The need for precise nutrient application has become crucial in agriculture due to climate change and intensive farming practices. Deficiencies in potassium, magnesium and sulphur are critical for enhancing both crop yield and quality. Additionally, agrochemical residues in soil, water and farm products pose significant challenges. Mahalaabh (K2SO4·MgSO4·6H2O), a combination of potassium, sulphur and magnesium, offers a balanced solution to address these issues. Field experiments were conducted during the Kharif season of 2023-24 at Agrocel Industries Pvt. Ltd., Kachchh, to evaluate the impact of Mahalaabh on castor, cotton and groundnut crops. The trials were executed in a Randomized Block Design, testing different doses of Mahalaabh powder through foliar spray, fertigation and granular soil application. The results demonstrated that Mahalaabh powder is effective in enhancing productivity across the tested crops. In castor, higher doses of 10 kg/acre through drip irrigation and 20g/L foliar application increased productivity by 22.3% and 14.3% over the recommended fertilizer dose (RFD), respectively. However, in cotton, lower doses of 6kg/acre through drip irrigation and 10g/L through foliar application were more effective, resulting in 3.8% and 5.3% yield enhancements compared to RFD. In groundnut, foliar spray at 15 g/L applied thrice at 30-35, 50-55, and 70-75 days after sowing (DAS) was effective, resulting in a 22.9% higher pod yield compared to RFD. These findings highlight the importance of balanced nutrient management practices tailored to specific crop requirements for achieving optimal agricultural productivity.
Author(s) Details:
Suresh Acharya
S.D. Agricultural University, Sarkarkrushinagar, Dantiwada, India.
Kishan N. Patel
Department of Agronomy, S.D. Agricultural University, Sarkarkrushinagar, Dantiwada, India.
Rahul G. Dharaviya
Department of Agronomy, S.D. Agricultural University, Sarkarkrushinagar, Dantiwada, India.
Recent Global Research Developments in Potassium Schoenite’s Impact on Cotton and Groundnut Growth and Yield
Potassic Fertilizer Management for Sustainable Groundnut Productivity in India: A Review [1]:
The world population is rapidly increasing, and agriculture faces the challenge of producing more food to feed this growing population.
Nutrient management is crucial for sustainable crop production.
Potassium (K) is a multifunctional nutrient essential for plant growth.
Groundnut (peanut) crop responds well to K application, especially during early stages.
Proper K management can enhance crop yield and improve tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Effect of Potassium Schoenite (Mahalaabh) on Growth and Yield of Castor (Ricinus communis L.) [2]:
Foliar spray of potassium schoenite (15 g/L) applied thrice during specific growth stages resulted in a 22.9% higher pod yield in groundnut compared to recommended fertilizer dose (RFD).
Advances in Biotechnology for Groundnut Improvement [3]:
Biotechnological approaches, such as overexpressing antifungal plant defensins and host-induced gene silencing, have been explored to enhance groundnut resistance against pathogens like Aspergillus flavus.
References
- Borah, B. (2021). Potassic Fertilizer Management for Sustainable Groundnut Productivity in India: A Review. Agricultural Reviews, 42(4), 398-405.
- Ojiewo CO, Janila P, Bhatnagar-Mathur P, Pandey MK, Desmae H, Okori P, Mwololo J, Ajeigbe H, Njuguna-Mungai E, Muricho G, Akpo E, Gichohi-Wainaina WN, Variath MT, Radhakrishnan T, Dobariya KL, Bera SK, Rathnakumar AL, Manivannan N, Vasanthi RP, Kumar MVN and Varshney RK (2020) Advances in Crop Improvement and Delivery Research for Nutritional Quality and Health Benefits of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Front. Plant Sci. 11:29. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00029
