Effect of bio-stimulants on biomass production, nutrient content and uptake in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, G.K.V.K, Bangalore, during Rabi 2022-23 and Kharif 2023 to evaluate the impact of bio-stimulants on biomass production, nutrient content and uptake in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). The study comprised a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with eight treatments, including soil application of humic acid, amino acid, seaweed extract, and microbial consortia-based bio-stimulants and replicated three times. Results indicated that, the treatment combination of whole tubers + RDF + Humic acid @ 2 ml L-1 recorded significantly maximum fresh biomass yield (884.75 and 930.28 g plant-1) and dry biomass yield (151.30 and 159.56 g plant-1) during Rabi and Kharif, respectively. Similarly, during Rabi season, maximum nitrogen content (1.60%, 1.84% & 1.27%), phosphorus content (0.97%, 0.16% & 1.11%) and potassium content (2.08%, 1.89% & 3.33%), respectively was recorded in leaves, stems and tubers. During Kharif season, maximum nitrogen content (1.63%, 1.85% & 1.30%), phosphorus content (0.68%, 0.18% & 1.12%) and potassium content (2.12%, 1.92% & 3.38%), respectively was found in leaves, stems and tubers. Same treatment combination resulted in maximum nitrogen uptake (28.84, 41.31 & 71.42 kg ha-1), phosphorus uptake (17.95, 3.66, & 62.44 kg ha-1) and potassium uptake (37.65, 42.42 & 186.37 kg ha-1), respectively found in leaves, stems and tubers during Rabi season. At the similar manner, higher nitrogen uptake (32.86, 42.67 & 76.03 kg ha-1), phosphorus uptake (13.68, 4.22, & 65.87 kg ha-1) and potassium uptake (42.56, 44.28 & 198.24 kg ha-1), respectively by leaves, stems and tubers was recorded during Kharif season. Whereas, lower biomass production, nutrient content and uptake were found in control.