Effect of different nitrogen levels on growth and yield of radish

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is a key nutrient influencing radish (Raphanus sativus L.) growth, root development, and yield. A field experiment with four nitrogen levels (0, 50, 60, 70 kg/ha) was conducted to assess their impact on growth, flowering, and yield traits. Vegetative parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, and leaf length improved with increasing N, enhancing photosynthetic capacity. Root length, girth, and weight were highest at 60 kg N/ha, which produced the maximum root yield (\~376 q/ha). However, excessive N (70 kg/ha) delayed flowering and reduced seed yield. The best seed yield (\~7.3 q/ha) and earliest flowering occurred at 50 kg N/ha. Thus, 50-60 kg N/ha emerged as the optimal range for maximizing both root and seed productivity. These results highlight the importance of balanced nitrogen management for efficient radish production in Punjab’s sandy loam soils.