Soluble Fertilizer Research Articles

Efficiency of Vivianite from Water Purification Depending on Its Mixing with Superphosphate and Application Method

Vivianite precipitation is gaining attention in phosphorus (P) removal from water purification. It is an iron (Fe)- and P-rich compound that can be used as a slow-release P fertilizer. However, this slow release can constrain P supply to crops in the initial growing stages. This limitation can be overcome by mixing with soluble P fertilizers and with banding application. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the fertilizer effect of vivianite and superphosphate mixtures and determine the most effective application method for vivianite and its mixture with superphosphate as a soluble fertilizer. A pot experiment was conducted by growing sunflowers in calcareous soil under controlled conditions involving two factors. The first factor was the combinations of vivianite and superphosphate: 100% Vivianite + 0% Superphosphate –T2–, 70% Vivianite + 30% Superphosphate –T3–, 30% Vivianite + 70% Superphosphate –T4–, 0% Vivianite + 100% Superphosphate –T5—at a single P rate of 50 mg P kg−1 and a non-fertilized control –T1–. The second factor was the application method: (i) mixing vivianite powder with the bulk soil and (ii) applying it in bands at three points around the plants. The dry matter (DM) yield in the roots and shoots of the sunflower when all P was applied as superphosphate was higher than when it was applied as vivianite. However, the combination of superphosphate and vivianite in different proportions (T3 and T4) led to a considerably higher DM yield compared to sole vivianite application (T2). The highest plant P uptake was observed in T5, while the lowest was in T1 and T2. The replacement values on a dry matter (PFRVDM) and P uptake (PFRVP Uptake) basis and the nutrient use efficiency of T3 and T4 were higher than that of T2. However, the PFRVDM and the PFRVP Uptake were in the same range as the proportion of the superphosphate added to the fertilizer mix. Thus, increased P use efficiency could be achieved with mixtures of vivianite and superphosphate. However, the contribution of vivianite to the fertilizer mix is difficult to access in a short growing cycle. Hence, further research is recommended on the residual effect of vivianite in such fertilizer mix on subsequent growing cycles.

Preparation of Calcium-based Phosphate Adsorbent and Mineral-rich Humic acid Fertilizer from Biomass ash and Bamboo by Hydrothermal-pyrolysis: Performance and Mechanism

Biomass ash (BA) contains alkaline cations such as K, Ca, and Mg. Due to its high pH, direct application to the soil may result in soil salinization. Composting of BA with organic matter is an effective strategy, but the composting cycle is long and there is a large amount of insoluble residue in the product. Therefore, this research proposed for the first time using the hydrothermal method to rapidly convert BA and bamboo powder (BP) into water - soluble fertilizer (WSF) within 2 hours. The insoluble hydrothermal residue was further converted into calcium - rich biochar phosphorus adsorption material by a simple pyrolysis process. WSF was neutral and contained humic acid and elements like K, Ca, Mg, and Si. A 14 - day wheat hydroponic experiment showed that the addition of 0.0125% WSF increased the fresh weight of wheat by 18.77% compared with deionized water. The calcium - based biochar adsorbent produced by pyrolysis had an ideal adsorption capacity of up to 113.6mg P g-1 for phosphate in water, higher than many existing reports. The adsorption mechanisms mainly included surface precipitation, ion exchange, and electrostatic attraction. Moreover, the calcium - rich biochar sample slowly released phosphorus into water after adsorbing phosphate. When the pH was 3 or 4, the removal rate of Pb2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+ at 15 - 20 mg L-1 was as high as 99%. This indicated its potential as a slow - release fertilizer and heavy metal remediation agent. This research provided a new way of thinking for the treatment and disposal of BA.

Effect of Fertigation of Water-Soluble Fertilizers on Growth, Yield of Cowpea and Nutrients Availability in Soil under Rice-cowpea Cropping Sequence

