Influence of graded levels of nitrogen and potassium on root rhizosphere soil properties and yield of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas. L.) in vertisols of Maharashtra

Abstract

This study evaluated the influence of graded levels of nitrogen and potassium fertilizer on soil properties of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.). A field Experiment was conducted in kharif season during the year 2015-2016 on fine texture Vertisols at Horticulture Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Latur (Maharastra). The experiment was laid in factorial randomized block design with three replications and twelve treatments. The treatment consisted of 4 levels of nitrogen (0, 75, 100, & 125 kg ha-1) and 3 levels of potassium (0, 75, & 100 kg ha-1) were used. The application of N (125 kg ha-1) and K (100 kg ha-1) fertilizer significantly increased yield and soil properties like organic carbon content, CaCO3 and available nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and sulphur status and also micronutrient status in root rhizosphere of sweet potato were significantly increased with the treatments as compared to control, there is no significant difference in pH and EC of soils of root rhizosphere of sweet potato.