5. Improving growth and yield of potato through potassium and zinc fertilization
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Abstract
A trial was carried out to evaluate the impact of potassium and Zinc on the growth and production of potato at Agricultural Research Institute Mingora Swat, during winter 2014. The trial was carried out in RCBD with two factors, and 3 replications. Four levels of potassium (0, 90, 120 and 150 kg ha-1) and three zinc levels (0, 5 and 10 kg ha-1) were used in the experiment. The various parameters studied during experiment were tillers number plant-1, leaves plant-1, plant height, number of tubers plant-1, and weight of tubers plant-1. Potassium and zinc application at various levels were significant for all parameters except emergence percentage. 120 kg K ha-1 increased number of tillers plant-1 (3.0), leaves plant-1 (15.7), plant height (28.0 cm), tubers plant-1 (11.9), weight of tubers plant-1 (524 g). Application at 10 kg Zn ha-1 maximizes number of tillers plant-1 (2.9), number of leaves plant-1 (15.5), plant height (27.6 cm), number of tubers plant-1 (11.3), tubers weight plant-1 (503 g). Most of the parameters were not significantly different from that of 5 kg Zn ha-1. None of the studied parameters was significantly affected by K and Zn interaction. On the basis of the current research, potassium 120 kg ha-1 and zinc 5 kg ha-1 gave maximum yield of potato in Swat valley.
Keywords: Potato; Potassium; Zinc