A investigation was carried out to study the Growth and yield of cowpea and primary nutrients availability in soil as influenced by fertigation of water-soluble fertilizers under rice-cowpea cropping sequence. Hybrid rice was tested under aerobic condition during Kharif 2015-16 and 2016-17 with 16 treatments replicated thrice in randomized block design. The results indicated that, the treatment, 100% RDF through water soluble fertilizer at 8 DI was recorded significantly higher growth and yield determinants, higher seed yield (12.94 q ha-1) and haulm yield (26.17 q ha-1) of cowpea. Significant higher organic carbon (0.57 %) was recorded with the application 100% STCR dose with WSF through fertigation at 8 DI and higher available N (146.38 kg N ha-1 ), P2O5 (122.67 kg P2O5 ha-1 ) and K2O (130.17 kg K2O ha-1 ) content in soil recorded 100% water soluble fertilizers (WSF) applied at 4 DI. However, exchangeable calcium [3.51 cmol (p+) kg-1], magnesium [2.55 cmol (p+) kg-1], available sulphur [12.50 ppm] in soil were recorded with 100% conventional fertilizers applied plots through PoP. Significantly higher DTPA extractable Fe (18.45 mg kg-1) noticed with 100% STCR of WSF at 8 DI. However, significantly higher DTPA extractable Zn (1.44 mg kg-1) and Cu (0.57 mg kg-1) was recorded with the application of 100% RDF with WSF at 4 DI. Significantly higher DTPA extractable Mn (22.78 mg kg-1) noticed with 100% STCR of WSF at 4 DI.

Residual Effect of Water Soluble Fertilizers on Productivity and Nutrients Uptake of Cowpea in Aerobic Rice-cowpea Cropping Sequence under Fertigaton

A field experiment was under taken at University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka state, India to study the residual effect of fertigation of water soluble fertilizers on productivity and nutrients uptake of cowpea under aerobic rice-cowpea cropping sequence during Kharif 2015-16 and 2016-17 with 16 treatments replicated thrice in randomized block design. Significantly higher plant height (58.47 cm), number of branches plant-1 (11.71) and total dry matter accumulation plant-1 (70.60 g) were recorded in fertigation with 100% RDF through water soluble fertilizer at 8 DI. Likely, similar treatment 100% RDF through water soluble fertilizer at 8 DI was recorded significantly higher number of pods plant-1 (16.58), pod length (16.67 cm), seeds per pod (16.10), test weight (11.93 g), seed yield (12.94 q ha-1) and haulm yield (26.17 q ha-1). While higher total uptake of N, P and K by cowpea (68.94, 14.67 and 61.39 kg N, P and K ha-1, respectively) was recorded in 100% RDF through water soluble fertilizers at 4 DI (T5) than all other treatments. 100% RDF through WSF at 8 DI (T8) was recorded notably higher total Ca, Mg and S uptake by cowpea (50.71, 24.71 and 12.09 kg Ca, Mg and S ha-1, respectively). Significantly higher uptake of total Fe, Zn and Cu by cowpea crop (680.23, 91.30 and 38.27 g ha-1, respectively) was recorded with 100% RDF through water soluble fertilizers at 8 DI (T8). Total uptake of Mn was recorded higher by cowpea was observed (181.67 g ha-1) in 100% STCR dose through water soluble fertilizers at 4 DI (T11).

Effect of foliar application of water soluble fertilizer, sulphur, zinc and boron on growth, yield and economics of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in a vertisol

Effect of foliar application of water soluble fertilizer, sulphur, zinc and boron on growth, yield and economics of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in a vertisol

Multi-nutrient and humic acid foliar applications enhance green gram growth and yield on alkaline soil by increasing nutrient use and physiological activity

Widespread multi-nutrient deficiency and water stress are the major yield-limiting factors in alkaline soil. Inorganic nutrient application in alkaline soil is ineffective for green gram due to the antagonistic interaction with alkalinity. In this setting, a balanced supply of foliar nutrients is a viable strategy to improve green gram nutrient utility and productivity in an alkaline environment. Field experiments were conducted for two consecutive years during Rabi 2019 and 2020. Water-soluble NPK (2%), 1% multi-micronutrient and 1% humic acid foliar nutrients in five combinations were applied at 30 and 45 days after sowing. The effect of multi-nutrient and humic acid foliar spray on green gram growth, physiology, nutrient accumulation, and yield were measured by adopting the standard protocol. Green gram seed yield increased by 20 per cent on the application of water soluble fertilizers 2% and liquid multi-micronutrients 1% with 1% humic acid. The same set of treatments augmented leaf area (428 cm2 plant−1), dry matter production (2087 kg ha−1), SPAD value (46.4), nitrogen (36.6 kg ha−1), phosphorous (4.9 kg ha−1), potassium (46.5 kg ha−1), and micronutrients uptake. Foliar application of multi-nutrients reduces nutrient stress and aids in the promotion of green gram crop growth and production in alkaline soil.

