Levels Of NPK Fertilizer Research Articles

The Effect of Vermicompost and NPK Fertilizer on Yield, Growth Parameters and Essential Oil of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

In order to investigate the influence of different level of vermicompost and NPK fertilizer fertilizers on yield, growth parameters and essential oil of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller.), an experiment based on complete randomized blocks design with six treatments and three replications at Galogah, in 2012 and 2013 season was carried out. Treatments included NPK fertilizer, vermicompost (5, 10, 15 and 20 t/ha) and control. Analysis of variance showed that plant height, number of main and lateral branches, number of umbrella per plant, number of umbelets per umbrella, seed yield, biological yield, harvest index and the amount of oil produced at different levels of vermicompost and NPK fertilizer statistically significant. Generally results indicated that using 15 t/ha vermicompostshowed more positive effect on recorded traits of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) than other treatments.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i4.12673

Studies on conservation agriculture in Egypt

Four field experiments were carried out at Gemmieza Agricultural Experimental Research Station, AL-Gharbia Governorate during the four seasons of winter, 2012/2013, summer 2013, winter 2013/2014 and summer 2014 under exhausted clay soil condition to study the effect of three different tillage systems (conventional tillage (CT), conservation agriculture (CA) and semi-CA (SCA)) and two levels of NPK fertilizers (100% of the recommended doses of NPK and 1/2 recommended doses of it) on yield and its components of wheat (Gemmeiza-9 variety) and soybean (Giza-111 variety) through (maize–wheat–soybean–wheat–soybean) (M/W/S/W/S) cropping system.Results revealed that, during the winter season of 2012/2013, all studied wheat traits and gross energy (kcal/kg) significantly were increased by feeding 100% of the recommended doses of NPK fertilizer compared by adding the half NPK doses.The effect of tillage systems during the summer season of 2013 did not differ significantly due to studied soybean traits. During the winter season of 2013/2014, the results showed that, CA tillage system increased significantly all the studied wheat traits as compared with the other tillage systems. Referring to the summer season of 2014, CA system scored significant high values for the studied soybean traits.As for the effect of studied NPK fertilizer levels, results indicated that, 100% of the recommended doses of NPK favored the values of the studied soybean and wheat traits significantly during summer 2013 and winter 2013/2014, as compared by 50% of the recommended dose of NPK fertilizers, while there are no significant differences between the two fertilizer levels for soybean traits in the third season (summer, 2014).With regard to the first order interaction effect between the tested factors, results of the three trial seasons revealed that growing soybean or wheat under the condition of conservation agriculture (CA) and fed by 100% or 50% of the recommended dose of NPK fertilizers scored the greatest values for most of soybean studied traits and wheat, and the differences between them did not reach the significant level. In contrast, the lowest values were resulted under the condition of conventional tillage (CT) and fed by 50% of the recommended dose of NPK fertilizers.As for the recorded improvement of soil fertility, results indicated that, CA led to decrease the EC by 2.21% and increased the organic matter (OM) by 391.5% and available N by 210.7%, P by 272.7% and K by 183.5% under the condition of half recommended dose of NPK fertilizer as compared with the analysis before starting the project plan. It is worthy to mention that the comparison between CT and CA system under the condition of half NPK dose fertilizer cleared, and CA exposed its superiority to improve the soil content of OM by 20.6%, available N by 42.62%, and P by 10.06% and K by 42.5% as compared with CT system.

