Effect of Temporal Application of Gypsum on Mineral Uptake and Economically Important Morphometric Traits in Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L) under Rain-fed Conditions
Muhammad Jahanzaib1*, Nazakat Nawaz1, Muhammad Arshad1, Shehzadi Saima4, Muhammad Suhaib2, Muzammil Husain3, Haris Khurshid1 and Shahid Ali Khan1
ABSTRACT
Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L) is an important cash crop grown in semi-arid regions of Pakistan. Groundnut is a good source of protein, edible oil, and vitamins. A gradual decline in groundnut yield has been reportedly subjected to various agro-climatic conditions and soil fertility problems. In this study, various regimes of gypsum application and its effect on groundnut yield, morphometric parameters, and minerals (Ca, K, P) concentration in root and shoot have been examined. A newly released Pothowar groundnut variety (Variety name) was grown in 3 replications with 5 m row length using a randomized complete block design. Five different treatments were applied in two split doses i.e. T1 (0 %:100 %), T2 (25 %:75 %), T3 (50 %:50 %), T4 (75 %:25 %), and T5 (100 %:0 %) at the time of sowing and pegging compared with Check (T0). Results showed significant differences among treatments for yield and related agronomic traits as well as mineral concentration in response to gypsum application. The highest pod yield (3522.2kg/ha), root biomass (9.03g/ plant), and nodules (382/ plant) were observed in treatment T3. The calcium concentration (0.80 %) in shoots of T3 was the highest. In the present study application of gypsum at the time of sowing and pegging was found to have a positive effect on grain yield and mineral concentration. We recommend that optimum doses of the gypsum should be applied to enhance groundnut yield.
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