Levels Of NPK Fertilizer Research Articles

Effect of Different Fertilizer and Silicon Levels on Grain Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment with spilt plot design was conducted to study the ‘effect of fertility and silicon levels on the nutritional quality of maize’ during Kharif 2022 and 2023 at Rajasthan College of Agriculture (RCA), MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. The main plot treatments consist of four levels of Compounded NPK fertilizer (F0: Control, F50: 50% RDF, F75: 75% RDF and F100: 100 % RDF) and the sub-plot treatments consist of four levels of soil application of Diatomaceous Earth (Si0, Si100, Si200 and Si300). Pratap Makka-9 of maize variety was used for research purpose. The protein content, protein yield, carbohydrate and energy in maize grain were higher under 100% RDF than other levels of fertilizer. Application of 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare recorded higher protein content, protein yield, carbohydrate and energy in maize grain over the rest of silicon levels. The crude fat in maize grain was lower in 100% RDF. Application of 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare recorded lower crude fat in maize grain. Significantly higher protein yield was recorded under the combined application of 100% RDF and 300 kg diatomaceous earth per hectare. However, protein yield was at par in the application of 75% RDF with 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare and 100% RDF with 200 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare. The lowest crude fat was recorded under the combined application of 100% RDF and 300 kg Diatomaceous Earth per hectare over the rest of treatment combinations. Application of 100% RDF with 300 kg DE ha-1 (F100Si300) was recommended treatment for nutritional high quality maize grain.

Influence of Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus Fertilizers with Foliar Application of Micronutrient of Iron, Zinc and Manganese on Bulb Characteristics of Single Flower Tuberose Plants (Polianthes Tuberosa, L.)

The global market for flowers and ornamental plants is expected to expand at a rate of approximately 6.3% over the next five years, reaching an estimated value of $57.4 billion USD by 2024. Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.), a summer flower cultivated by small-scale growers primarily for export. The study was aimed to cultivate tuberose plants in Al-Jabal Al-Khader region, introducing them as a new cut flower crop, as a source for tuberose, and leveraging their economic potential. A field experiment was conducted over two summer growing seasons to investigate the impact of different levels of compound fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, NPK 4:4:4) in application rates (0, 500, 1000, and 1500 kg.ha-1) and foliar sprays of micronutrients iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and a )mixture of these three elements) on tuberose bulbs. The experimental design was a completely randomized block design split-plot with three replications. The NPK fertilizer levels were randomly assigned to the main plots, while the micronutrient treatments were allocated to the subplots. The study found that varying rates of NPK fertilization did not significantly affect the number of bulbs per plant over the two growing seasons. In contrast, the application of micronutrient foliar sprays had a notable impact, with the mixture of Fe, Zn, and Mn yielding the highest significant increase in bulb number per plant in both seasons. It is recommended to apply a mixture of the three micronutrients (Fe, Zn, and Mn) as fertilizer to produce high-quality Tuberose plants for various decorative purposes in landscaping.

Effect of Nano and non-Nano NPK Fertilizers on growth, Yield and Quality of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) Grown under Covered and Un Covered Conditions.

This study included the effects of two planting methods (plastic house and open field) or (covered and uncovered) conditions, three levels of nano NPK fertilizer (approximately 0, 3, 6 g.l-1 ) and three levels of non-nano NPK fertilizer(0, 3, 6 g.l-1 ) were included in this trial (2x3x3=18) with three replicate experimental units (54). Nano and non-nano NPK fertilizers sprayed plants after a week from transplanting and other spraying are donetwo times with an interval of 15 days between each spray.

