Response of leaf yield and leaf mineral content to varying nitrogen rates on amaranth varieties

Abstract

A field experiments was conducted during May to August of 2016, at the College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, Karnatak. The objective of an experiment was to determine the effects of N rates (0, 75, 100, 125 and 150 kg N ha-1) on clipping amaranth varieties (Arka Suguna, Arka Arunima, Arka Verna, CO-3 and CO-5), for leaf yield and leaf mineral content at different clippings. The obtained result of the experiment, indicated that increasing N applied rate was accompanied with significant increases in leaf yield at all clippings. With regarding to amaranth varieties, Arka Arunima recorded significantly highest total leaf yield, while CO - 3 maintained yield levels after each clipping but rest of other verities exhibited gradual reduction in yield after each clippings. The interaction between the two studied factors showed, application of 150 kg N ha-1 to CO-3 appeared to be the most efficient combination treatment at different clippings, Moreover, leaf Ca and Mg content was significantly increased with increasing N applied rate up to 150 kg N ha-1. With regarding to leaf Ca content, combination of 150 kg N ha-1 and Arka Verna gave highest result on leaf Ca content at 1st, 3rd and 5th clippings.