee Husk Compost Amendments at Western Ethiopia

Nursery experiment was conducted at Haru Agricultural Research Sub center of Jimma Agricultural Research Center, Western Ethiopia, to investigate dry matter yield and its nutrient uptake of Arabica coffee seedlings under different lime and coffee husk compost rates and establish optimum combination of these agricultural inputs that produce seedlings with better dry matter yield for field planting. The experiment included four levels of lime (0, 1.6, 3.2 and 4.8 t ha-1) and coffee husk compost (0, 5, 10 and 15 t ha-1) and laid out in a factorial experiment arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Nutrient uptake and dry matter yield data of coffee seedlings were collected and subjected to analysis of variance using SAS package and treatment means were compared at 0.05 probability using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results revealed that lime and coffee husk compost rates significantly (P < 0.01) affected NPK uptake and total dry matter yield of coffee seedlings. The highest NPK uptake and total dry matter yield of coffee seedling were obtained from the application of 15 t ha-1 coffee husk compost and combined lime and coffee husk compost at the modest levels of 3.2 t ha-1 lime and 10 t ha-1 coffee husk compost with a nonsignificant variation. From the study, it can be concluded that application of 15 t ha-1 coffee husk compost or combining 10 t ha-1 of coffee husk compost and 3.2 t ha-1 of agricultural lime could be a promising alternative amendment for acid soil management and production of vigorous Wollega coffee seedlings with high nutrient uptake and high dry matter yield in Haru areas, western Ethiopia.

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&amp;121.42 kg/ha), leaves (117.65 19.42&amp;122.43 kg/ha) and in fruits (146.79 28.05&amp;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.

Long-Term Effect of Fertilizers and Amendments on Depth-Wise Distribution of Available NPK, Micronutrient Cations, Productivity, and NPK Uptake by Maize-Wheat System in an Acid Alfisol of NorthWestern Himalayas

ABSTRACTThe present study was undertaken in the ongoing long-term fertilizer experiment initiated during 1972 at experimental farm of Department of Soil Science, Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur (India). Soil samples collected from three depths (0–0.15, 0.15–0.30, and 0.30–0.45 m) were analyzed for pH; organic carbon; CEC; available N, P, and K; and micronutrients cations. Continuous use of optimal dose of fertilizers and FYM-influenced pH, organic carbon, CEC, available NPK, and DTPA extractable micronutrient cations significantly. The contents of organic carbon, available N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu were higher in top soil layer (0–0.15 m) compared to lower depths (0.15–0.30 and 0.30–0.45 m). Highest productivity of wheat (89.89 q ha−1) and maize (156.52 q ha−1) was recorded under 100% NPK + FYM, which was at par with 100% NPK + lime. Application of 100% NPK along with amendments (FYM/lime) recorded significantly higher NPK uptake over other treatments.

Effect of herbicide combinations on weed dynamics, nutrient removal and yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under north western plain zone

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different weed control practices on weed dyanamics, nutrient uptake and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in rabi seasons of 2010-11 and 2011-12 at Crop Research Centre of SVPUAandT, Meerut. The treatments comprising pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 1000 g/ha, post emergence application of isoproturon @1200 g/ha, isoproturon+2,4-D @ 1200+600 g/ha, isoproturon+metsulfuron methyl @ 1200+4 g/ha, fenoxaprop -p-ethyl @ 80 g/ha, fenoxa prop -p-ethyl +2,4-D @ 80+600 g/ha, fenoxa prop -p-ethyl +metsulfuron methyl @ 80+4 g/ha, clodinafop propargyl @ 60 g/ha, clodinafop propargyl+2,4-D @ 60+600 g/ha and clodinafop propargyl+metsulfuron methyl @ 60+4 g/ha were tested with weed free and weedy check. Among the herbicides, application of clodinafop propargyl+ metsulfuron (60+4 g/ha) though statistically on par with clodinafop propargyl+ 2,4-D (60+600 g/ha) reduced the weed population significantly than weedy check (97.2%), clodinafop propargyl alone (88.0%), fenoxaprop -p-ethyl alone (83.0%), isoproturon alone (80.0%), isoproturon+metsulfuron (72.2%), pendimethalin (71.4%), isoproturon+2,4-D (53.8%), fenoxa prop -p-ethyl +2,4-D (53.8%) and fenoxa prop -p-ethyl + metsulfuron (40.0%) at 60 days after sowing stage. Among the herbicides, application of Clodinafop propargyl+ metsulfuron methyl (60+4 g/ha) as post emergence resulted into highest grain yield of wheat (49.28q/ha) which was on par with weed free and clodinafop propargyl+2,4-D @ 60+600 g/ha but statistically significant than rest of the treatments. Highest NPK uptake by grain and straw of wheat was recorded in weed free conditions compared to the herbicidal treatments, except lodinafop propargyl+metsulfuron methyl and clodinafop propargyl+ 2, 4-D. Highest removal of NPK (63.6 kg/ha) by weeds was recorded in weedy check whereas, the minimum NPK uptake (28.4 kg/ha) was noticed with the application of clodinafop propargyl+metsulfuron methyl due to efficient control of weeds (weed control efficiency 84.7%), which resulted in lowest weed dry matter in this treatments.