Influence of higher levels of NPK fertilizers on growth, yield, and profitability of three potato varieties in Surma, Bajhang, Nepal

Potato is a crucial food and cash crop with high yield potential in many parts of the Bajhang district. However, achieving optimal yields can be hindered by inconsistent NPK fertilizer application rates and suboptimal potato variety selection, including instances where no fertilizers are used at all by the farmers. To address these challenges and determine the most effective NPK fertilizer rates and potato varieties, a field experiment was conducted in Surma rural municipality of Bajhang district. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, to evaluate the effects of four NPK fertilizer rates (0:0:0, 50:50:50, 100:100:60, and 150:150:90 kg NPK/ha) and three potato varieties (Khumal Seto, Cardinal, and Bajhang Local), on growth, yield, and economic profitability. Statistical analysis, including analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT), indicated that the highest values for plant height, canopy diameter, number of leaves, number of main stems, tuber weight, fresh weight of leaves and stems, average tuber diameter and number of marketable tubers per hill were consistently observed higher in either the Khumal Seto or Bajhang Local potato varieties. Similarly, these results were particularly prominent with the application of 150:150:90 kg NPK/ha. Economic analysis demonstrated that the Khumal Seto variety showed superior performance in terms of gross benefit, net benefit, and benefit-to-cost ratio (NPR 1,805,714.29, NPR 1,306,168.83, and 3.61, respectively) when compared to other varieties. Similarly, the application of 150:150:90 kg NPK/ha resulted in higher economic returns (NPR 1,645,714.29, NPR 1,129,908.83, and 3.19). In conclusion, using higher levels of mineral fertilizers (150:150:90 kg NPK/ha) with high yielding and well adapted potato varieties such as Khumal Seto and Bajhang Local significantly enhances growth, yield, and profitability in potato cultivation, as demonstrated by the findings of this study.

Effect of Organic Manure of Nitrogen Nutrients on Economic Benefits of Wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was conducted at crop research center of IFTM University Moradabad (U.P.) field experiment carried out during the Rabi season 2022–2023. The texture of the sandy loam soil in the experimental field was sandy loam. The randomized block design method was used for the statistical analysis, and the ten treatments included three replications of the application of biofertilizers and V.C. FYM. Treatments were T1 (control), T2 (Pressmud @ 10 t ha-1 + PSB + Azotobactor), T3 (Pressmud @ 10 t ha-1 + PSB), T4 (FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + PSB + Azotobactor), T5 (FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + PSB ), T6 (VC @ 5 t ha-1 + PSB) T7 (VC @ 5 t ha-1 +PSB+Azotobactor), T8 (50%N Through FYM+50% Through NPK), T9 (75%N Through FYM+25%Through NPK) T10 (100% NPK 120:60:40) wheat variety DBW90 was sown on during December 2022. The levels of NPK fertilizer were associated with a rise in the economic benefits. The outcome showed that, under the treatment 100% NPK of RDF T10, the highest gross return of Rs. 111061 of ha-1, the highest net return of Rs. 74821 of ha-1, and the maximum benefit of cost ratio 2.06 were all recorded. When it came to economics, the treatment that used 100% NPK of RDF was found to be superior and statistically comparable to T8. It is also possible to maintain soil fertility, which is crucial for sustainable crop production, by applying organic matter and fertilizers in conjunction with inorganic ones.

A Properly Chosen Rate of NPK Fertilizers Has a Positive Effect on C Sequestration in Sandy Soils in the Conditions of a Changing Climate