Studies on crop residue production of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) and physico-chemical properties of sodic soil under varying levels of plant spacing and NPK fertilizers

Studies on crop residue production of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) and physico-chemical properties of sodic soil under varying levels of plant spacing and NPK fertilizers

Phenotypic plasticity in rice: responses to fertilization and inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Aims Changes in the phenotype of crops (phenotypic plasticity) are known to play an important role in determining responses to nutrient availability, with the direction and magnitude of plasticity of individual traits being crucial for grain yields. our study analysed the direction, magnitude and hierarchy of plastic responses of yieldrelated traits (i.e. biomass allocation and yield components) of rice (Oryza sativa l.) to nutrient availability. We estimated the effect of inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (amF) on these characteristics of phenotypic plasticity. Methods a field experiment was carried out in northeast China, providing rice with six NPK fertilizer levels with or without inoculation with Glomus mosseae. at maturity, we quantified biomass allocation traits (shoot:root ratio and panicle:shoot ratio) and yield component traits (panicle number per hill, spikelet number per panicle, percentage of filled spikelets and seed weight). We also assessed the direction of change in each trait and the magnitude of trait plasticity. Important Findings In non-inoculated plants, we found that biomass allocation and seed-number traits (i.e. panicle number per hill, spikelet number per panicle and percentage of filled spikelets) responded to fertilization in the same direction, increasing with rising fertilization. Panicle formation was the most plastic trait, while seed mass was the least plastic trait. amF inoculation nullified the relationship between most biomass allocation and seed-number traits (except for that between panicle:shoot ratio and the percentage of filled spikelets) but increased the magnitude of plasticity in biomass allocation traits without altering the hierarchy of traits’ plasticity. These results underscore the importance of plasticity of yield-related traits per se, and the impact of amF on plasticity, for maintaining rice yields under low fertilization regimes.

English

A study was conducted during the 2009-2010 summer growing season to determine the effects of varying irrigation frequencies and NPK application rate on biomass yield and partitioning to fractions of Cucumis africanus. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design arrangement and replicated three times. Three irrigation frequencies, namely, 2, 4 and 6 days interval, were the main plots and sub-plot treatments were application rates of three NPK fertilizer levels combined in a ratio 3:2:1and a control treatment of 0 Kg NPK ha-1. Total and plant fraction biomass yield were higher in the four day irrigation frequencies and 120-80-40 kg NPK ha-1 fertilizer rate treatment combination. In conclusion, the results indicate that the plant can produce adequately under conditions of limited water supply provided there are supplemental nutrients available. Key words: Irrigation frequency, biomass yield, root/shoot ratio, ethnobotanicals.

Influence of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil fertility and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was conducted at Bichpuri (Agra) during rabi season of 2006-07 and 2007-08 to assess the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity and soil fertility. The grain and straw yields of wheat increased significantly with increasing levels of NPK fertilizers up to 150% NPK. The average increase in grain and straw yield over the control was 29.7 and 32.3 and 46.2 and 56.4 % with the application of 100 and 150% NPK, respectively. There was a significant increase in uptake of nutrients by wheat crop up to 150% NPK and in Zn uptake up to 100% NPK. Integrated use of fertilizers with S and Zn increased the grain and straw yield by 32.0 and 43.4 and 35.5 and 45.5 % over control, respectively. The highest grain and straw yield was recorded with 100% NPK + 12.5 tonnes FYM/ha with a record of 46.5 and 57.7 % increase over control (28.73 and 39.87q/ha ) while the application of 100% NPK + 7.5 tonnes GLM/ha ( 42.7 and 45.9 %) was on par with 150% NPK. The combined use of 100% NPK + 12.5 tonnes FYM/ha gave the highest net return and benefit:cost ratio. In general, fertilizer treatments including FYM proved superior to no FYM in respect of yield of protein. The maximum uptake of NPK by the crop was noted with 150% NPK which was statistically at par with 100% NPK + 12.5 tonnes FYM/ha and those of S and Zn with 100% NPK + 20 kg S/ha and 100% NPK + 5 kg Zn/ha, respectively. Integrated use of FYM with mineral fertilizers improved the organic carbon status and available N, P, K, S and Zn in soil thereby, sustaining the soil health. The omission of S and Zn in fertilizer schedule caused a depletion in the available S and Zn status of soil.

