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Water-soluble fertilizers provide a very effective and adaptable method of managing nutrients, which has completely changed contemporary agriculture methods. These fertilizers allow for exact control over the distribution of nutrients to crops because they are made to dissolve easily in water. This trait improves crop quality and production by facilitating better nutrient uptake. Farmers now have an easier time fertilizing their fields since water-soluble fertilizers are easy to apply and can adapt to a variety of irrigation schemes. They are a sustainable option in modern agriculture because of their decreased negative effects on the environment and less fertilizer waste. The increasing worldwide need for food has made the planned application of water-soluble fertilizers an indispensable instrument for attaining maximum agricultural productivity and guaranteeing food security amidst population growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relevance. Due to climate change on the planet, it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain high yields of melons and melons in rain-fed conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to develop modern methods of growing them. Accordingly, the use of new water-soluble fertilizers for the cultivation of melon in hot climates is a relevant work at the moment.Material and methodology. Objects of research: medium-ripening melon variety GP 599f and watersoluble fertilizers Lignohumate, Energen Extra, Zinc Sulfate. We have carefully studied options using these fertilizers for double foliar treatment of plants during the growing season.Results. As a result of studying new types of water-soluble fertilizers on increasing the vegetative mass of plants, yield and biochemical parameters of the variety sample, a positive effect was revealed. As a result of a comparative analysis of data on plant development after double treatment with the studied preparations, an increase in canes in all variants was noted in relation to the control by 4.3-18.7%. When calculating the yield in all studied options, an increase in these indicators was noted in relation to the option without treatments. After treating the plants with new types of fertilizers, the yield was 13.4-15.9 t/ha. The average fetal weight varied from 1.7 kg. up to 1.8 kg with maximum values in the Lignohumate and Energen Extra options. An analysis of the comparison of the biochemical composition of fruits showed that new types of fertilizers did not affect the taste and purity of the products. The dry matter content was noted to be 0.8-1% higher than the control variant. Nitrate levels in fruits did not exceed the maximum permissible concentration (90 mg/kg) and amounted to 24-28 mg/kg.

Relevance. The priority direction in vegetable growing is the scientifically justified use of types and doses of micronutrients that can increase the yield of watermelon fruits and improve their quality. Due to the large number of different types of fertilizers currently appearing on the market, it is necessary to choose the right ones and study them in optimal doses for growing high-quality melon products.Material and methodology. Objects of research: watermelon varieties Meteor, Zemlyanin, Kholodok and preparations: iron chelate, zinc chelate, vegetable Aquarin. Options using these fertilizers for double foliar treatment of plants during the growing season have been studied. The research was carried out during 2019-2021 at the Bykovskaya melon breeding experimental station.Results. During the study, a positive effect of the tested drugs on the quantitative and qualitative indicators of products was established. As a result of foliar treatments of plants in all variants, the yield exceeded the control variant (without treatments). A comparative analysis of biochemical data showed that the dry matter content was at a fairly high level. As a result of the use of zinc chelate in the Meteor and Kholodok cv., the dry matter content increased by 0.4%. A similar increase in the indicator was obtained when using the drug Aquarin vegetable on the Zemlyanin and Kholodok cv. The content of total sugar in the Meteor and Kholodok cv. was higher than the control (without treatments), and in the Zemlyanin cv. it was at the control level. The fructose content in the tested variants of all varieties exceeded the control. As a result of the use of water-soluble fertilizers for plant treatment, the content of ascorbic acid increased in the variants with treatment in the Meteor cv. – by 1-1.5 mg%, in the Zemlyanin cv. – by 0.8-1.1 mg%, in the Kholodok cv. – by 0 .1-0.7 mg% compared to control (without treatments). Nitrate levels in watermelon fruits of different ripening periods did not exceed the maximum permissible concentration (60 mg/kg).

Relevance and methodology. This article presents the results of a study on the effect of growth regulators and water-soluble fertilizers on laboratory and field germination of pumpkin seeds of various types. The results of observations of the growth and development of seedlings and roots are presented. The research was carried out by laboratory and field experience. It is established that based on the analysis of the data obtained, it can be concluded that growth regulators have a significant effect on the laboratory and field germination of pumpkin seeds of various species. Treatment of pumpkin seeds with growth regulators and water-soluble fertilizers is one of the promising methods of preparation for sowing. Not only field germination depends on high-quality seeds, but also the density of standing plants, as well as growth, development and disease damage. The variety of active substances in the studied growth regulators have a positive effect on the embryo, activating the accelerated process of nutrient absorption, providing increased germination energy and seed growth strength. There are many requirements for seed material. Germination is the main sowing quality of seeds, it is the ability to give seedlings (in the laboratory) or (in the field) shoots for a certain period of time. Germination also depends on the conditions of storage and germination of seeds. Another important property is the germination energy, the seeds should sprout in a certain time. The higher the germination energy, the seeds are considered better.Results. The use of various types of growth regulators in the technology of pumpkin cultivation, as studies show, is one of the promising agrotechnical measures. The best result when soaking pumpkin seeds of large-fruited pumpkin, in laboratory conditions, was achieved in variants with the use of growth regulators Vigor Forte- 98% and Phytozont – 95%. When soaking nutmeg pumpkin seeds, the best option was also shown by Vigor Forte and Phytozont – 95%.

