Effect of different levels of gypsum and boron on yield, nutrient content and uptake by potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2018 farmers field to study the effect of different levels of gypsum and boron on yield and nutrient content and uptake by potato with twelve treatments and replicated thrice using RCBD. The study revealed that significantly higher number of tubers per plant (4.78 plant-1) and tuber weight per plant (536.12 g plant-1) and tuber yield per hectare (28.91 t ha-1) recorded with the application of 150 kg Gypsum ha-1 + Foliar spray of 0.5% Boron along with RDF +FYM. Significantly lower tuber yield was found in absolute control (12.08 t ha-1). The nitrogen (1.65% and 1.64% respectively), phosphorus (0.29% and 0.46% respectively) and potassium(2.79% and 2.28% respectively) content in haulm and tuber increased significantly with T2 + 150 kg Gypsum ha-1 + Foliar spray of 0.5% Boron and was on par T6 (T2 + 150 kg Gypsum ha-1 + Soil application of Boron @ 5 kg ha-1.Significantly lower nitrogen (1.22% and 1.02% respectively), phosphorus (0.20% and 0.24%) and potassium 1.36% and 1.48% respectively) content in haulm and tuber recorded in absolute control. As regard to uptake of nutrients significantly higher uptake nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by haulm and tuber was recorded due to application of 150 kg Gypsum ha-1 + Foliar spray of 0.5% Boron along with RDF + FYM. Significantly lower uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by haulm and tuber recorded in absolute control. The highest protein (10.28%) and starch content (79.47%) in tubers was recorded in treatment T10 (RDF + 150 kg Gypsum ha-1 + Foliar spray of 0.5%) Boron over other treatments. The highest B:C ratio (4.51) was recorded in T10 over other treatments and lowest B:C ratio was recorded in absolute control.