Abstract Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a significant role in climate change. Its content can be modified by soil management practices, however, the effect of mineral fertilization on SOC is not clear. For this reason, a long-term effect of gradually increasing rates of NPK fertilizers on changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) in bulk soil and in water-stable aggregates (WSA) in soils with sandy loam and loamy sand texture at two experimental sites (Skierniewice, Poland, and Dražovce, Slovakia) was quantified. In both sites, soil samples were collected from the following treatments: NF – no fertilization, NPK1 and NPK2 – 1st level and 2nd level of NPK fertilization, respectively. The results showed that 100-year long application of NPK1 increased total carbon (TC) and SOC content by 24%, while NPK2 decreased it by 5% compared to NF at the Skierniewice site. The content of water-stable macroaggregates (WSAma) increased because of NPK application. In NPK1, the content of WSAma was higher and the content of water-stable microaggregates (WSAmi) was lower than in NPK2 or NF. However, as a result of NPK application, the content of agronomically favorable WSAma in size fraction 0.5–3 mm was reduced by 8 and 24% in NPK1 and NPK2, respectively, compared to NF. Overall, SOC in WSAma was lower than in bulk soil. The SOC in WSAma in NF, NPK1 and NPK2 treatments was 6.51, 7.77 and 5.89 g.kg−1, respectively. Similar tendency of SOC in WSAma 0.5–3 mm was observed (NF: 6.12 g.kg−1, NPK1: 7.35 g.kg−1, and NPK2: 6.88 g.kg−1). The SOC in WSAmi in NF, NPK1 and NPK2 was 8.33, 7.39 and 7.24 g.kg−1, respectively. At Dražovce site, TC content decreased significantly due to the graded rates of NPK, not because of SOC mineralization but as a result of carbonate dissolution for a period of 14 years. The carbonate content decreased from 20 g.kg−1 in NF to 6.5 g.kg-1 in NPK1 and 3.0 g.kg-1 in NPK2, while SOC did not change significantly: (NF: 23.8 g.kg−1, NPK1: 25.9 g.kg−1, and NPK2: 23.4 g.kg−1). In NPK1, the WSAma content was reduced significantly when compared to NPK2 and NF treatments. No significant difference was observed between NF and NPK2. On the contrary, the content of WSAma 0.5–3 mm significantly increased when compared to NF and NPK1. No difference was observed between NF and NPK1. Lower SOC content was found in WSA than in the bulk soil. Overall, higher SOC content was observed in WSAma when compared with WSAmi. The application of NPK1 and NPK2 increased SOC in WSAma as well as in WSAma 0.5–3 mm. The effect was more significant in NPK1 than NPK2 treatments when compared to NF.

Impact of bio-digestate and fertilization on the soil chemical properties, growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.)

Recognizing the significance of maize cultivation, it is imperative to determine the appropriate levels of NPK fertilizer along with the supplementary inclusion of bio-digestate (an organic fertilizer), to achieve optimal soil chemical properties and crop yields. Hence, a field study was conducted in 2022 at the Teaching and Research Farm of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria. The study evaluated the effects of bio-digestate fertilizer (D), applied alone and integrated with urea (N), single superphosphate (P) and muriate of potash fertilizers (K) at low (N1K1P1) and high (N2P2K2) rates on soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of maize (Zea mays (L.). The treatments consisted of application of: D at 2500 L/ha alone, D + N1 P1 K1, D + N1 P1 K2, D + N1 P2 K1, D + N1 P2 K2, D + N2 P1 K1, D + N2 P1 K2, D + N2 P2 K1, D + N2 P2 K2, Control. N1 = 60 kg N/ha, N2 = 120 kg N/ha, P1 = 30 kg P2O5/ha, P2 = 60 kg P2O5/ha, K1 = 30 kg K/ha, K2 = 60 kg K/ha. The 10 treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Results showed that bio-digestate (D) fertilizer applied alone or integrated with NPK fertilizers improved soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of maize compared with the control. High rate of fertilizer DN2P2K2 increased soil chemical properties and growth parameters of maize relative to low rates DN1P1K1 whereas a higher yield was recorded at a low rate DN1P1K1 relative to a high rate of fertilizer DN2P2K2. Overall, the treatment DN1P1K1 demonstrated the highest grain yield. D alone increased shelled maize yield by 187.9 % relative to no application of any amendment (control), also integrating D with N1P1K1 (DN1P1K1) increased maize yield by 97.2% relative to D alone. Bio-digestate can be used for maize cultivation in lonely soil especially when integrated with NPK fertilizer. Therefore, to avoid waste of fertilizer due to cost and negative environmental effects of excessive fertilization, the lower rate of NPK fertilizer: N (60 kg N/ha), P (30 kg P2O5/ha), and K (30 kg K/ha) with 2500 L/ha of bio-digestate (DN1P1K1) is recommended for sustainable maize production.

