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Response in Maize to Applied Potassium: Results from Field Demonstrations in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra

The paper, “Response in Maize to Applied Potassium: Results from Field Demonstrations in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra” was published in Indian Journal of Fertilisers 15 (7): 768-776, July 2019. Authored by Surinder Kumar Bansal, Patricia Imas, Bhisham Pal and Joachim Nachmansohn, the research (part of the ‘Potash for Life’ project) summarizes the results from field demonstrations of the response of Maize to applying potash fertilizer.

Abstract

Under the project ‘Potash for Life (PFL)’ launched by Indian Potash Limited, New Delhi in collaboration with ICL Fertilizers, Beer Sheva, Israel, large scale field experiments were conducted to evaluate the potassium (K) response in maize (Zea mays) and demonstrate the profitability of K fertilization on the K-depleted soils. Comprehensive pairwise (adjacent –K and +K) plot trials were carried out on 9 sites in Andhra Pradesh, 4 sites in Chhattisgarh and 22 sites in Maharashtra. Methodology used was simple and straight-forward. Two identical plots side by side (in pair) were selected. One was fertilized with K and other did not receive any K. As revealed by the data, significant yield increase due to K application was obtained at each and every site. Mean yield increase due to K application was 407 and 664 kg ha-1 in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, respectively which was 7.0 and 19.8% higher over control (-K). For Chhattisgarh, these values were 1053 kg ha-1 or 19.0% more, but this increase was not statistically significant. Additional average profit accrued from K application was Rs. 4,568; 7,662 and 12,997 ha-1 in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, respectively.

Keywords: Potash fertilization, field demonstrations, maize, potash for life