Effect of Application of K and Na on Growth and Yield of Coleus (Solenostemon rotundifolius)

摘要

Potassium (K) is considered essential for the growth of all plants. Tuber crops, especially, have a high requirement of K. But no potash fertilizer is manufactured in India. Muriate of potash, the sole source of K, is being imported and this makes the material costly. Sodium is essential only for halophytes. But it is reported to have beneficial effects on the growth of many plants when used in combination with K. In this study, the interactive effect of K and sodium on the growth, yield and nutrient concentration of Coleus, a minor tuber crop of the tropical region was investigated in a field experiment. Treatments of 50 and 100 kg K ha-1 in combination with 50, 75 and 100 kg Na ha-1 were tested in randomized block design with full recommended dose of 100 kg K ha-1 as control. A synergistic interaction between K and Na at 50:50 proportions was noticed as revealed by the observed higher values of growth parameters.