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Pak. J. Bot., 42(5): 3137-3145, 2010. |
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Updated: 06-12-10 | ||||
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EFFECT OF SOURCE AND LEVEL OF POTASH ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF POTATO TUBERS
M. ZAMEER KHAN1, M. EHSAN AKHTAR1, M. NAEEM SAFDAR2, M. MASUD MAHMOOD3, SAGHEER AHMAD4 AND N. AHMED5
Abstract: Field experiments were conducted for two consecutive seasons at NARC potato research area Islamabad, Pakistan, to study comparative effect of source, levels and methods of K fertilization on yield and quality of potato produce. Nitrogen and phosphorus were applied at 250 and 125 kg ha -1, respectively whereas three K2O levels, 0, 150 and 225 kg ha-1 from two sources of potash (SOP and MOP) were tested. Potassium was also applied as foliar spray at 1% K2O solution at 30, 45 and 60 days after germination (DAG) and soil was also amended by 150 kg K2O ha-1. A significant increase in tuber yield with K application at 150 kg ha-1 as K2O from both the K sources over NP treatment was recorded. Increase in tuber yield with K2O @ 225 kg ha-1 was statistically non-significant compared to 150 kg K2O ha-1. A positive interaction between soil applied P and K with N in plant system was observed. Potassium treatments not only increased K concentration but also affected N and P contents in potato tubers. The quality parameters like dry matter, specific gravity, starch contents, vitamin-C and ash contents were also affected with P and K fertilization.
1Land Resources Research Institute, NARC, Islamabad, Pakistan 2Grain Quality Testing Labaratory 3National Potato Program, Horticulture Research Institute 4Sugar crops Research program, Crop Sciences Institute 5Soil and water testing Lab. Old Shujabad, Multan, Pakistan. |
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