Crescimento, índices fisiológicos e produtividade de cultivares de feijoeiro sob diferentes níveis de adubação

Conhecimentos sobre o acúmulo e a distribuição da fitomassa do feijoeiro comum, sob diferentes níveis de adubação, podem auxiliar no manejo da cultura. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o crescimento, os índices fisiológicos e a produtividade de cultivares de feijão, sob diferentes níveis de adubação NPK. O experimento foi conduzido em um Nitossolo Vermelho distroférrico, no município de Botucatu, SP, no delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, em parcelas subdivididas, com quatro repetições. As parcelas foram constituídas por seis tratamentos ('Pérola', sem adubação; 'Pérola', com 50% da adubação recomendada; 'Pérola', com 100% da adubação recomendada; 'IAC Alvorada', sem adubação; 'IAC Alvorada', com 50% da adubação recomendada e 'IAC Alvorada', com 100% da adubação recomendada) e, as subparcelas, por sete épocas de coletas no decorrer do ciclo. A adubação NPK aumentou os acúmulos de matéria seca, os componentes da produção e a produtividade de grãos dos cultivares Pérola e IAC Alvorada de forma semelhante. O cultivar IAC Alvorada apresentou maiores índices de área foliar e matéria seca de folhas, quando comparados com os de Pérola, sob adubação NPK recomendada, porém, sem esses índices refletirem-se em maior produtividade de grãos. O máximo acúmulo de matéria seca foi alcançado aos 80 DAE e a maior taxa de crescimento da cultura ocorreu aos 55 DAE, independentemente do tratamento.

English

This study examined the effects of different levels of NPK fertilizer on the growth of Vitellaria paradoxa . Shoot height, collar diameter and leaf productions were assessed fortnightly up to the sixteenth week after transplanting. The results showed that there were no significant differences (P < 0.05) among the treatments in shoot height, collar diameter and leaf production. It was observed that shoot height of Vitellaria paradoxa exhibited close values ranging from 8.49 to 10.64 cm. The leaf production ranged from 6 to 10 at the end of sixteenth week of study. Different levels of NPK fertilizer applied did not have effect on collar diameter of seedlings of V. paradoxa during the period of study. The study has shown that application of NPK fertilizer did not have significant effects on the growth of seedlings of V. paradoxa. In conclusion, more effort should be employed in determining optimum quantity of mineral fertilizers required to promote the growth of V. paradoxa seedlings in the nurseries. Key words: Vitellaria paradoxa, NPK fertilizer, growth, seedlings.

EFFECT OF WATER STRESS AND FOLIAR FEEDING WITH BORON AND ZINC UNDER NPK FERTILIZER LEVELS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF THE NEW PROMISING COTTON GENOTYPE (GIZA 86 X 10229)

