Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on the yield and quality of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L) in the red loam soils of Kerala

Abstract

A trial was conducted in the red loam soils of the farm attached to the College of Agriculture Vellayani, Kerala State, during the year 1967 to study the response to graded doses of nitrogen and phosphorus on the yield and Quality of groundnut variety. The data relating to the yield and quality factors were studied. Quadratic response curves were fitted to the yield data and ihe optimum as well as the economic doses of nitrogen and phosphorus were determined. There was significant positive response in yield to nitrogen and phosphorus application. The 10kg. level of nitrogen gave the highest yield. Phosphorus has progressively increased the yield with incremental doses. A combination of 10 Kg. nitrogen and 75 kg. P5O has given the maximum pod yield of 2195.24 Kg/ha. The oil content of kernel was significantly depressed by nitrogen application. But phosphorus application has resulted in a significant increase in oil content. Graded doses of nitrogen and phosphorus could markedly increase the protein content of kernel. The economic doses were found to be 12.72 kg. nitrogen and 54.04 kg. P2O3/ha.