Enhancing sustainable crop production through integrated nutrient management: a focus on vermicompost, bio-enriched rock phosphate, and inorganic fertilisers – a systematic review

Securing a consistent food supply remains a pressing global challenge, particularly for small-scale farmers grappling with obstacles in enhancing agricultural yields, especially in tropical soils. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) techniques, employing organic manures like vermicompost and bio-enriched rock phosphate, emerge as recommended solutions. Vermicompost is lauded for its nutrient richness and positive soil health impacts. At the same time, bio-enriched rock phosphate serves as a sustainable alternative to conventional phosphorus fertilisers, specifically tailored for tropical soil conditions. Despite individual studies assessing the effects of vermicompost, bio-enriched rock phosphate, and soluble fertilisers on plant growth, a comprehensive overview of their combined application is noticeably lacking. To fill this gap, this study employs the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) method to explore the synergies of combining these elements and their impacts on crop production and the environment. This review is among the first to comprehensively summarize the complexities of combining vermicompost, bio-enriched rock phosphate, and chemical fertilisers on various crops. It thoroughly examines potential advantages, disadvantages, effects on agricultural systems, socio-economic implications, and existing policies governing their usage. Our findings reveal that the combined application of vermicompost, bio-enriched rock phosphate, and soluble fertilisers leads to significant improvements in plant growth, yield, and soil properties. The optimal impact is observed when vermicompost constitutes 25% and soluble fertiliser comprises 75 or 100% of the recommended fertiliser dosage. Moreover, incorporating a mixture of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) strains in rock phosphate further enhances its positive effects. Despite these positive findings, we identified gaps in comprehensive approaches addressing socio-cultural dimensions and the lack of literature on prevailing policies regarding vermicompost use in agricultural systems highlighting the need for a more holistic understanding of vermicompost incorporation and a better grasp of the institutional frameworks guiding these practices. However, to secure sustainable crop production, farmers need to integrate vermicompost and biofertilisers with chemical fertilisers. In fostering the adoption of sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices on small rural properties, it is advisable to incorporate agricultural education into farmer training programs.

Effect of foliar application water soluble fertilizers on yield and economics of chickpea

Effect of foliar application water soluble fertilizers on yield and economics of chickpea

Effect of water soluble fertilizers on growth and yield of chickpea

Effect of water soluble fertilizers on growth and yield of chickpea

Optimization of Foliar Nutrition and Nipping for Quality of Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L). Millsp.

A field experiment was conducted in red sandy clay loam soil at UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru during kharif to know the influence of foliar nutrition and nipping on crop growth, seed yield and quality in pigeonpea. The experiment replicated six times in split plot design with treatments of foliar spray of water soluble fertilizer (WSF)with three different concentration F0 (100% RDF), F1 (75% RDF + 25% WSF (19: 19:19), F2 (75% RDF + 12.5% WSF (19: 19:19) in combination with nipping (N1) and no nipping (N0). The results revealed that seed quality parameters viz.,germination (85.75 %) mean seedling length (48.28 cm), mean seedling dry weight (47.33 mg), seedling vigour index-I (4137), seedling vigour index -II (4112), lower electrical conductivity (1.07 mS ppt-1), total dehydrogenase activity (3.30 A480nm) and total soluble protein (23.19%) recorded higher in F2N1 (75% RDF + 12.5% WSF (19: 19:19) + nipping) over control (81.42%, 44.59 cm, 41.67 mg seedling-1, 3724, 3346, 1.44 mS ppt-1, 2.22 A480nm, 20.22 %,) respectively.

Influence of fertigation on soil-plant nutrition and crop productivity of shade grown Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) in India

Coffee in Western Ghats grown under shade, soils are enriched with all the nutrients except phosphorus. The areas receive high rainfall, which leads to leaching loss and surface runoff of applied nutrients causing low fertilizer use efficiency. Improved agronomic practices are essential to address these issues. Fertigation is one such practice, having the potential to reduce extra chemical load by improving nutrient use efficiency. Hence, an attempt was made to study the impact of long-term fertigation on soil-plant nutrition and productivity of Robusta coffee. The trial was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six treatments and four replications. Data on yield parameters and coffee yield indicated that significantly higher total number of nodes/branches, number of bearing nodes/branches, number of fruits/branches and coffee yield (49.1, 35.0, 758, and 2117 kg ha−1, respectively) were recorded in fertigation block supplied with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) as water soluble fertilizer (WSF) which were statistically on par with 75% RDF (44.1, 29.4, 679, and 1821 kg ha−1, respectively). Similarly, higher major, secondary, and micro-nutrient content were noticed in leaf with fertigation at 75 and 100% RDF and also it was observed that, leaf Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) content played a highly significant role in increasing coffee yield. The study results revealed that the quantum of N, P, and K fertilizer requirement could be brought down to the tune of 25% through fertigation as compared to the conventional soil application.