Physiology and development of grafted dwarf cashew seedlings under different fertilization doses and irrigated with saline water

Salinity is one of the primary challenges faced by irrigated agriculture in semi-arid regions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fertilization on the development of cashew seedlings irrigated with water of varying salinity levels. The research was conducted in a protected environment at Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical, Fortaleza, using grafted seedlings of the BRS 189 clone on CCP 06 rootstock. The treatments resulted from the combination of three levels of NPK fertilization (control - without fertilization, 50% less than conventional nutrition, and 100% of conventional nutrition used by the crop), which was incorporated into the substrate before sowing CCP 06, with four salinity levels (ECa of 0.8, 4.0, 7.0, and 10.0 dS m-1) of the irrigation water for the seedlings. Gas exchange, assimilate accumulation, growth, and nutrient content in the leaves, stems, and roots of the seedlings were evaluated 90 days after grafting. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, and when a significant effect was observed, the Tukey test was performed, while quantitative data were subjected to regression analysis. Overall, fertilization levels did not influence seedling growth. Fertilization did not interfere with photosynthate production, which performed better when the seedlings were subjected to a salinity of 7.0 dS m-1. The application of NPK to the substrate resulted in higher levels of nitrogen in the leaves, while phosphorus content decreased, and foliar potassium was not influenced by fertilization.

Effect of <i>Dactyladenia barteri</i> mulch and NPK fertilizer on weed density, ginger production and soil recapitalization in Umudike, Southeast Nigeria

A field study conducted on a Gleyic Luvisol in Umudike, southeastern Nigeria, in 2017 and 2018 evaluated the effect of Dactyladenia barteri mulch and NPK fertilizer 15:15:15 on weed density, ginger production and soil health. Treatment consisted of three levels of mulch (0, 2 and 4 t ha–1) and two levels of NPK fertilizer (0.00 and 400 kg ha−1) laid in a randomized complete block design with 3 replicates on 2 x 2 m plots, using 0.20 x 0.20 m spacing. Planting was done in May each year and harvested eight months after planting. Results showed that control plot had 187.80 higher significant weed density than 2 and 4 t ha–1 mulch (88.20 and 81.80), respectively. Fertilizer had no significant effect on weed density. Ginger survival at 2.00 and 4.00 t ha–1 mulch (94.40 and 96%) differed significantly from the control plot (42.20%). Number of tillers in mulched plots (t ha–1) followed the order: 4 > 2 > 0 in both years. Fertilizer rate at 400 kg ha–1 gave higher significant rhizome yield more than 0 kg ha–1 in both years. Mulch at 4 t ha–1 increased soil pH by 12% relative to 7.94% increase by NPK fertilizer. Total N, available P and exchangeable K were increased by 12.30, 64.30 and 14.30% respectively, by mulch at 4 t ha–1, while NPK fertilizer increased total N, available P and exchangeable K by 5.60, 31.40 and 9.38%, respectively. It was concluded that application of Dactyladenia barteri mulch and NPK fertilizer reduced weed density, improved ginger production and recapitalized soil in Umudike, southeastern, Nigeria.

