Effect of Sulphur and Foliar Application of Micronutrients on Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at village Raita, Taluka Kalyan, District Thane during Rabi 2023 on peanut crop (Arachis hypogaea L) in a medium black calcareous slightly alkaline soil. The experiment was carried out to study the effect of elemental Sulphur application at the rate of 60 kg/ha along with a foliar spray of micronutrients (Cu 1.0%, Zn 3.0%, Mn 1.0%, Fe 2.5%, B 0.5%, Mo 0.1%). The trial used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with five treatments that were replicated five times each. T1 is the control, T2 is 100% RDF, or the recommended NPK 25:50:30 alone, T3 is the recommended NPK with 60 kg/ha of elemental S, T4 is the recommended NPK with 60 kg/ha coupled with foliar micronutrient spray, and T5 is the recommended NPK with foliar micronutrient spray.  The yield and its attributes were significantly influenced when elemental Sulphur and foliar spray of micronutrients were applied. Plant height, number of pods/plant, and peanut seed output were significantly improved with the application of the prescribed fertilizer dose, 60 kg/ha of elemental sulphur, and a foliar spray of micronutrients (T4). The maximum plant height (56.1 cm), number of pods/plant (35.6), weight of pods/plant (92.1gm), weight of pod (1798.8 kg/ha), Haulm yield (2761.7 kg/ha), Dry weigh/plant (36.60gm), 100 seed weight (44.3gm) were all substantially greater in treatment (T4), Sulphur application of 60kg/ha significantly increased the content and uptake of primary nutrients and micronutrients by the plants at the harvested stage, as well showed a profound effect on soil physico-chemical properties.