Growth and productivity of potato (cv. Kufri Jyoti) and soil nutrient status as influenced by different nutrient management in new alluvial zone of West Bengal

Abstract

Aim: A field experiment was conducted during winter season to study the effect of different nutrient management on growth and productivity of potato (cv. Kufri Jyoti) and soil nutrient status in new alluvial zone of West Bengal. Methodology: The experimental site is located at Regional Research Station, New Alluvial Zone of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidalaya, Gayeshpur, Nadia, West Bengal at an altitude of 9.75m amsl. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications and consisted of eight different treatments. Observations on growth and yield attributes were recorded and soil nutrient analysis was carried out before planting and after harvest of potato. Results:The highest values of plant height (48.47 cm), dry matter accumulation (686.70 gm-2) and crop growth rate (7.78 gm-2day-1) was observed in the treatment (T7) receiving 100% recommended dose of fertilizer, which was statistically at par with integrated nutrient management receiving 50% RDF + 50% N as farmyard manure . Similarly, 100% RDF (T7) gave better yield parameters like dry weight of tuber (547.95 e C gm-2), number of tubers per hill (5.57), tuber bulking rate (9.33 gm-2) and maximum tuber yield of 22.19 t ha-1 which was also statistically at par with integrated nutrient management receiving 50% RDF + 50% N as farmyard manure with tuber yield of 21.72 t ha-1. However, organic nutrient management containing 1/3rd recommended N each from farmyard manure, vermicompost, neemcake along with rock phosphate, phosphorus solubilizing bacteria and Azotobacter showed significantly highest organic carbon content, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium content in soil among the various organic treatments followed by integrated nutrient management. Interpretation: The growth and yield attributes of potato were found to be significantly improved in the treatment receiving 100 % recommended dose of fertilizer and 50% RDF + 50% N as farmyard manure, respectively. However, all the organic based treatments showed significant improvement in soil nutrient status like organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium.