Effect of Multinutrient (NPKZn) Briquettes on Availability and Movement of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc in Soils

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of multinutrient (NPKZn) briquettes on the availability and movement of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) and Zinc (Zn) in soils. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Block Design with five treatments and four replications, conducted at the College of Agriculture Parbhani during the Kharif season of 2015-2016. The movement of nutrient N was maximum in treatment receiving recommended dose of fertilizer through fertigation at all depths followed by the application of briquette in root rhizosphere. The movement of nutrient P was observed at a lower magnitude, however, the P movement was maximum in soluble fertilizers and briquettes. The mobility rate of K, was reduced due to the synergetic effect of the slow release of N and Zn. The Zn content was more at 15 and 30 cm depth as compared to 30 cm distance from the plant. The movement of Zn was found to be the highest in the treatment which received soluble fertilizer. The maximum value of P and K were observed in treatments which received soluble fertilizer and the treatment receiving an application of NPK through briquette was found significantly superior over all other treatments.