Study on N, P, K uptake influenced by the application of hydrogel and mulching on maize (Zea mays L.) in sandy soil

Abstract

A research trial was conducted to Study on N, P, K uptake influenced by the application of hydrogel and mulching on maize in sandy soil by using randomised block design with two factors (hydrogel and mulching) with three levels each and one additional control. Main and interaction effects and a control were analysed statistically. Application of hydrogel @ 2.5 kg ha-1 recorded the highest stover, grain and total N and P uptake. The highest K uptake by grain was recorded by application of hydrogel @ 2.5 kg ha-1, while maximum stover and total K uptake was recorded in hydrogel @ 3.75 kg ha-1. Among types of mulch maximum stover, grain and total N, P, K uptake was recorded by the application of rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1. Among interactions, maximum total N and P uptake was recorded in which hydrogel @ 2.5 kg ha-1 with rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1 and maximum total K uptake was recorded in hydrogel @ 3.75 kg ha-1 with rice straw mulch applied @ 5 t ha-1.