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Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research

NPK fertilization of groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea I.) under irrigated environment

 N. O. Mukhtar¹ and A. M. Badr eldin¹


Abstract:

All agronomic practices on groundnuts in the vertisols of the central Sudan have been well established for more than 40 years of research. Some fragmentary trials on the influence of NPK on the crop yield gave erratic results.

The present work was carried out to solve the controversy about the extent of response to NPK as compared to N-fixation alone. The experiment was performed in 1989-91 at the Gezira Research Farm with alkaline heavy clay vertisols, using the groundnut variety Ashford sown in the first week of June every year. Fertilizers were applied at sowing.

All parameters studied were from samples taken starting 4 weeks from sowing (4WS) then fortnightly thereafter till harvest. It was found that potassium and phosphorus exerted erratic influence on crop yields as was reported by earlier workers. Nitrogen gave significantly reproducible more yields at 43 kg N/ba (starter dose). Nitrogen, unless given in a high enough dose to meet the undefined needs of the crop, would only be given in small amounts to boost crop stand without suppressing BNF. The seasonal variation in yield observed, though an old phenomenon, still remains unresolved. It did not seem to be related to NPK or soil type but weather conditions like rainfall and high temperatures might contribute. The highest share for yield fluctuation is most probably attributed to crop management specially weed control and plant density.

Keywords:

Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 1(1998) PP. 21-25