Effect of Different Levels of Water Soluble NPK(20-20-20) Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of White Radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Abstract

Fertilizers application plays a pivotal role in the production of vegetables and fruits. Too low or high fertilizers levels can reduce the growth and development process of plants which may affect the crop yield. To investigate the fact, a field experiment was carried out to check the growth and yield of radish on a sandy soil, under desert climatic conditions by using drip irrigation system. The field study was carried out on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) having nine different rates of water soluble NPK_(20-20-20) fertilizer, i.e. (T₁ = control, T₂ = 0.25, T₃ = 0.50, T₄ = 0.75,  T₅ = 1.00, T₆ = 1.25, T₇ = 1.50, T₈ = 1.75, and T₉ = 2.00) grams plant^-1 fertigation^-1 respectively. The results revealed that NPK_(20-20-20) fertilizers with different rates brought a positive effect in radish cultivation. Amongst all the treatments, T₆ was observed to be more suitable and economical dose as it took the tallest radish plants (38.83 cm), highest number of leaves (20.74), highest leaves weight (260.12 g), highest root length (32.62 cm), maximum root diameter (11.06 cm), highest root weight (198.80 g), maximum total biomass (458.91 g) and maximum root yield (76.23 t/ha) respectively. However, control plots showed inadequate results regarding all the parameters. The application of NPK_(20-20-20) (T₆ = 1.25 grams plant^-1 fertigation^-1) was found suitable for the best possible growth and yield of radish under desert conditions. Application of fertilizers beyond this level seems to be an un-economical and wasteful practice.