Influence of NPK fertilization on dry matter partitioning in Chia (Salvia hispanica L.)

Introduction

Based on the present scenario, malnutrition remains a serious concern particularly in developing countries. One effective approach to address this issue is the promotion and adoption of underutilized "super crops" that are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fibre, and minerals (Mary et al.2018) [8] . Historical evidence indicates that Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) was widely used by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, particularly the Aztecs and Mayans, for nutrition and medicinal purposes. It was considered as important crop next to beans in pre-Columbian societies (Ullah et al. 2016) [14] . The term "chia" or "chian" is derived from Spanish and refers to "oily" (Kulczyńskiet al. 2019) [5] . It is classified as a nutri-oilseed. Chia seeds contain about 30-40% oil out of which nearly 60% is omega-3 (α-linolenic acid). They are also a good source of protein (15-20%), fats (30-33%), carbohydrates (26-41%), dietary fibre (18-30%), ash (4-5%), along with minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Due to this rich nutritional composition, chia is widely regarded as a nutraceutical and functional food. In addition to its nutritional benefits, it also plays a role in reducing the risk of several chronic diseases (Muñoz et al. 2013 and Prathyusha et al. 2019) [10,11] . Currently Chia is cultivated in 16 nations and analysis of the global demand of chia indicates that in the future years the land area under chia will increase, as demand for omega-3 supplements is not completely fulfilled worldwide. Chia seeds also have the potential to meet the protein and fibre demands in coming future (Ayerza and Coates, 2011 and Silveria and Salas, 2014) [1] . The global demand of chia indicates that in the future years the land area under chia will increase, as demand for omega-3 supplements is not completely fulfilled worldwide. Chia has become increasingly popular as a dietary supplement, especially among individuals following vegetarian and gluten-free diets (Kamble et al. 2022) [6] . Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is a promising emerging crop widely recognized as a "superfood" owing to its recognized health benefits.

Interna tional Jo urna l o f Adva nced Bio chemistry Research 20 26 ; SP-10(8 ): 1745 -1 748

It is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, originating from Mexico and Guatemala (Ixtaina et al. 2008) [3] . The plant can grow up to 1.5 m in height, and its seeds are the primary edible component (Karim et al. 2015) [4] . The seeds of Chia are small, oval-shaped and exhibit mottled colours such as brown, grey, black, and white. Application of the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is important for improving the growth and productivity of Chia. Among these, nitrogen is often the most critical, as it forms an essential component of nucleic acids, nucleotides, alkaloids, chlorophyll, phosphatides, enzymes and vitamins. As a result, it enhances water-use efficiency, increases resistance to environmental stresses, delays senescence, and prolongs the plant's lifespan. Phosphorus is involved in photosynthesis, acts as an energy carrier and helps to regulate the translocation of nutrients within the plant (Mengel et al. 2001) [7] . Potassium plays a crucial role in the synthesis of proteins and carbohydrates and facilitates the movement of sugars from leaves to seeds. It also acts as an activator of enzymes involved in photosynthesis. In addition, potassium helps regulate osmotic balance in plant cells, maintaining turgor pressure and thereby enhancing the plant's tolerance to stresses such as drought, frost, salinity, fungal infections, and diseases (Abd El-Daiem & El-Borhamy, 2015) [2] The present study aims to standardize the optimal NPK fertilizer dose required for higher growth and biomass production of chia. This research seeks to provide a scientific basis for the inclusion of chia as a high-value, climate-resilient and nutritionally rich crop, thereby improving farmer's income and promoting sustainable agriculture in the region. The soils in this region, mainly medium to deep black soils, are often deficient in key nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus. Application of an optimum NPK dose tailored to local soil and climatic conditions helps in optimizing nutrient uptake, leading to better growth and dry matter partitioning in Chia, being a relatively new crop in India, has high nutritional and economic value but its success depends on appropriate agronomic practices particularly nutrient management.

Materials and Methods

The present investigation was conducted during the rabi season of 2025-26 at AICRP on Medicinal And Aromatic Plants and Betelvine, Nagarjuna Medicinal Plant Garden, Dr PDKV, Akola which is situated at 20.675º N Latitude and 76.785º E Longitude. 307.42 meters above mean sea level in central (Vidarbha) agro-ecological zone of Maharashtra plateau. The soil of the experimental site was fine grained, clayey texture black cotton soils, having a neutral to moderately alkaline pH (7.81), medium in organic carbon (4.68 g kg -1 ), low in available nitrogen (172.9 kg ha -1 ), medium in available phosphorus (14.08 kg ha -1 ) andhigh in available potassium (360.3 kg ha -1 ).The weather conditions during the crop period were generally favourable for nutrient uptake and biomass development. At establishment (47th MW), the crop experienced 28.9°C maximum and 11.0°C minimum temperature, which supported early root growth. During vegetative growth (49-52 MW), temperatures of 28.0-29.2°C and 7.0-10.1 h sunshine provided suitable conditions for nutrient use and biomass accumulation. Flowering occurred under 28.8-34.0°C during 1-9 MW, favouring nutrient translocation and reproductive growth. During seed filling (10-13 MW), temperatures rose to 35.6-39.3°C with 8.2-9.5 h sunshine, hastening maturity and highlighting the importance of adequate NPK supply before the late-season heat.The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block design (RBD) with eight treatments and three replications. The plot size was 5.40 cm x 4.50 cm inaccordance with the treatment the seeds were sown during Rabi season 2025-26.The treatments were T 1 (Control),T 2 (20:10:10 kg NPK ha -1 ),T 3 (30:15:15 kg NPK ha -1 ),T 4 (40:20:20 kg NPK ha -1 ),T 5 (50:25:25 kg NPK ha - 1 ),T 6 (60:30:30 kg NPK ha -1 ),T 7 (70:35:35 kg NPK ha -1 ) and T 8 (80:40:40 kg NPK ha -1 ). In all treatments, 50 % N and full dose of P and K will be applied at the time of sowing and remaining 50 % dose of nitrogen will be applied at 35 days after sowing. Dry matter production was recorded at 30, 60, 90 DAS and at harvest.Total dry matter estimation was done by destructive sampling method. From net plot five plants were uprooted. The plants were separated into roots, stems and leaves, shade-dried for a few days and then oven-dried at 65°C until a constant weight was attained. The dry weights of all plant parts were recorded, summed to obtain the total dry matter plant -1 and means of five plants expressed in g plant -1 .

