Influence of Hydrogel and Graded Levels of Fertigation on Soil Nutrient Status and Biochemical Compositions of Mulberry

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of graded levels of fertigation integrated with Zeba hydrogel on soil properties, nutrient availability, physiological traits and biochemical quality of mulberry. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with eight treatment combinations and three replications. The treatments consisted of varied levels of recommended doses of nitrogen and potassium through fertigation with and without hydrogel, along with conventional recommended doses of fertilizers and recommended doses of nitrogen and potassium as controls. Results revealed that soil pH, electrical conductivity and organic carbon were not significantly affected by treatments, indicating no adverse impact on soil chemical properties. However, post-harvest soil available N, P and K were significantly higher under fertigation combined with hydrogel, with the highest values recorded in T₆ (100 % RDNK through fertigation + Zeba hydrogel @ 6 kg ac⁻¹). Leaf nutrient status (N, P and K), chlorophyll content, leaf moisture, carbohydrate, crude protein and crude fibre contents were also significantly enhanced under hydrogel, assisted fertigation, especially in T₆ (100 % RDNK through fertigation + Zeba hydrogel @ 6 kg ac⁻¹). The improvement was attributed to efficient nutrient delivery, reduced leaching losses and improved soil moisture retention under hydrogel application. The study concludes that integration of fertigation with Zeba hydrogel is a sustainable and efficient approach for improving soil fertility, physiological performance and leaf quality of mulberry.