Cassava growth and yield on ultisol of different soil organic carbon content and NPK fertilizer levels

The demand for cassava tuber in Indonesia is high, however, domestic production is still limited therefore increasing production is important. Ultisol soils have the potential for cassava production, but low soil fertility in such soils needs to be improved. The research aimed to evaluate the effect of soil organic carbon (SOC) and NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of cassava tuber in an ultisol. The experiment was conducted at the Jonggol Experimental Farm, IPB Bogor, West Java from September 2022 to January 2023. The experiment used a split-plot design with three replications. The main plot was SOC level of 1.93 (control), 2, 3, and 4%, and the subplot was NPK 15-15-15 level of 150, 300, 450, and 600 kg ha-1. SOC level was increased through the application of cow manure 0, 3.59, 54.93, and 106.27 tons ha-1 corresponding to SOC levels of 1.93 (control), 2, 3, and 4%, respectively. Results showed that enhancing SOC up to 3% and NPK 300 kg ha-1 were enough to support cassava growth as shown by plant height, stem diameter, and leaf number. The leaf number was the highest in the 3% SOC+150 kg NPK, 2% SOC+300 kg NPK or+450 kg NPK, and control+600 kg ha-1 NPK treatment. Leaf greenness was only affected by adding NPK fertilizer; a high greenness value was obtained at NPK level of > 150 kg ha-1 and 300 to 600 kg ha-1 resulting in non-significantly leaf greenness. The status of N and K in the leaves increased by SOC and NPK treatments, while the P status was unaffected. SOC at a level of 3% and NPK at a level of 150 kg ha-1 stimulated cassava to produce the highest fresh tuber weight (1.85 kg per plant) at 4 months after planting. Cassava productivity in ultisol soil can be increased by applying cow manure of 54.93 tons ha-1 to enhance SOC up to 3% combined with NPK of 150 kg ha-1.
 Keywords: Extensification; food security; intensification; tuber production; nutrient uptake

Yield Performance of Chia (Salvia Hispanica L.) In Response to Planting Spacing and Npk Fertilizers

Optimization of plant spacing, and fertilizer dose is very important for realizing maximum yield of a crop. An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during November 2020 to March 2021 to determine the effect of different spacing and NPK fertilizer levels on yield and yield attributes of chia seed. The experiment consisted of four different spacing viz. 30 cm × 15 cm (S1), 30 cm × 30 cm (S2), 40 cm × 15 cm (S3) and 40 cm × 30 cm (S4) and five levels of NPK fertilizer viz. No NPK (F0), 30: 20: 25 kg NPK ha-1 (F1), 60: 40: 50 kg NPK ha-1 (F2), 90: 60: 75 kg NPK ha-1 (F3) and 120: 80: 100 kg NPK ha-1 (F4). The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results revealed that 40 cm × 30 cm spacing produced the highest number of inflorescences plant-1, seed yield and haulm yield. The fertilizer level 90: 60: 75 kg NPK ha-1 showed the highest seed yield and haulm yield while 120:80 :100 kg NPK ha-1 exhibited the maximum number of inflorescences plant-1. The combination of 30 cm ×30 cm spacing and 90: 60: 75 kg NPK ha-1 produced the highest number of inflorescences plant-1 and seed yield whereas the combination of 40 cm × 30 cm spacing and 90: 60: 75 kg NPK ha-1 had the highest haulm yield. The present study concluded that cultivation of chia at a spacing of 30 cm × 30 cm and fertilized with 90: 60: 75 kg NPK ha-1 could be considered as the promising practice for reasonable seed yield.
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2023, 26(1): 122-127

Silicon supplementation improves yield and silicon uptake in maize at eastern Ganges delta coastal soils

Silicon (Si) is a beneficial plant nutrient with the potential to make plants tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses; however, it’s effect on improve yield and Si uptake in maize at Ganges delta coastal zone soils has not been investigated. The purpose of the study was to find out the contribution of Si to improve maize yield and Si uptake especially under nutrient deficit conditions. A field experiment was conducted in dry season of 2021 and 2022 using a popular maize variety Don-111. The experiment was laid out in two factors randomized complete block design having two levels of Si (0 and 20 kg Si ha−1 rate as sodium metasilicate), and four levels of NPK fertilizers (40%, 60%, 80% and 100%). The 100% NPK indicates 225:60:80 kg ha−1 N:P:K, respectively. In 2021 the 20 kg Si ha−1 rate with 40%, 60%, 80, and 100% NPK rate recorded grain yield of 7.52, 8.73, 9.95 and 11.16 t ha−1, respectively which was 17.9%, 15.0%, 8.6%, and 7.8% higher, and in 2022 the grain yield of 6.31, 7.82, 8.83 and 9.62 t ha−1, which was 28.0%, 16.4%, 16.3%, and 6.3%, respectively, higher than the respective control treatment. All other growth, yield and yield contributing characters, and Si content in plant was improved by Si application, however, the maximum cases rate of increment was higher in lower rates of NPK fertilizers. Silicon application is therefore recommended for the improvement of maize growth and yield at the eastern Ganges delta coastal plains.