Relevance. In connection with the introduction of various types of chelated microfertilizers into production, it is necessary to develop new elements of varietal technology for the cultivation of melons and gourds in order to obtain stable yields in the arid conditions of the Volgograd Trans-Volga region. These studies will be relevant in this period of time.Material and technique. The object of research is watermelon, variety Meteor. We studied the types and methods of using chelate microfertilizers: Helaton Extra, Chelate B, Chelate Fe. Fertilizers were used for soaking seeds before sowing and for foliar treatment of plants during the growing season.Results. During the research period of 2019-2021, new forms of microfertilizers were studied. As a result of the research, new preparations for different methods of processing had a positive effect on the growth and development of table watermelon plants. The evaluation of the results obtained showed a positive effect of new microfertilizers on the germination energy and seed germination. The maximum growth of lashes was recorded when seeds were soaked before sowing: Helaton Extra preparation and foliar feeding of plants during the growing season with microfertilizer boron chelate. The best results of increasing the leaf surface were obtained in variants with the use of Helaton Extra microfertilizer for soaking seeds and treating plants on vegetative organs. Accordingly, the highest yield was obtained when using Helaton Extra fertilizer for seed treatment before sowing and spraying plants during the growing season. The output of marketable products was noted at a fairly high level. The average weight of the fetus in all studied variants ranged from 5.9 kg to 7.8 kg. The length of the growing season in all variants increased slightly. Comparative analysis of growth processes and productivity of watermelon variety Meteor when using new forms of water-soluble fertilizers for seed soaking and foliar treatment of plants showed greater efficiency from their use.

Relevance. This article shows the research conducted by researchers from the agrotechnical department of the Bykovskaya melon breeding station from 2018 to 2020.Results. The data obtained make it possible to scientifically substantiate the most cost-effective methods and techniques for treating table watermelon plants to increase productivity in the Volgograd Trans-Volga region. Indicators of economic efficiency of production make it possible to compare the results of economic activity and reveal the productivity of the enterprise for this period in connection with an increase in the use of means of production and labor. In modern conditions of development of agricultural production, there is a need to develop new technologies adapted to the new conditions of land use. In connection with the sharp decline in recent years in the use of fertilizers, the problem arose of finding ways to maximize the use of the biological factor. To obtain stable yields, it is necessary to increase the adaptive capabilities of plants to extreme conditions in which gourds are grown in the zone of industrial melon growing in the Volgograd Trans-Volga region. One of them is the use of plant growth regulators and water-soluble fertilizers. One of the advantages of these drugs is their simplicity, variety of methods of their application and low cost. According to the cost-effectiveness data, it can be seen that the foliar treatment of table watermelon plants was the best option. In the first experiment, the Fitozont regulator, in the second, the water-soluble fertilizer Khakafos with one and a half norm (0.9), in the third experiment, the best results were shown by the variant with foliar treatment with a growth regulator in combination with the water-soluble fertilizer Vigor Forte + Agrovin Profi at a dosage of (0.05+0.5).

Relevance. The nutritional value of gourds is quite high and is of great importance in the life of the human body. A significant point in modern melon growing is to increase yields without reducing the quality of the products obtained. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new methods of cultivation technologies that allow obtaining stable fruit yields without reducing the quality of table watermelon products of different ripeness groups, in the climatic conditions of the Volgograd region.Material and methodology. The object of research is a watermelon of medium ripening, variety Zemlyanin, and late ripening, variety Kholodok. We studied new types of water-soluble fertilizers Fe chelate, as well as Vegetable Aquarin, by using them for soaking seeds before sowing and processing plants during the growing season.Results. The use of chelated fertilizers in the technology of growing table watermelon of medium and late ripening is an effective technique for obtaining stable yields. The use of water-soluble fertilizers, with various methods of their use, provided an increase in the yield of Zemlyanin watermelon by 2.7-27.8%, and Kholodok watermelon by 2-22.4% in comparison with the control (without treatments). The largest fruits were obtained in the variant Aquarin vegetable (plant processing) Zemlyanin variety - 6.8 kg and Kholodok variety - 8.4 kg. A comparative analysis of the biochemical composition of fruits showed that water-soluble chelate fertilizers do not have a negative effect on the accumulation of nitrates in varieties of medium and late ripening. As a result of research, a positive effect of water-soluble micronutrient fertilizers has been revealed on improving the quality of fruits, which increased the content of ascorbic acid and sugars.

