Influence of N and P fertilizer application on root growth, leaf photosynthesis and yield performance of groundnut

Abstract

Field experiments were carried out at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur during 2000-2002 to evaluate the effect of N and P applicaiton on the root growth, leaf photosynthesis and yield of groundnut (var. Basantibadam). Four levels of N (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg N/ha) and four levels of P (0, 13, 26 and 39 kg P/ha) were the treatment variables. The trial was set up in a randomized complete block design under factorial arrangement with three replications. Application of N and P fertilizer exerted significant effects on root development, photosynthesis, yield contributing characters and pod yield of the crop. Plant receiving 60 kg N and 39 kg P/ha had larger root system, greater photosynthetic rate and better yield contributing characters that resulted in the maximum pod yield which, however, was not significantly different from N₆₀P₂₆ treatment. Hence, it is recommended that higher yield of Basantibadam can be obtained from N₆₀P₂₆ kg/ha in salna silty clay loam soil of Madhupur tract (AEZ 28) of Bangladesh.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v32i3.538

Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 32(3) : 369-374, September 2007