Influence of agronomic management practices on the leaf yield and nutrient uptake in palak (Beta vulgaris (L) var. bengalensis)

Abstract

The field experiment on the effect of agronomic management practices: planting geometry, nutrient management and number of harvests, on leaf yield and nutrient uptake in palak (Beta vulgaris (L) var. bengalensis) was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani in 2 x 2 x 3 factorial design with three replications. Significant variations were recorded in yields with the individual effects, but the interaction effects were found to be non significant. The superior leaf yields recorded were in the range of 102.41 to 107.22 g per plant and the highest P and K uptake with the combination of wider spacing, inorganic nutrition and higher number of harvests, the values being 0.119 and 1.46 g per plant. Based on the results, a spacing of 30 cm x10 cm and inorganic nutrient sources to provide nutrients @ 80:40:80 kg NPK ha-1 and six harvests can be recommended in palak.