Impact of vermicompost and NPK application on biomass partitioning, nutrient uptake and productivity of arecanut (Areca catechu L.)

Abstract

A long-term field experiment (1998 to 2010) investigated the effects of vermicompost (VC) and chemical fertilizers (CF) application alone or in combination on biomass partitioning, nutrient uptake and productivity of arecanut. Trunk biomass (kg palm−1) was significantly higher with integrated treatments (40.8–43.0) than control (23.9). Biomass partitioning to kernel varied between 4.6% in control to 7.7% in CF 100 and 200% nitrogen (N)- phosphorus (P)- potassium (K). The leaf P and K content varied significantly among treatments. The N immobilized in trunk (g palm−1) was significantly higher in integrated treatments (119-127) than in control (93). Phosphorus and K uptake by trunk followed same trend. The leaf K uptake and total K removed were found significant. The nutrition treatments registered significantly higher kernel yield (2508–3176 kg ha−1) than control (1721 kg ha−1). The increased yield of arecanut from chemical fertilizers (73–85%) was more pronounced when compared to VC (48–59%) and integrated treatments (46–63%) over control.