Effect of Sulphur, Zinc and Boron on Growth, Yield and Economics of Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.)] in Vertisol of Northern Karnataka

Author: Adarsh J.K., Basavaraj, Rajesh N.L., Chethan T. and Mahanthesh M.T.

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Abstract

A field experiment was carried out at farmer’s field of Kamaknur village of Kalagi taluka in Kalaburagi district Karnataka to study the effect of sulphur, zinc and boron on growth, yield and economics of watermelon in Vertisol. The experiment consisted of ten treatments with different levels of sulphur, zinc and boron and laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The yield parameters were recorded at different growth stages. The analyses of soil and plant samples had been completed with the aid of following the standard methods and procedures. It is observed that utility of 30 kg S ha-1, 1% Zn and 0.2% B at flower initiation stage (T10) has produced higher fruit length (35.26 cm), higher fruit girth (55.33 cm) with no cracking of fruits. It has resulted in higher number of fruits per plant (3.96) and higher fruit yield (65.31 t ha-1). It was profitable in terms of higher returns and B:C ratio (5.33) of watermelon production, however it was found to be on par with treatment receiving 20 kg S ha-1, 0.5% Zn and 0.1% B (T9). These results concludes that soil application of sulphur (20 kg ha-1) through bentonite sulphur @ 22 kg ha-1, foliar application of zinc (0.5 %) through zinc sulphate @ 2.5 kg ha-1 and foliar spray of boron (0.1 %) through solubor @ 0.5 kg ha-1 along with recommended dose of fertilizers was found superior in increasing the fruit yield and additionally progressed first-rate and economics of watermelon crop.

Keywords

Soil application, sulphur, fruit yield, RDF

Conclusion

Primarily based on the outcomes acquired below present investigation, it can be concluded that soil application of sulphur (20 kg ha-1) through bentonite sulphur @ 22 kg ha-1, foliar application of zinc (0.5 %) through zinc sulphate @ 2.5 kg ha-1 and foliar spray of boron (0.1 %) through solubor @ 0.5 kg ha-1 along with recommended dose of fertilizers became determined superior not only in increasing the fruit yield however additionally improved quality and economics of watermelon crop.

References

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How to cite this article

Adarsh J.K., Basavaraj, Rajesh N.L., Chethan T. and Mahanthesh M.T. (2024). Effect of Sulphur, Zinc and Boron on Growth, Yield and Economics of Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.)] in Vertisol of Northern Karnataka. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(2): 117-120.