Enhancing Seed and Fodder Yield Potential of Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L) with Combined Application Phosphorous and Potassium under Irrigated Conditions of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Agricultural Research Station, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

2 Horticultural Research Station, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

3 Cotton Research Station, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

4 Agronomic Research Station, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

5 The Islamia University (IUB), Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Abstract

PROPER nutrient management in crop production not only improves and stabilizes the yield, but also improve the environmental health. The productivity of berseem affected by nutrient imbalances and Poor soil fertility. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of various levels of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer on the forage and seed yield of berseem. The experiment was laidout in 3 X 4 factorial arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The P levels used were 40, 60 and 80kg ha-1 and K levels were 0, 15, 30 and 45kg ha-1. The statistical analysis data showed a significant (P< 0.05) effect on growth parameters like Crop Growth Rate (CGR), Lead Area Index (LAI) and Leaf Area Duration (LAD) of berseem in optimized fertilizer practices compared to traditional farming practice. Results recorded revealed that highest crop growth rate (5.20g m-2 day-1), Leaf Area Index (2.17) and Leaf Area Duration (125.10 days) were estimated in T8 where PK were applied @ 60:30kg ha-1 compared to all other fertilizer doses. Similar results were recorded in yield and yield attributes. The results of the study showed that maximum plant height (76cm), No. of seed per capsule (46), 1000 seed weight (1.77g), fodder yield (82tons ha-1) and seed yield (617kg ha-1) was obtained in T8. The combination of fertilizer gave maximum potential seed yield and other parameters rather than fertilizers alone.

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