Two field experiments were carried out at Sakha Agricultural ResearchStation at Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt, on new promising cotton genotype(Giza 86 X 10229) during 2013 and 2014 seasons to study the effect of waterstress and foliar feeding with boron and zinc under NPK fertilizer levels ongrowth, earliness, yield, yield components and some fiber quality. Eachexperiment was laid out in a split split-plot design with four replications. Themain plots involved three irrigation intervals (two weeks, three weeks and fourweeks) throughout the growing season. The sub-plots were allocated to threeNPK levels (60 kg N + 22.5 kg P2O5 + 24 kg K2O/fed; 75 kg N + 30 kg P2O5 + 36 kgK2O/fed and 90 kg N + 37.5 kg P2O5 + 48 kg K2O/fed ) The sub sub-plots involvedfour foliar feeding treatments with boron and zinc(control (without foliarapplication), foliar application of Zn-EDTA, foliar application of B-EDTA. andfoliar application of Zn-EDTA + B-EDTA). The timing of foliar applicationswere at the start and peak of flowering stages.The most important results obtained could be summarized as follows:1) The obtained results revealed that increasing irrigation intervals to four weekssignificantly decreased days to first flower, plant height at harvest, no. of fruitingbranches/plant, no. of open bolls/plant, boll weight and seed cotton yield/fed. inboth seasons and days to first open boll in one season only. While, irrigationintervals did not exhibit significant effect on no. of monopodia/plant, first fruitingnode, earliness %, seed index, lint presenting and fiber properties under study.2) The obtained results revealed that the high NPK fertilizer level (90 kg N + 37.5kg P2O5 + 48 kg K2O/fed.) significantly increased first fruiting node, days to firstflower and first open boll, plant height at harvest, no. of fruiting branches/plant,no. of open bolls/plant, boll weight and seed cotton yield/fed and significantlydecreased earliness % in both seasons and did not exhibit significant effect on no.of monopodia/plant, seed index, lint presenting and fiber properties under studyin both seasons.3) The obtained results revealed that foliar feeding with boron and zinc mixturesignificantly increased no. of fruiting branches/plant, no. of open bolls/plant, bollweight and seed cotton yield/fed. While, micronutrients treatments did not exhibitsignificant effect on plant height at harvest, no. of monopodia/plant, first fruitingnode, days to first flower and first open boll, earliness %, seed index, lintpresenting and fiber properties under study in both seasons.4) The interaction between irrigation intervals and NPK fertilizer levelssignificantly affected days to first flower, plant height at harvest, earliness%, no.of open bolls/plant, boll weight and seed cotton yield/fed in both seasons and no.of fruiting branches/plant in one season only and did not exhibit significant effecton first fruiting node, days to first open boll, seed index, lint presenting and fiberproperties under study in both seasons. 5) The interaction between NPK fertilizer levels and foliar feeding with somemicronutrients treatments significantly affected no. of open bolls/plant and seedcotton yield/fed in one season and no. of fruiting branches/plant and earliness %in both seasons and did not exhibit a significant effect on the other traits understudy in both seasons.6) The interaction between irrigation intervals, NPK fertilizer levels and foliarfeeding with some micronutrients treatments had a significant effect on no. offruiting branches/plant and no. of open bolls/plant in 2013 season only and bollweight and seed cotton yield/fed in both seasons. While, did not exhibitsignificant effect on the other traits under study in both seasons.Generally, results obtained revealed that irrigation every two weeks incombination with the high NPK fertilizer level (90 kg N + 37.5 kg P2O5 + 48 kgK2O/fed.) and foliar feeding with Zn and B mixture (2 g from each element/Lwater) at the start and peak of flowering stages for obtaining high productivity ofthe new promising genotype cotton (Giza 86 x 10229) under this study.

A Quadratic Regression Analysis of the Effect of Three Levels of NPK Fertilizer on the Yield of Yellow Maize

Fertilizers are essential to modern agriculture; their overuse can have harmful effects on plants, crops and soil quality. Thus, the study seeks to investigate, if (actually) the trio of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) contribute to the growth and yield of yellow maize, and to determine at what proportion each of the elements is to be applied for optimum yield. Our findings revealed that Nitrogen and Phosphoric fertilizer contributed significantly to the yield of yellow maize while there was no significant effect of Potassium Further analysis on the mean separation of Nitrogen and Phosphorus using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test—(DMRT) showed Nitrogen at 50 kg/ha as significantly higher than the other levels. For phosphorus, its effect at 20 kg/ha was significantly higher than the other levels. Thus, the derived quadratic model: .

Badania wpływu herbicydów i nawożenia mineralnego na zawartość kwasów tłuszczowych w nasionach bobiku (Vicia faba) [Influence of herbicides and mineral fertilization on the fatty acids content in the seeds of the field bean (Vicia faba)

The influence of the herbicides Afalon (active substance Linuron). Gesatop 50 (active substance simazine), Aretit (active substance dinoseb acetate) was tested concomitantly with two NPK fertilization levels on the crude lipid content and the fatty acids composition of field bean seeds.

