A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif-2019 at the research field of Agricultural Research station, Chintamani, Karnataka, to assess the effect of different spacing and fertilizer levels on nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status of chia (Salvia hispanica L.). The experiment consisted of four levels of spacing (45×15, 45×30, 60×15 and 60×30 cm) and three levels of fertilizer (40:20:20, 60:40:40 and 80:60:60 kg NPK ha-1) with 12 treatment combinations, which was laid out in Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (FRCBD) replicated thrice. The results of different different spacing and fertilizers were showed that spacing (60×30 cm) and fertilizer level (80:60:60 kg NPK ha-1) had a significant effect on nutrient uptake, fertility status in soil and their values were statistically higher than all the other spacing and fertilizer levels. The findings of study reported that 60×30 cm spacing recorded significantly higher uptake of total nitrogen (114.25 kg ha-1), phosphorus (17.54 kg ha-1) and potassium (94.72 kg ha-1). On contrary, 45×15 cm spacing recorded higher available soil nitrogen (286.29 kg ha-1). Among different fertilizer levels the dosage of 80:60:60 kg NPK ha-1 recorded statistically higher total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake (104.43, 16.33 and 87.69 kg ha-1, respectively) and available soil phosphorus (62.26 kg ha-1) on contrary to that fertilizer level 40:20:20 kg NPK ha-1 obtained higher soil nitrogen (285.26 kg ha-1) compared to others. However, there was no significant effect was observed with treatment combination of spacing and fertilizers.

Chia, spacing, fertilizer, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium

On findings of the above-summarized results from one-year experimentation, the following conclusions have been drawn that increased N, P and K uptake in seed and haulm and total uptake were recorded with 60 × 30 cm spacing over rest of the spacings and higher available nitrogen was recorded with 45 × 15 cm spacing as compared to other spacings. However, significantly higher N, P and K uptake was recorded with higher dose of fertilizer 80:60:60 kg NPK ha-1. On contrary the higher available nitrogen was recorded with the fertilizer level of 40:20:20 kg NPK ha-1. Findings indicate that nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium dynamics in the soil were influenced by spacing and fertilizer application. Most treatments resulted in a net loss of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium from the soil, highlighting proper management practices are essential to optimize nutrient retention and ensure sustainable crop production.

Nunavath Umilsingh, V. Venkatachalapathi, H.S. Latha, D.V. Naveen and Yerradoddi Sindhu Sree (2023). Impact of Spacing and Fertilizer Levels on Nutrient uptake and Soil Nutrient Status of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) in eastern dry Zone of Karnataka. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(9): 485-491.