Effect of Potash Application on Yield and Quality of Kinnow Mandarin in Sandy Loam Soils of South Western Zone in Haryana, India

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out at CCS HAU, Hisar (Haryana) during 2017-2021 on sandy loam soils to investigate the effect of soil and foliar applied potassium on Kinnow productivity and quality. There were five treatments viz T1- 0.0g MOP plant-1 (control), T2- soil application of 175g MOP plant-1 (RDK), T3- soil application of 250.0g MOP plant-1, T4- soil application of 325.0g MOP plant-1 and T5- soil application of 175g MOP plant-1 (RDK) followed by foliar application of KNO3@ 2.0% in the end of May June and July laid out in RCBD with four replications. The data showed that treatment with soil application of 325.0g MOP plant-1  produced highest yield and yield parameters (average fruit weight, reduces fruit drop) followed by soil application of 175.0g MOP plant-1 + foliar sprays of KNO3@ 2.0% in the end of May, June and July with leaf N/K ratio of 2.18-2.27 over control and recommended dose of K. The later treatments also markedly improved the quality in respect of TSS/acid ratio and ascorbic acid content without influencing the juice and peel thickness. Over all, either soil application of 325.0g MOP plant-1 or soil application of 175.0g MOP plant-1 + foliar sprays of KNO3@ 2.0% in the end of May, June and July along with recommended dose of N and P is suggested to improve the productivity and fruit quality in Kinnow in sandy loam soils of south western zone in Haryana.