Relevance. The Volgograd region has a number of factors necessary for the cultivation of melons and gourds. The development of new varieties and hybrids of watermelon should involve the development of varietal agricultural techniques that would allow realizing the genetic potential of the variety. Therefore, the development of new methods of cultivation technologies that allow obtaining guaranteed fruit yields without reducing the quality of table watermelon products in the dry-steppe Trans-Volga region is relevant and timely.Material and methodology. The object of research is a watermelon, cultivar Zemlyanin. New types of water-soluble fertilizers – B and Fe chelates, and the Vegetable Akvarin were studied, by using them for soaking seeds before sowing and processing plants during the growing season.Results. The use of chelates B and Fe in the technology of growing watermelon, as well as the Akvarin, is an effective method for obtaining guaranteed yields. The use of water-soluble fertilizers, with various methods of their use, provided an increase in the yield of watermelon by 1.6-8.3 t/ha, or by 6.9-35.9% in comparison with the control (option without treatments). The largest fruits were obtained in variants of chelate B and the Vegetable Akvarin (processing of plants) – 6.8 kg. Comparative analysis of the biochemical composition of the fruits showed that water-soluble chelated fertilizers do not have a negative effect on the accumulation of nitrates. Studies have revealed the positive effect of water-soluble micronutrient fertilizers on improving the quality of fruits, which was manifested in the growth of the content of vitamin C and sugars.

A field experiment was carried out at ZARS, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru to study the effect of fertigation of graded levels of water-soluble fertilizers through STCR approach on soil properties in aerobic rice during kharif 2015 and 2016. The present investigation includes 16 different treatment, combinations replicated thrice with RCBD design where hybrid rice (KRH 4) was the test crop grown under aerobic condition. The results indicated that, significantly higher grain and straw yield of rice were recorded in treatment, which received fertigation with 100 per cent STCR dose through water soluble fertilizers (WSF) at eight (8 times) days interval over soil application of 100 per cent conventional fertilizers as per Package of Practices. There was no significant difference in soil pH and EC values between the imposed treatments. However, the organic carbon (OC) content of 0.64 per cent was recorded with 100 per cent STCR dose through WSF at four days interval of fertigation (T11) which was significantly higher than other treatments except T4, T5, T8 and T14, which were statistically on par. Similarly, the treatments which received the water-soluble fertilizers through STCR approach, irrespective of intervals of fertigation have maintained significantly higher NPK status in the soil compared to soil application of conventional fertilizers as per PoP followed by fertigation of conventional and water soluble fertilizers through RDF approach. However, significantly higher exchangeable Ca, Mg and available S content in the soil (4.49, 2.64 cmol (p+) kg-1 and 16.66 mg kg-1, respectively) were recorded in 100 per cent RDF through conventional fertilizer as per PoP (T2) followed by other conventional fertilizers received treatments (T3 and T4) and the treatment with 100 per cent RDF or STCR dose through WSF, irrespective of intervals of fertigation, which were statistically on par. There was no much significant difference between the treatments with respect to micronutrients availability in the soil except control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the effect of the chelate complex “Akvarin 5” on grain productivity and quality was conducted on sodpodzolic soil in 2017-2019. The objects of the study were the spring wheat varieties ‘Daria’ (a standard), ‘Sudarynya’, ‘Ladya’, ‘Kamenka’. The purpose of the study was to determine the efficiency of the water-soluble mineral fertilizer with a complex of microelements “Akvarin 5”, produced by the local industry, on grain productivity and quality of various spring wheat varieties. The highest grain productivity was obtained with the use of mineral fertilizers in combination with additional fertilizing of 3 kg/ha of “Akvarin 5”. The productivity increase was 0.53–0.64 t/ha with 0.19–0.24 t/ha of НСР0.5 in comparison with the control. Spring wheat additional fertilizing with water-soluble fertilizer in its pure form increased protein in grain on 0.27–0.94% in comparison with the control, and when fertilizing “Akvarin 5” according to the N26P38K38 background, this indicator increased to 9.69–11.09%. When treating sowings with 1.5 and 3.0 kg/ha of “Akvarin 5” in its pure form, gluten content in grain increased to 18.71–20.30% in all varieties (in the control it was 17.71–18.91%). Treating of growing plants with “Akvarin 5” against the background of mineral fertilizers promoted the varieties to form grain with 19.89–21.26% of gluten. When treating spring wheat sowings with the water-soluble complex “Akvarin 5”, the cost of grain reduced by 14.4–17.5%, profitability raised on 17.7–22.6 in comparison with the control.

