Ascertaining Impact of Potassium Schoenite (Mahalaabh) on the Yield and Its Attributes in Wheat, Mustard and Onion

Abstract

Climate change and intensive farming necessitate precise nutrient application in agriculture. Potassium, magnesium and sulphur deficiencies impact crop yield and quality, while agrochemical residues pose environmental risks. Mahalaabh (K2SO4·MgSO4·6H2O), a natural and neutral potassium Schoenite compound containing potassium, sulphur and magnesium, addresses these challenges. Field experiments were conducted during the 2023-24 Rabi season at AGROCEL Industries Pvt. Ltd., Mandvi, to ascertain the effects of Mahalaabh on wheat, mustard and onion using a Randomized Block Design with different application methods and dosages. Mahalaabh improved yields across all crops compared to the RFD and commercial check K-mag. In wheat, drip application at 8 kg/acre increased yield by 31.27%, while foliar application twice at 15 g/L improved yield by 18.10%, due to increased ear length and test weight. For mustard, two applications at 10 kg/acre yielded a 12.75% increase, primarily attributed to more secondary branches, siliqua/plant and seeds/siliqua, with two applications more effective than the single ones. In contrast, single applications of Mahalaabh at 12.5 kg/acre increased onion yields by 29.20% and were comparable to the results obtained from two applications at the same rate (30.97% increase).  Mahalaabh Powder proves effective for crop yield improvement, with optimal application methods and dosages varying by crop type.