Phosphorus and potassium distribution as influenced by fertigation in arecanut rhizosphere

Abstract

As a part of long term study on fertigation in arecanut (Areca catechu L.) initiated in 1996 at Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Vittal in Karnataka, an experiment was conducted in 1999 to study the effect offertigation comprising of different fertilizer doses and frequencies of application on the distribution pattern of available phosphorus and potassium in soil. The available P and K distribution in soil was significantly affected by both depth and distance from dripping point. The concentration of both available P and K was maximum at the dripping point within 30 ern depth. The available P and K content were the highest at the dripping point and declined progressively with distance from dripping point. Nutrient distribution pattern showed that both 50 % and 100%NPK levels maintained more or less same available phosphorus and potassium concentration in arecanut rhizosphere. This study gives scope for reducing the fertilizer dose if applied through drip irrigation on long term basis.