Fortified Organic Manure and NPK Fertilizer Levels: Influence on Soil Properties, Yield and Micronutrients Biofortification of Brinjal in Coastal Soil

Coastal saline soils are nutrient impoverished where nutrients are in starved state, thus applying increased rate of NPK along with micronutrients fortified organics would greatly improve the soil fertility as well as nutritional quality and yield of vegetable crops. Therefore, we examined the effect of micronutrients fortified organics and NPK levels on the soil properties, yield and quality of brinjal in coastal saline soil. A field experiment was conducted at Ponnanthittu coastal village, near Chidambaram, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu during August – December 2022 in sandy saline soil (EC-1.58 dSm-1; pH-8.54) nature with low organic carbon (2.31 g kg-1), available NPK of 135.56, 9.45 and 157.30 kg ha-1 and the available zinc (0.69 mg kg-1) and iron content (3.87 mg kg-1). The treatments adopted in a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications and different levels of NPK viz., control, 100, 125 and 150% recommended levels as factor A and different micronutrients fortified organics viz., 100% Zn Fortified Composted Coir pith (Zn FCCP) @ 6.25 t ha-1), 100% Fe Fortified Composted Coir pith (Fe FCCP) @ 6.25 t ha-1) and 100% Zn + Fe Fortified Composted Coir pith (Zn + Fe FCCP) @ 6.25 t ha-1 as factor B were studied with brinjal. Study results indicated that application of 125 % NPK along with Zn + Fe fortified composted coir pith (Zn + Fe FCCP) was significantly increased the availability of major and micro nutrient status, nutritional quality and yield of brinjal over other treatments in coastal saline sandy soil.

Combination Influences of NPK Fertilizers and Bradyrhizobium Inoculation on the Yield, Chemical Constituents and Guaran Production of Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, Taub.) Plant

At the Experimental Farm (Ghazala Farm) of the Agric. Fac., Zagazig University, Egypt, two field experiments were conducted through the two successive summer seasons in 2019 and 2020. This was an effort to improve the guar plant’s yield and productivity. The experiment was set up as a split-plot design with NPK fertilization as the main plot and bio-fertilization as the sub-plot. The Bradyrhizobium spp. inoculation rates were (0.0, 200 and 400 g/feddan), while the NPK fertilization levels were (0.0, 75, 100, and 125% of recommended level). Ammonium sulphate (20.5% N) at 200 kg/feddan, calcium super phosphate (15.5% P2O5) at 200 kg/feddan, and potassium sulphate (48% K2O) at 100 kg/feddan were the NPK fertilization recommended rates (RR). The obtained results showed that, in comparison to control and the other levels under study, guar plants fertilized with 125% RR significantly increased yield components as well as total carbohydrates content, and NPK percentages in seeds and guaran production. Additionally, compared to the control and lowest inoculation rates of Bradyrhizobium, the maximum inoculation rate (400 g/feddan) considerably recorded the highest values of all the aforementioned parameters. The majority of the study’s findings demonstrated that fertilized guar plants with 125% RR of NPK fertilization, together with 400 g/feddan of Bradyrhizobium inoculation rate, might aid to improve guar plant (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba Taub.) yield, chemical constituents and guaran production.

