Effect of Polyhalite a Multinutrient Natural Mineral on Soil Fertility and Crop Performance In Potato Variety Kufri Chipsona-1

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted on potato crop in winter (Rabi) season of 2019-20 at the Crop Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut-250110. The soil of experimental field was sandy loam in texture and slightly alkaline in reaction. The soil was low in available nitrogen, medium in phosphorus, potassium, sulphur. The treatments consisted The experiment consisting 13 treatments viz T1(RDF NPKS only),T2(RDF NP only) ,T3 (RDF NPS only ) , T4(RDF NPK only),T5 (RDF NP+ 50%POLY-4),T6(RDF NP +100% POLY-4),T7(RDF NP +150%POLY-4),T8(RDF NP+ 50% MOP+50% S equal to T5 by Bentonite),T9(RDF NP+ 100%MOP+100% S equal to T6 by Bentonite),T10 (RDF NP+ 150%MOP+150% S equal to T7 by Bentonite),T11(RDF NP +25% MOP + 75% POLY-4),T12 (RDF NP and 50% K by MOP + 50% by POLY-4),T13(RDF NP+ 75% K by MOP + 25%POLY-4) was laid out in randomized block design with three replication. Split dose of N, the full dose of P and K at the time of sowing was applied. All the growth attributes ,yield attributes, nutrient content and uptake, soil fertility level and economic feasibility were assessed. The findings of experiment revealed that the growth attributes like plant height, compound leaves per plant, chlorophyll content and yield attributes i.e. tuber yield was maximum with application of T11 (RDF NP+25% K by MOP+75% K by poly4) followed by RDF NP+50% K by MOP+50% by Poly4(T12).Polyhalite was superior then other source like MOP alone.Soil fertility level in respect to applied nutrients and other chemical properties was improved with application of polyhalite with the combination of MOP and also maintain the fertility level with higher yield. The highest net return and B:C ratio was obtained in T11 with the application of RDF NP+25% K by MOP+75% K by Poly4. Balanced nutrient application in a right amount, right method and right time is found to be better in improving the every aspect of potato cultivation including the soil fertility.