Effect of dripvis-à-vissurface irrigation on fruit yield, nutrient uptake, water use efficiency and quality of banana in Gangetic plain of West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted on a silty clay soil in the Gangetic plain of West Bengal for two consecutive years (2008–09 to 2009–10) to assess the drip vis-a-vis surface irrigation under varying levels of NPK fertilizers on fruit yield, nutrient uptake, water use efficiency and quality of banana. The treatments consisted of three drip irrigation levels at 50, 60 and 70% of cumulative pan evaporation (CPE) and three fertigation levels at 50, 60 and 80% of recommended dose of NPK fertilizers including surface irrigation at IW/CPE 1.0 laid out in an augmented factorial complete block design with three replications. The results of the study showed that fruit yield, yield components and quality parameters of banana increased with increasing levels of drip irrigation and fertigation. Maximum fruit yield (46.59 t/ha), yield components and quality attributes was observed in drip irrigation at 60% of CPE with 80% of recommended dose of NPK fertilizers applied through drip system. However, leaf nutrient uptake was relatively higher in drip irrigation at 70% of CPE with 80% of recommended dose of NPK fertilizers. Maximum crop water use efficiency (0.40 t/ha-cm) was registered in drip irrigation at 60% of CPE with water savings of 39.7% over surface irrigation. Thus, application of drip irrigation at 60% of CPE with 80% of recommended dose of NPK fertilizers through drip-fertigation was found to be the best option in obtaining of higher fruit yields, yield components and quality of produce. Alternatively, surface irrigation at IW/CPE 1.0 could also be advocated with almost same efficiency if the initial investment for laying the drip irrigation system is an impediment for the banana growers of the region.

Evaluating the effectiveness of biofertilizer on salt tolerance of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

In the present study, the effectiveness of biofertilizer containing plant growth promoting rhizobacteria was evaluated on growth and physiology of cotton under saline conditions. Cotton plants were exposed to different levels of NPK (50%, 75%, and 100% of recommended levels) along with coating with biofertilizer under saline (15 dS m−1) and non-saline conditions. It was observed that the biofertilizer seed coating improved growth, physiological (relative water content and chlorophyll content index), and ionic (K+/Na+) characteristics under saline and non-saline conditions. However, shoot growth (shoot fresh and dry weight) and leaf gas exchange characteristics (CO2 assimilation rate, A; intercellular CO2 concentration, Ci; transpiration rate, E; stomatal conductance, gs) were decreased by biofertilizer coating under saline condition. Increasing levels of NPK fertilizer increased shoot growth, whereas root growth was maximum at 75% NPK level under saline conditions. The results of the study indicate that the biofertilizer application was very effective for cotton plant in non-saline conditions but not very effective in saline conditions.

Growth and yield attributes ofColeus vettiveroides as influenced by different levels of fertilizers

A field experiment was conducted to determine the nutrient requirement of Coleus vettiverodies, commonly known as Hrivera, is a perennial herb belonging to family Lamiaceae with different levels of NPK fertilizers. The plant height (51.03 cm) was found to be significantly higher with the application of 200:25:100kg NPK ha-1 followed by 50.86 cm with the application of 100:50:50 kg NPK ha-1 and application of 100:50:50 kg NPK ha-1 resulted in significantly higher root weight (6.54 t ha-1) and total biomass (32.75 t ha-1).

Inoculação de Pseudomonas fluorescens e adubação NPK na composição química e contaminação fungo-fumonisina de milho

