PJB-2020-364
EFFECT OF MICRONUTRIENTS CONSORTIA AND POTASSIUM HUMATE ON YIELD AND FORTIFICATION OF Zn, Fe AND B IN TOMATO FRUIT
Ashfaq Ahmad Rahi
Abstract
Deficiency of micronutrients and poor status of organic matter in soils are major hurdles in optimum crop yield achievements. Humic substances enhance the micronutrients bioavailability by improvement in soil physiochemical properties, thus can play a vital role in crop yield enhancement. Increasing food demand and intensive cultivation have increased the need of humic substances application as an amendment in soil. Tomato is widely consumed as a fresh food and in processed form. However, its susceptibility towards micronutrients deficiency causes a significant reduction in yield. This study was done to examine the influence of K-humate (0, 5, 10 and 15 kg ha-1) on yield and availability of the micronutrients (B, Zn, Fe) consortia applied at different rates (0, 50, 75 and 100%) to tomato. The results showed that increasing level of K-humate significantly improved yield, total biomass and harvesting index of tomato. It also enhanced the uptake of Zn and Fe but did not affect B concentration in tomato fruit. Higher application rates (75-100%) of micronutrients consortia also enhanced the uptake of Zn, Fe and B in tomato fruit. In conclusion, both K-humate (applied at 10-15 kg ha-1) and micronutrients consortia (75-100%) effectively enhance the yield and micronutrients fortification of tomato.
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