Growth, yield and quality of Kharif groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) as affected by different levels of nitrogen, potassium and zinc in lateritic soils of Konkan

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Growth, Yield and Quality of Kharif Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) as affected by different levels of nitrogen, potassium and zinc in lateritic soils of Konkan” was conducted at Irrigation Scheme, Pangari Block of CES, Wakawali during Kharif season of 2012 and 2013. The field experiment was laid out in split-split plot design comprising of 27 treatment combinations replicated in thrice. Main plots consisting of three levels of nitrogen (12.5, 25 and 50 kg N ha-1). In sub plot, treatment comprised of three levels of potassium (15, 30 and 45 kg K2O ha-1) and sub-sub plot treatment comprised of three levels of zinc application (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 kg Zn ha-1). The application of nitrogen, potassium and zinc at various levels showed significant influence on growth and yield attributing characters viz., height of plant, shelling percentage and test weight in groundnut. The pod and haulm yield of groundnut as well as quality parameters like protein, oil methionine in kernel were recorded higher by the treatment N3 (50 kg N ha-1), K3 (45 kg K2O ha-1) and Zn3 (7.5 kg Zn ha-1) treatment respectively.