Propôs,neste trabalho, avaliar o efeito da inoculação de sementes com Pseudomonas fluorescens e adubação NPK (nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio) na composição química e contaminação por fungo-fumonisina de grãos de milho. O delineamento experimental foi bloco casualizado em fatorial 2 x 3, correspondente à inoculação com P. fluorecens (não inoculada ou inoculada) e níveis de adubação NPK (0, 125 e 250 kg ha-1, formulados 08-28-16) com 4 repetições. Os parâmetros avaliados foram composição química (proteína e cinzas), contaminação fúngica (bolores e leveduras) e fumonisinas B1 (FB1) e B2 (FB2). Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, comparação de médias pelo teste de Tukey e correlação de Pearson, pelo teste-t (p &lt; 0,05). Inoculação com P. fluorescens e adubação mineral não apresentaram efeito individual sobre os parâmetros avaliados (p &gt; 0,05). A interação entre fatores, com incremento no nível de adubação NPK e uso de P. Fluorescens, resultou em aumento no teor de cinzas e proteína (p &lt; 0,05) e reduziu a contaminação por leveduras no grão, favorecendo o crescimento de Fusarium spp. (r = -0,40; p &lt; 0,05). Os níveis de fumonisinas totais (FB1 + FB2) observados estão enquadrados nos limites máximos tolerados, estabelecidos por órgãos de vigilância sanitária.

PENGARUH LEVEL PUPUK N,P,K TERHADAP KOMPONEN TANAMAN BRACHIARIA HUMIDICOLA CV.TULLY DAN PENNISETUM PURPUREUM CV.MOTT DI AREAL PERTANAMAN KELAPA

EFFECT OF N,P,K FERTILIZER LEVELS ON PLANT COMPONENTS OF BRACHIARIA HUMIDICOLA CV.TULLY AND PENNISETUM PURPUREUM CV.MOTT IN COCONUT PLANTATIONS. In North Sulawesi there are vast grasslands as pastures so that breeders only utilize the existing land in the coconut plantations as cattle raising area. Existing land under the coconut plantation can be utilized or planted variety of agricultural commodities, including forage, where feed was instrumental in the success of animal farm. In increasing the productivity of forage among others, animal grass needs to be supported by the physical environment, ideal soil and climate. The problem in this research was the area under coconut cultivation had low soil fertility (marginal), so one alternative was given by way of fertilization. Therefore the NPK fertilization is one of the most alternative method to overcome the low soil fertility. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the combination of NPK fertilizer levels on plant components of Brachiaria humidicola cv. Tully and Pennisetum purpureum cv.mott in coconut plantations. This research was conducted in the western districts of Malalayang 1, Manado city from October 2013 – February 2014. Factorial design method was performed on the basis of completely randomized design with 4 replications. The result in this study showed that the influence of fertilization was demonstrated for the macro elements NPK fertilization required to increase the component of leaves. These elements were met the needs of forage for ruminants. Otherwise the rod components of both grass types were decreased by more complete combination of macro elements of NPK fertilization. In term of different types of grass, the statistical analysis showed that the leaves of the grass component of Pennisetum purpureum were 153.87 g/plot, significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) than Brachiaria humidicola. The stem components were not significantly different for both types of grass. Therefore, the results of this study showed that both types of grass treatment elements required the complete NPK macro to get result with higher leaf components. Keywords: Land, Forage, NPK Fertilizer, coconut plantation area

Influence of seed rates and levels of NPK fertilizers on dry matter accumulations and yield performance of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L. Beauv.)

A study was carried out in the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Old Brahmaputra Flood Plains Soil (AEZ-9) during December 2001 to April 2002 to find out the effect of seed rates and NPK levels on dry matter accumulation and grain yield of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L. Beauv.). Four seed rates viz., 8,10,12, and 14 kg/ha and five levels of NPK fertilizers viz., N0P0K0, N10P8K5, N20P16K10, N30P24K15, and N40P32K20 were included in a split plot design with three replications. Dry matter accumulation pattern was determined by harvesting 10 plants randomly at 30, 60, 80, and 102 DAS (days after swing). The yield and yield contributing characters of foxtail millet were influenced by seed rates and NPK levels except tillers per plant and 1000-grain weight significantly. Generally its production rate was 0.86 t/ha when it was grown in char lands in sandy loam soils, the highest grain yield (1.62 t/ha) was produced by 10 kg seeds/ha, which was identical with 12 kg seeds/ha. In case of NPK levels, the treatment was N30P24K10. In case of interaction, the treatment combination 12 kg seeds/ha and N30P24K15 produced the highest grain yield (1.77 t/ha. In case of interaction, the treatment combination 12 kg seeds/ha and N,sub&gt;30P24K15/ha gave the highest grain yield. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v38i4.19661 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(4): 689-704, December 2013