Productivity of ‘Saba’ Banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana) as influenced by Different Levels of NPK Fertilizer under Jasaan Soil Series

‘Saba’ (Musa acuminata x balbisiana) is the second most grown banana in the Philippines. With the banana’s increasing demand and wider market both locally and abroad, growers need to advance and sustain farm efficiency. Among the various factors in production, plant nutrition is one of the key components for higher productivity. Hence, a field study was conducted in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, Philippines to evaluate the effects of NPK fertilizer on the banana’s productivity under the Jasaan Soil Series – a major soil dominating Claveria. In addition to T1 (no NPK), there were four varying levels of NPK fertilizer applied as treatments, namely T2 (N90-P30-K120), T3 (N135-P60-K180), T4 (N180-P120-K360) and T5 (N270-P180-K540). The results showed that T3 produced a significant difference in base girth in the 11th month and one-third girth in the 7th month, while T5 recorded the most number of suckers in the 12th, 13th and 14th months from planting. The highest level of NPK (T5) influenced the total bunch weight with 28.87 kg and yield (10.98 t/ha), while T3 obtained a significant difference in the diameter of the finger (16.04 cm). T1 showed the highest return on investment (2.03%); however, the highest level of NPK prevailed with the highest yield among all the other treatments on the main crop. Related studies are suggested to verify the sustainability of NPK fertilizer on the succeeding ratoons.

Sustaining Soil Fertility and Yield by Inductive cum Targeted Yield Model-based Fertilizer Prescriptions for Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) in Alfisols of Tamil Nadu, Southern India

Background: Finger millet cultivation in Alfisols (Typic rhodustalf, Palaviduthi soil series) demands an optimal integrated plant nutrient supply to achieve desired yields. In order to develop the soil test crop response to fertilizer and farm yard manure (FYM) through integrated plant nutrition system (STCR-IPNS) in terms of nutrient uptake, yield and pre-sowing STVs, a field investigation on Finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] was conducted at the farmer’s field of Thoppupatti village, Dindigul district, Southern Agro-climatic zone of Tamil Nadu, Southern India during December 2021-August 2022. Methods: By adopting the Inductive cum Targeted Yield Model before the test crop of Finger millet, a artificial soil fertility gradient was created by the application of graded levels of NPK fertilizers with fodder sorghum as a gradient crop. Result: The basic data viz., N, P and K nutrients for producing 1 tonne of finger millet grain were 48 kg, 23 kg and 44 kg; the soil contributed 14.86%, 19.18% and 18.95%; fertilizer contributed 44.16%, 32.79% and 59.75% for N, P and K and farmyard manure (FYM) contributed 28.47%, 11.77% and 33.78%, respectively. Fertilizer prescription equations for finger millet and ready reckoners for the operational range of soil test results for the intended yield target under NPK alone and IPNS (NPK + FYM) were produced using the basic data.

Effects of Liquid Organic and NPK Fertilizers on the Nutrient composition of Grass Jelly (Premna oblongifolia Merr) in Tropical Peat Soil

Peat soil is deficient in nutrients and agricultural development in this type of low in fertility soil is very difficult. Grass jelly (Premna oblongifolia) is a dark green shrub-like medicinal plant that has been widely used for its nutritional and medicinal properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of foliar application of organic fertilizers and NPK on the growth, nutrient absorption, and flavonoid content of grass jelly plants grown in peat soil. The study was carried out in a completely randomized factorial design with two factors including liquid organic fertilizer and NPK inorganic fertilizers. Three doses of liquid organic fertilizer consisting of P0 (without liquid organic fertilizer), P1 (Agrobost), and P2 (Nasa), and three levels of NPK fertilizer consisting of N0 (0g NPK polybag-1), N1 (1 g NPK polybag-1), and N2 (2 g NPK polybag-1). The results of the study revealed a nonsignificant interaction between liquid organic fertilizer and NPK fertilizer in terms of leaf growth, leaf area, fresh weight, and flavonoid of grass jelly plant growth. Further, in the case of plant nutrient contents, combined application of Nasa liquid organic fertilizer and 2 g polybag-1 NPK fertilizer tends to increase the nutrient content of N, P, and K and have the highest impact as compared to other treatments. The results of the study can be concluded that administration of liquid organic fertilizer and NPK did not affect the plant growth characteristics of grass jelly plants while in the case of nutrient content except flavonoids the level of N, P, and K of plant leaves increased.