Compositional nutrient diagnosis (CND) applied to strawberry soilless

Soluble fertilizers are among the main costs in strawberry production, so knowing the nutrients balance in plant tissue is essential. In this sense, the Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis (CND) method is presented as a multivariate analysis tool for the nutritional diagnosis of the crop. The main goal of this paper was to establish CND standards and critical nutrient levels in strawberries cultivated in a soilless system. This study uses the Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis (CND) method to analyze nutrient levels grown in a soilless system. Commercial production greenhouses were evaluated for yield and leaf nutrients contents to develop the standards. Data were collected from 52 plots, each consisting of diagnostic leaves from 10 plants, and subsequently analyzed to determine critical nutrient deficiencies and excesses. The CND methodology was sensitive in diagnosing the differences between high and low-yield populations. Thus, adjusting the critical nutrient levels for soilless strawberry cultivation was possible. Due to deficiency, the most limiting nutrients for strawberry production were N, Mg, and S, and Zn and Cu due to excess. Results indicate specific nutrient thresholds, with significant findings from the integration of all indices, it was possible to calculate the sufficiency ranges for soilless strawberry: N = 26–31, P = 4–7, K = 8–11, Ca = 10–15, Mg = 3–4, S = 0.3–0.5 in g kg−1, and B = 18–95, Cu = 1–2, Fe = 46–96, Mn = 80–203, Zn = 1–40, Mo = 1.3–2.7, Ni = 0.1–0.4 in mg kg−1.

Fertilization efficiency of thirty marketed and experimental recycled phosphorus fertilizers

Recycling phosphorus (P) from waste streams like sewage sludge, animal manures or food industry by-products is required to sustain soil fertility without depleting non-renewable P resources. Several technologies are available for P recovery, leading to fertilizers differing in P solubility and bioavailability. In this study, thirty fertilizers obtained through different technologies were tested to assess if their fertilization efficiency was equivalent to mineral soluble fertilizer applied as triple superphosphate (TSP). The main selection criteria were (1) ensuring a wide chemical diversity, and (2) choosing products already on the market or at a late stage of development, to encompass a representative selection of current and future recycled fertilizers. The products were classified according to their organic carbon content and neutral ammonium citrate (NAC), and the main P species of each fertilizer was determined through K-edge and L2,3-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (XANES). Three pot experiments with wheat, barley and ryegrass were conducted in three growing substrates with contrasting properties, all within a pH range of 5.8–6.9. Fertilizers containing ammonium magnesium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, monocalcium phosphate, and dicalcium phosphate type species as dominant P species showed a similar fertilization efficiency to TSP, while fertilizers with hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, phytic acid or iron phosphates as their main P species had lower fertilization efficiencies. We conclude that while the trend towards high-efficiency, refined inorganic recycled P fertilizers is positive, lower-performing, mostly unrefined fertilizers must be assessed in light of their long-term P supply potential and additional benefits to soil health owing to their content of organic matter and other nutrients.

Novel approach evaluating powdered raw and hydrothermally treated syenite as stonemeal for tropical environments: Potential effects on groundwater quality and agricultural suitability