Nutrient uptake by strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. Chandler and weeds under different weed management practices

Studies were conducted on strawberry employing nineteen weed control treatments. All the weed control measures were effective in reducing the removal of NPK by weeds at harvest which ultimately led to more NPK uptake by fruit due to efficient weed control. Highest NPK uptake by weeds was recorded in weedy check where-as, highest NPK uptake by berries was observed in weed free treatment followed by polythene mulch and oxyfluorfen @ 0.55 kg a.i./ha.

Best suited fertigation schedule and its effect on growth, yield, quality and uptake of nutrients of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) under Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative method

A field experiment was conducted at experimental farm, Sugarcane Research Station, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu during 2013 to 2014 in sugarcane cv. CoC (SC) 24 plant crop to standardize the fertilizer schedule with 100, 125 and 150% of the recommended NPK through surface and sub-surface drip fertigation on growth characters, yield and yield attributing characters, plant nutrient content and uptake pattern of nutrients by sugarcane under Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI) method. The results of the experiment revealed that sub-surface drip irrigation system increased the cane yield and uptake of nutrients than surface drip irrigation method. Maximum tiller population of 176520/ha was recorded with sub-surface drip irrigation with 150% recommended dose of fertilizers followed by sub-surface fertigation with 125% recommended dose of fertilizers (163320/ha). Application of 150% recommended levels of NPK produced maximum cane yield (132.69 t/ha) followed by 125% recommended NPK (129.69 t/ha) and on a par with each other. Irrigation and fertilizer did not significantly influence the CCS content. Fertigation of 125% recommended dose of NPK recorded higher sugar yield of 16.62 t/ha. The higher benefit: cost ratio of 3.01 per rupee invested was observed in treatment received 125% recommended NPK under sub-surface drip fertigation system. The highest NPK uptake of 193.92, 91.57 and 375.89 kg/ha was noticed by the 150% recommended NPK. The 125% recommended NPK @ 375: 125: 250 kg/ha was the suitable type and level of fertilizer for obtaining high yield and quality of sugarcane under SSI system of sugarcane planting. SSI is the first step towards standardization of sugarcane cultivation focusing on improving productivity while reducing the agriculture foot print on planet earth.

Effects of seaweed saps on soil health and productivity of potato (Solanum tuberosumL.)

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2012–13 at Raipur to study the effects of seaweed saps on yield, nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and soil fertility status in Inceptisol of Chhattisgarh. Foliar spray was applied thrice at different concentrations (0, 2.5, 5.0, 6.25, 7.5, and 10.0% v/v) of seaweed extracts, viz. Kappaphycus and Gracilaria. Foliar applications of seaweed extract significantly enhanced the yield, nutrient uptake and soil fertility parameters. The highest tuber yield was recorded with the application of 10% Gracilaria Sap + recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), followed by 10% Kappaphycus Sap + RDF extract resulting in an increase by 11.31 and 9.38% tuber yield, respectively comparedto the control (water spray +RDF). The highest NPK uptake by tuber and haulm were observed under 10% Gracilaria Sap + RDF. After the harvest of the crop indicated maximum available N (265.51 kg ha−1) and available K (389.39 kg ha−1) was observed under 10% Gracilaria Sap+ RDF. Higher values of available P (11.77 kg ha−1) was recorded with 6.25% Kappaphycus Sap + 50% RDF.

Effect of sources and levels of phosphorus on productivity, economics, nutrient acquisition and phosphorus-use efficiency of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) under hilly ecosystems of North-East India

A field experiment was conducted at the ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Tripura Centre during 2013 and 2014, to study the effect of Godawari phosgold (organic source) and single supperphosphate (in- organic source) at varying rates of application on yield, economics, nutrient uptake, and phosphorus (P) use effi- ciency of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Phosphorus supplied through Godawari phosgold (GPG) gave signifi- cantly more pods/plant (60.7), pod yield (1.89 t/ha) and haulm yield (3.22 t/ha) than single supperphosphate (SSP). This resulted in 10.5% and 9.9% increment in pod and haulm yields, respectively, over SSP. Among the P levels, application of 27 kg P/ha recorded significantly higher pods/plant (70.8), kernels/pod (2 kernels/pod), pod (2.09 t/ha) and haulm (3.58 t/ha) yields over rest of the P levels. With respect to nutrients acquisitions, groundnut plot treated with GPG resulted in higher NPK uptake (108.3, 15.8 and 64.0 kg/ha, respectively) over the SSP- treated plots. Among the rate of application, 27 kg P/ha recorded highest NPK uptake. The lowest cost of cultiva- tion was recorded in SSP-treated plots. However, the net returns and benefit: cost ratio was higher under GPG- treated groundnut plots. Although the highest net returns (65.45 103 /ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.54) were no- ticed in groundnut plots, where 27 kg P/ha was applied. Application of P through GPG significantly increased the partial factor productivity (98.1 kg grain/kg P applied), agronomic efficiency (19.9 kg grain yield increase/kg P ap- plied), recovery efficiency (20.4%) and utilization efficiency (2,185.5 kg biomass/kg P uptake) as compared to SSP. The maximum agronomic efficiency, recovery efficiency and utilization efficiency were recorded with applica- tion of 27 kg P/ha.