PENINGKATAN PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKTIVITAS KACANG TANAH DI LAHAN KERING MELALUI PEMBERIAN DOLOMIT DAN PUPUK NPK

[IMPROVEMENT OF PEANUT GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY IN DRY LAND THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF DOLOMITE AND NPK FERTILIZERS]. Dry land is commonly characterized by low pH and nutrient availability for peanut growth. Therefore, application of dolomite and NPK fertilizer might correct its characteristics. This study aimed to determine the appropriate dose of dolomite and NPK fertilizers to increase growth and productivity of peanut in dry land. This study was carried out from November 2019 to February 2020 at the Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency, Indrapuri Experimental Garden, Aceh Besar, Aceh and used a randomized block design (RBD) with two factors and three replications. The first factor was three dosages of dolomite (i.e., 0, 250, and 500 kg/ha) and the second factor was three levels of NPK fertilizers (i.e., 0 kg/ha Urea+ 0 kg/ha SP36+ 0 kg/ha KCl), 25 kg/ha Urea + 50 kg/ha SP36 + 50 kg/ha KCl, and 50 kg/ha Urea + 100 kg/ha SP36 + 100 kg/ha KCl). The results showed that application of dolomite or NPK fertilizers had a significant effect on peanut yield components. Application of dolomite at 500 kg/ha or NPK fertilizers at 50 kg/ha Urea + 100 kg/ha SP36 + 100 kg/ha KCl increased peanut productivity by 10% and 9.23%, respectively compared to the control.

NUTRIENT REMOVAL BY OFF-SEASON GRAIN SORGHUM AS AFFECTED BY INTERCROPPING WITH RUZIGRASS AND FERTILIZATION LEVELS IN THE BRAZILIAN CERRADO

Sorghum is an off-season crop option in succession to soybean in the Cerrado region, but many producers underestimate the fertilization requirement, which can harm the productive performance of the system as a whole. Aiming to quantify the uptake and export of nutrients by grain sorghum, experiments were carried out in monocropping and intercropping with ruzigrass (Uroclhoa ruziziensis), with three levels of NPK fertilization (control without fertilization; maintenance fertilization; and maintenance + 30%). The experimental design was randomized blocks, with four replications. Sorghum plants were sampled at 33, 67 and 130 days after sowing, corresponding to the eight-leaf, flowering and physiological maturation development stages. The nutrient accumulation throughout the sorghum cycle and the respective extraction and export rates were calculated. Intercropping with ruzigrass reduces grain yield, but does not influence sorghum nutrient accumulation. Fertilization in soil with current high fertility increases biomass and nutrient accumulation, however, without any impact on grain yield. In off-season sorghum crop, nutrient uptake occurs mostly during the vegetative phase. Each ton of grain produced removes the equivalent of 14.5; 5.0; 3.5; 1.1 and 0.5 kg of N, P2O5, K2O, Mg and S, in addition to 2, 2, 25, 9 and 11 g of B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn, respectively. The potential for nutrient removal by grain sorghum cultivation is comparable to the patterns of the off-season maize crop, evidencing the importance of fertilization to replenish the amounts of nutrient exported.

Response of Washington Navel Orange Trees to Magnetized Irrigation Water and Different Levels of NPK Fertilization

Response of Washington Navel Orange Trees to Magnetized Irrigation Water and Different Levels of NPK Fertilization