Changes in availability and uptake of soil phosphorus influenced by management practices and crop growth stages under peanut cultivation in medium black clay soil of Saurashtra region, Gujarat

Abstract

Aim:To investigate efficient utilization of soil phosphorus for peanut nutrition through integration of management practices in medium black clay soils of Saurashtra region in Gujarat. Methodology: Soil phosphorus availability and uptake by peanut plants were assessed at five plant growth stages under six different management practices in Kharif season. The availability of soil P was estimated by Olsen P and Resin P extraction methods. The biomass production and phosphorus uptake at each growth stages were observed in order to draw the relationship between these parameters. Results: The management practices like raised bed with polythene mulch, integrated and organic nutrient management was consistently found promising for enhanced availability and uptake of soil phosphorus under peanut cultivation. The Olsen P decreased with plant growth under all the management options, except organic and integrated nutrient management practices. In contrary, the resin P generally increased with plant growth, especially under inorganic and organic nutrient management and raised bed with polythene mulch practices. Irrespective of growth stages, the phosphorus uptake by peanut plants was significantly and strongly correlated with biomass production (r=0.85, p<0.01) and Olsen P(r=0.41, P<0.05). Interpretation: The results indicate that phosphorus requirement of peanut plants can be efficiently met by integrating land and nutrient management practices in these medium black clay soils.