Effect of Sulphur and Boron on Nutrient Uptake by Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

Boron plays an important role in new cell development in meristemetic tissues, proper pollination and fruit or seed formation and nodule formation in legumes. Sulphur also helps in the formation of plant proteins, and it is essential for the formation of chlorophyll and improves root growth. Sulphur is involved in the formation of vitamins and enzymes required for the plant to conduct its biochemical processes. The present study aimed to determine the effect of sulphur and boron on nutrient uptake by Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). An experiment was conducted at ICAR- Krishi vignyan Kendra, Kalaburagi during Rabi 2023. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with ten treatments replicated thrice. A total of 11 treatments were used for the study and the recommended dose of FYM was applied to all the treatments, except control. The cost of cultivation was computed taking into consideration the cost of various operations and inputs used for raising the crop. The gross returns are computed using the prevailing market price for the produce. The experimental data recorded were analysed statistically as per the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) technique.  The experimental results revealed that T10 - RPP + 30 kg ha-1 Sulphur + 5 kg ha-1 Borax recorded significantly higher total uptake of nitrogen (93.41 kg ha-1), phosphorus (22.77 kg ha-1), potassium (54.23 kg ha-1), sulphur (21.12 kg ha-1), boron (42.28 g ha-1) and total uptake of iron, manganese, zinc and copper status of plant (251.89, 110.28, 68.6 and 40.68 g ha-1 respectively in chickpea).  However, it was on par with T9 - RPP + 30 kg ha-1 Sulphur + 2.5 kg ha-1 Borax, T8 - RPP + 20 kg ha-1 Sulphur + 5 kg ha-1 Borax and T7 - RPP +20kg ha-1 Sulphur + 2.5 kg ha-1 Borax.   Significantly lowest total uptake of nutrients was recorded in (T1) absolute control. Higher uptake of DTPA-extractable micronutrients such as zinc, iron, copper, and manganese at harvest in the T10 treatment (Recommended package of practice + 30 kg ha-1 sulphur + 5 kg ha-1 borax) can be attributed to several key factors. Sulphur enhances soil conditions by acidifying it, which increases the solubility and availability of these micronutrients, particularly in alkaline soils where their availability is often reduced.