Biometry and Water Consumption of Sunflower as Affected by NPK Fertilizer and Available Soil Water Content under Semiarid Brazilian Conditions

The present study evaluated the effect of NPK fertilization and available soil water levels on the biometric response and water use of sunflower cv. Embrapa 122-V2000. The experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Engineering Department of the Federal University of Campina Grande, Paraiba State, Brazil, during 2009 and 2010, in a semi-controlled greenhouse using the Eutrofic Regosol. The treatments were defined according to a Baconian matrix, with eleven doses of the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and four available soil water levels. The experiment was arranged in a complete randomized design, with three replicates, in a total of 132 sample units. No effect of N and K was observed on plant height. However, it increased significantly with P levels. The stem diameter and the leaf area were affected by the N and K and not by the P. The number of leaves increased significantly with the amount of N, P and K fertilizer. Available soil water content increased significantly in all the variables studied. The best sunflower performance and water consumption were obtained with the 100:120:120 kg&middotha-1 NPK and 100% of the available soil water content treatment.

Studies on Macronutrient Fertilization in Pomegranate under Sub-Tropical Plains

An investigation was carried out to study the influence of different levels of NPK fertilizers on plant growth, fruit yield and quality, and leaf NPK content in pomegranate cv. Kandhari under sub-tropical conditions. Graded doses of nitrogen (0-300g/plant), phosphorus (0-150g/plant) and potassium (0-300g/plant) fertilizers were applied through soil, in addition to a basal dose of FYM. Control plants were fed FYM only. Maximum increase in plant growth and fruit yield was recorded in plants receiving NPK @ 300:50:100g/plant, while Control plants registered least growth and yield. Potassium levels improved fruit weight over the Control. Higher dose of potassium also improved fruit colour and enhanced peel thickness and grain weight. Maximum TSS:acid ratio was seen with NPK @ 200:50:100g/plant. Reducing sugars were not affected by any treatment. Leaf N, P and K content increased with application of the respective nutrient.

Management of Striga hermonthica on Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Using Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (Glomus mosae) and NPK Fertilizer Levels

Trials were conducted in the screen house of Niger State College of Agriculture, Mokwa (09 degrees 18'N; 05 degrees 04'E) in the Southern Guinea Savannah agro-ecological zone of Nigeria during October-December, 2008 and January-March, 2009. The objective was to evaluate the effect of management of Striga hermonthica on sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) using Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and NPK fertilizer levels. The trials were laid out in split-split plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design. The main-plot treatments consisted of three sorghum varieties; SAMSORG 3, ICSVIII and SAMSORG 14 while the sub-plot treatments consisted of inoculations; Striga mixed with Glomus, Striga only and Glomus only as well as no inoculation control. The sub-sub-plot treatments were made up of NPK fertilizer levels; (100 kg N, 50 kg P2O5, 50 kg K2O ha(-1)), (50 kg N, 50 kg P2O5, 50 kg K2O ha(-1)) and (0 kg N, 0 kg P2O5, 0 kg K2O ha(-1)). The result obtained showed that sorghum variety SAMSORG 3 were taller, having more vigour and lower reaction to Striga parasitism which resulted in the crop producing higher dry matter compared to the other two varieties. The plots inoculated with Striga only supported shorter plants of sorghum varieties, higher vigour and lower reaction score to Striga compared to Striga mixed with Glomus. It is obvious in this study that the crop performance increases with increase in the rates of NPK fertilizer applied.