Soluble fertilizers, particularly potash, are often prohibitively expensive or unavailable in Africa. Consequently, alternatives such as powdered silicate rocks, both raw and hydrothermally treated, are being explored as potential solutions, especially for acidic tropical soils. This study investigates the possible impacts of these rocks (syenite) on groundwater quality, which is a critical factor for agricultural activities. The powdered raw material underwent chemical and mineralogical characterization, including X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction, followed by quantitative evaluation of materials by scanning electron microscopy. Both raw and 46 hydrothermally treated materials were subjected to sequential leaching cycles (1, 24, and 192 h) using deionized water, and the resulting leachates were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Parameters such as electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, soluble sodium percentage, sodium adsorption ratio, magnesium hazard, Kelly's ratio, and permeability index were also evaluated. Results from the 47 leachates indicated that 64 % of the samples exhibited excellent to acceptable water quality for irrigation purposes across all parameters. Conversely, 6 % to 13 % fell into the doubtful category, and 2 % to 24 % were classified as unsuitable. Consistency index and ratios of approximately 0.07 and 0.042, respectively, were determined using multi-criteria decision analysis (analytic hierarchy process: AHP), confirming the coherence of the decision and pairwise comparison matrix. The weighted coefficients for each criterion ranged from 0.06 to 0.2. Consequently, the optimal sample (Treatment 23) was identified, showing a hydrothermal temperature of 176 °C, a time of 3.9 h, a normality of 4.62, and a liquid-solid ratio of 0.24. This treatment met all high-water quality standards, including low salinity and sodium hazard, as corroborated by the US salinity laboratory and Wilcox diagrams. Furthermore, due to their nutrient release, low concentration of toxic elements, and effective buffering capacity (pH ∼ 10.6), these powdered syenites are suitable for application in acidic soils.

ACCUMULATION AND VERTICAL DISPLACEMENT OF NUTRIENTS AT IRRIGATED FRUIT GROWING AREAS

The application of soluble fertilizers without planning burdens agricultural production and leads to soil salinization, a very evident problem in irrigated agriculture in the semiarid region. The soil management practices used in grape and mango cultivation are the main responsible for the loss of nutrients by leaching and soil salinization in the São Francisco submedium’ Valley. The objective of the work was to quantify the accumulation and vertical displacement of nutrients in 0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80 and 80-100 cm layers of cultivated and native areas. The study was carried out in the municipality of Petrolina/PE, in 43 areas with different cultivated grapevine, mango and Caatinga crops in the São Francisco submedium’ Valley. PH, EC, OM, P, K+, Ca++ and M++ were evaluated at different depths. The movement of nutrients, especially P, was favored by the continuous application of high fertilizer doses as well as by the sandy texture of the soils studied. The high levels of nutrients observed in the areas cultivated with grapevine suggest an adjustment in the recommended fertilizer doses, aiming at the reduction of environmental impacts and fertilizer losses.

Performance of Blackgram as Influenced by Water Soluble Fertilizers and PGPR under Rainfed Situation

Lower production potential of blackgram grown under rainfed situation due to lack of proper nutrition during critical crop growth stages. So, investigation was carried out with an objective to study the effect of water-soluble fertilizers and PGPR on performance of blackgram during Kharif-2019, a field study was carried out at University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga which comes under Southern Transition Zone of Karnataka. Experimental design was laid out in randomized complete block design with thirteen treatments and replicated thrice. Treatments include combination of 19:19:19, monopotassium phosphate @ different dosage foliar spray with and without PGPR treatment along with package of practices. Water soluble fertilizers viz., 19:19:19 (N: P: K) and mono potassium phosphate (0:52:34) were used in treatment combinations along with PGPR. The Results revealed that, foliar application of 19:19:19 and mono potassium phosphate @ 1 per cent each at 30 and 45 days after sowing + PGPR along with a package of practice recorded significantly higher plant height, number of branches per plant, leaf and stem dry weight, crude protein (26.54 %), seed yield (1167 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (2019 kg ha-1) over package of practice treatment and also positive correlation was found between growth and yield parameters with seed yield and haulm yield.

Efficiency of the main application of fertilizers and top dressing of eggplant under drip irrigation on ordinary chernozems of the Rostov region

Relevance. Fertigation is the application of fertilizers, in which nutrients are dissolved in water for irrigation. This method is relevant when growing eggplant in the Rostov region, allowing effective use of fertilizers, since nutrients enter directly into the roots of plants, which eliminates their loss to evaporation or weathering. During fertigation, there is no need to carry out separate procedures for fertilization and irrigation, operations are combined into one, which reduces time and costs. The Rostov region is characterized by variable climatic conditions, including drought and strong winds. Fertigation ensures uniform and constant nutrition of plants, allowing them to better adapt to weather conditions, and can help increase yields by optimizing plant growth and development conditions.Material and methodology. In the conditions of the Rostov region, on ordinary heavy loamy chernozems, studies were conducted on the cultivation of eggplant on different backgrounds of the main application of mineral fertilizers in calculated doses before planting and using root fertilizing with complex fertilizers with trace elements with irrigation (fertigation), as well as leaf fertilizing with organomineral fertilizer Arksoil during the growing season.Results. It was revealed that mineral fertilizers and top dressing accelerated the growth and development of plants, and in the best case, the increase in indicators was 2 times higher compared with the control, while the height of the main stem, the number of lateral shoots and the number of ovaries on the plant, as well as the average weight of the fruit, significantly increased, which ensured an increase in plant productivity. The combined use of basic fertilizer and complex soluble fertilizers in the drip irrigation system has significantly increased plant productivity and increased yields to 77.82 t/ha. The application of high doses of fertilizers in combination with fertigation with water-soluble fertilizers did not actually affect the quality of fruits. The content of dry matter and nitrates remained at an optimal level.

