Response of potassium and micronutrients on nutrient uptake and economics of pigeon pea

Abstract

A field experiment was planned and conducted during Kharif 2016-17 to evaluate the “Potassium management through soil application and foliar sprays in red gram under Vertisols”. The experiment was conducted at Departmental Research Farm of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The nutrient uptake of pigeon pea was significantly enhanced with the application of potassium and Grade I or Grade II micronutrient along with RDF. Application of RDF + 50 kg K2O ha-1 + Grade I micronutrient showed maximum uptake of N, P, K and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu) in pigeon pea plant and grain, followed by RDF + 50 kg K2O ha-1 + Grade II micronutrient and RDF + 25 kg K2O ha-1 + Grade II micronutrient.Thus, GMR and NMR was maximum when pigeon pea received RDF + 50 kg K2O + Grade I micronutrient application followed by RDF + 50 kg K2O + Grade II micronutrient. Benefit cost ratio (1.82) was higher in treatment RDF + 50 kg K2O + Grade I micronutrient followed by (1.75) RDF + 50 kg K2O + Grade II micronutrient.