Results and Discussion

The data on Dry matter partitioning (Root, leaf, stem and total) at various stages of crop growth (30, 60, 90 DAS and at harvest) as influenced by different treatments are presented in Table 1 and2.

The data revealed that different NPK levels significantly influenced root dry matter at all periodical observations. Root dry matter accumulation increased progressively with crop growth from 30 DAS to 90 DAS under all NPK treatments. The root dry matter was increased significantly with 70:35:35 kgNPK ha -1 (T 7 ) among the all treatments attaining a maximum of 4.29 g plant⁻¹ at harvest was at par with 80:40:40 kg NPK ha -1 (T 8 ) with 4.26 g plant⁻¹. The lowest values were observed under Control (T 1 ) with 3.01 g plant⁻¹. The higher root dry matter under 70:35:35 kg NPK ha -1 may be associated with improved nutrient availability and root growth Leaf Dry Matter (g plant -1 ) Leaf dry matter was significantly affected by the different NPK treatments at all periodical observations. Among the treatments, 70:35:35 kg NPK ha -1 T 7 ) consistently produced the highest leaf dry matter with 8.67 g plant⁻¹ at harvest, being at par with 80:40:40 kg NPK ha -1 T 8 -8.27g plant⁻¹. While, control treatment T 1 recorded lowest leaf dry matter with 5.24 g plant⁻¹ at harvest. The enhanced leaf biomass under T 7 was attributed to the readily availability of balanced nutrients, which stimulated vigorous vegetative growth and greater photosynthetic activity.

The Stem dry matter presented significant variation with different NPK Levels at all periodical observations. The application of 70:35:35 Kg NPK ha -1 intreatment T₇ produced the significantly higher stem biomass throughout the crop period reaching 9.66 g plant -1 at harvest which was statistically at par with application of 80:40:40 kg NPK ha - 1 T 8 with 9.32 g plant -1 . The increased biomass in T 7 is due to enhanced nutrient availability, which promotes stem elongation and thickening.

The total dry matter partitioning of chia was significantly influenced by different NPK levels at all growth stages (30, 60, 90 DAS and at harvest). Total dry matter increased progressively with crop age under all treatments. The general mean total dry matter increased from 3.95 g plant⁻¹ at 30 DAS to 22.39 g plant⁻¹ at harvest. At 30 DAS, the highest total dry matter was recorded with 4.65 g plant⁻¹ under T₇ (70:35:35 kg NPK ha⁻¹) which was significantly superior to the remaining treatments while the lowest value was observed in the Control (T₁) with 3.59 g plant⁻¹. A similar pattern was observed at 60 DAS, where T 8 produced the highest dry matter (10.34 g plant⁻¹) which was at par with T 7 with (9.89 g plant⁻) and T 6 (8.86 g plant⁻). At 90 DAS, the maximum total dry matter was recorded under T₇ with 17.31 g plant⁻¹ remained statistically at par with T₈ which has 16.66 g plant⁻¹ and T₆ with 14.49 g plant⁻¹, whereas, the control treatment has 9.63 g plant⁻¹. At harvest, T₇ recorded the highest total dry matter 25.93 g plant⁻¹, which was statistically at par with T₈ has 25.80 g plant⁻¹. The lowest total dry matter at harvest was observed under the control (T₁) was 17.03 g plant⁻¹. The application of 70:35:35 NPK kg ha⁻¹ resulted in the highest accumulation of leaf, stem and root dry matter plant - 1 at harvest, Total plant dry matter steadily increased until harvest. However, plants receiving optimal fertilizer doses leading to greater dry matter accumulation compared to those with lower fertilizer levels. The improved dry matter production at higher fertilizer levels was attributed to enhanced nutrient availability and metabolite supply, supporting both vegetative growth and reproductive development. Similar results were also reported by Mohanty et al. (2022) [9] , who observed in chia that increased dry matter production with higher nitrogen levels owning to improved nutrient availability and photosynthetic efficiency. Similarly Singh et al. (2023) [13] reported in chia that application of 80:60:60 kg NPK ha⁻¹ resulted higher dry matter accumulation as compared with lower fertilizer levels. The higher dry matter accumulation was associated with greater plant height, number of leaves and primary and secondary branches.

Conclusion

The present investigation showed that NPK application markedly influenced dry matter partitioning in chia. Among the nutrient levels evaluated, application of 70:35:35 kg NPK ha -¹ was superior for overall dry matter production and partitioning and was generally comparable with application of 80:40:40 kg NPK ha -1 for several components.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgementI would like to express my Special thanks of gratitude to my Advisor Dr. Nitin K. Patke, Associate Professor, Department of Agronomy, PGI (Dr. PDKV, Akola) who gave me the golden opportunity to do this wonderful research and I am grateful to the Head of the Department of Agronomy, PGI (Dr. PDKV, Akola) for providing all the necessary facilities for conducting the research work.

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