Effect of Different Levels of Foliar Spray of Water Soluble Fertilizer NPK on Growth, Yield and Quality of Prickly Lettuce

A trial was conducted to evaluate the foliar application of fertilizer on growth, yield & quality of prickly lettuce at Vegetable Research farm, Department of Horticulture, SHUATS. The objectives of this study were to find out suitable combination of water- soluble fertilizer of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus for growth, yield and quality of prickly lettuce and to estimate the economics of the various treatments. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (R.B.D) with 3 replications and 8 treatments. Results revealed that treatment T4 performed best in terms of growth parameters viz; plant height, leaf area , number of leaves per plant, plant spread, leaf area , yield parameters viz; yield per plant, yield per hectare and quality parameters viz; TSS and ascorbic acid.

Studies on Nutrient uptake, Nutrient use Efficiency and Water Productivity of Drip Irrigated Ratoon Sugarcane as Influenced by Water Soluble Fertilizers

A field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, V.C. Farm, Mandya during 2020-21 to study the Nutrient content and Uptake of Drip irrigated Ratoon Sugarcane as influenced by water soluble fertilizers. The experimental site was red sandy loam soil with neutral pH, normal electrical conductivity, medium organic carbon, low available nitrogen, medium phosphorus and potassium content. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications comprising seven treatments with VCF-0517 sugarcane variety. The results revealed that application of 150 per cent RDF through WSF (325.9 kg ha-1 N, 46.5 kg ha-1 P2O5, 338.4 K2O kg ha-1) recorded significantly higher nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake compared to 100 per cent RDF through WSF (287.3 kg ha-1 N, 37.5 kg ha-1 P2O5, 282.6 kg ha-1 K2O) and 75 per cent RDF through WSF (269.9 kg ha-1 N, 33.4 kg ha-1 P2O5, 253.6 kg ha-1 K2O). Application of WSF at 75 per cent RDF resulted in greater NUE in case of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (348.3 kg kg-1, 870.7 kg kg-1 and 696.5 kg kg-1 respectively) when compared with other fertigation levels and conventional fertilizer application.

Fertigation-Driven Optimization of Growth Characters in Banana (Musa acuminate AAA) cv. Red Banana

The main aim of the study was to standardize the fertigation schedule and nutrient levels for growth enhancement in red banana. The study was conducted at the Department of Fruit Science College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during 2021-2023. The statistical design used was factorial Randomized Block Design replicated thrice with 12 plants per plot at a spacing of 2.1m x 2.1 m laid out with 12 treatment combinations of 4 different nutrient levels (60%, 80%, 100%and 120% RD of N and K) and 3 fertigation schedule (equal splits at weekly interval, at fortnightly interval, and according to the growth stage of the crop) and a control (KAU POP recommendation). Soil test based on fertilizer recommendation was derived based on KAU POP (200:200:400 g plant-1 year-1). Farm yard manure was applied as organic source at 10 kg plant-1) and P (200 g plant-1) to all treatments as basal. Water soluble fertilizers used included Urea as nitrogen source and Muriate of Potash as potassium source;. Data was collected from pseudo stem height, girth, number of leaves, leaf index, leaf area, days to shooting, time taken from shooting to harvest and crop duration. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance. The highest pseudostem height (310.53 cm) and girth (89.30 cm) was observed with the interactive effect of 120% of the recommended dose of N and K applied according to the crop growth stage) which was on par with F2S3(80% of the recommended dose of N and K applied according to the crop growth stage) at flowering stage. The total functional leaf area was maximum on F3S3 at the flowering (23.86 m2) and harvest stage (21.50 m2). Data on days to shooting (363 days), shoot to harvest (89 days) and total crop duration (452 days) in red banana showed that the interaction effect F2S3 has taken the least number of days. In conclusion the growth characters were observed to be better at 80% recommended dose of N and K with split application according to the growth stage of the crop .