Relevance. The article presents the results of studies to determine the effectiveness of the use of new types of water-soluble fertilizers in different doses. The obtained results will be used for the development of new agricultural practices and improvement of technologies for growing table watermelon. Materials and methods. The studies were carried out in the Volgograd Trans-Volga region at the Bykovskaya melon selection experimental station in 2018-2019. We studied the dose of water-soluble fertilizer on the quality of the watermelon table variety Triumph. Results. Studies have found that the use of water-soluble fertilizers has a positive effect on the yield and its structure. The advantage of using water-soluble fertilizer Hakafos with the content of nutrients in equal proportions dose of 900 g/100 l, yield 7.2-10.6% more compared to other studied water-soluble fertilizers with a similar dose and 44.7% more compared to pure control (without treatments). Evaluation of the results showed a positive effect of water-soluble fertilizers on the marketable qualities of watermelon fruits. In variants with the use of water-soluble fertilizers, the fruits are larger, 18.1-34.1% more compared to the control (without treatments), and 4.2-9.2% more yield of standard products. Studies have found that the use of water-soluble fertilizers do not have a negative impact on the quality and environmental purity of products, the amount of nitrates in the fruit does not exceed the maximum permissible values. The use of this agricultural technique in the technology of cultivation of table watermelon, as studies have shown, can significantly improve the economic performance of the production of this product.

Relevance. The determining value in modern melon production is to increase the yield and market yield of environmentally friendly products at minimum costs for the cultivation of melons. For the development of the melon industry in the agro-industrial complex of the Russian Federation, the scientific search for technological solutions aimed at creating conditions for increasing the yield and quality of melon products becomes urgent. Materials and methods. The object of research-melon, variety autumn. The types and doses of water-soluble fertilizers were studied: vegetable Aquarin, Novalon Foliar, and Hakafos. Fertilizers were used to treat plants during the growing season.Results.Studies have established a high effect of the use of water-soluble fertilizers on vegetating plants, which allow eliminating adverse environmental factors. The yield from the use of water-soluble fertilizers in melon cultivation technology for the years of studies is 31.3 86.7% higher compared to the control variant (without treatments). In more favorable climatic conditions of the year, the maximum yield was obtained in the variant with the use of Hakafos in a half dose, which had a more balanced content of nutrients compared to other studied water-soluble fertilizers –15.5 t/ha, which is 21.1% more compared to the minimum dose, 42.2% more compared to the treatment of plants with water and 1.8 times more compared to pure control. In the dry conditions of 2019 and lower air temperatures during the ripening period, a similar trend was noted. Comparative analysis of the biochemical composition of fruits showed that water-soluble fertilizers do not have a negative impact on the environmental purity of the product, the amount of nitrates for all years of research did not exceed the MPC (90 mg/kg). Studies have determined the positive effect of water-soluble fertilizers on improving the quality of fruits, the content of dry substances, one of the main indicators, in the study periods, exceeds this indicator in the control version (without treatments).

Relevance. The article presents the results of studies to determine the effectiveness of the use of new types of water-soluble fertilizers in different doses. The obtained results will be used for the development of new agricultural practices and improvement of technologies for growing table watermelon.Materials and methods. The studies were carried out in the Volgograd Trans-Volga region at the Bykovskaya melon selection experimental station in 2018-2019. We studied the dose of water-soluble fertilizer on the quality of the watermelon table variety Triumph.Results. Studies have found that the use of water-soluble fertilizers has a positive effect on the yield and its structure. The advantage of using water-soluble fertilizer Hakafos with the content of nutrients in equal proportions dose of 900 g/100 l, yield 7.2-10.6% more compared to other studied water-soluble fertilizers with a similar dose and 44.7% more compared to pure control (without treatments). Evaluation of the results showed a positive effect of water-soluble fertilizers on the marketable qualities of watermelon fruits. In variants with the use of water-soluble fertilizers, the fruits are larger, 18.1-34.1% more compared to the control (without treatments), and 4.2-9.2% more yield of standard products. Studies have found that the use of watersoluble fertilizers do not have a negative impact on the quality and environmental purity of products, the amount of nitrates in the fruit does not exceed the maximum permissible values. The use of this agricultural technique in the technology of cultivation of table watermelon, as studies have shown, can significantly improve the economic performance of the production of this product.

Relevance. The main areas under vegetables, including onions, are located in the south of Russia. Inclusion of vegetables in the list of food safety products with a threshold value of 90% will significantly increase the responsibility of agricultural workers at all levels for the production and sale of vegetable products. The purpose of the research is to justify the feasibility and effectiveness of cultivating promising varieties and hybrids of onions during irrigation in the Lower Volga region to obtain yields of 150 or more t/ha of high-quality products.Methods. For the first time in the area of chestnut soils, comprehensive scientific research was conducted on resource-saving techniques to increase the productivity of a vegetable crop in an extremely arid climate by regulating the physiological and biological processes during drip irrigation, and a system was developed for applying these techniques. Research in the experiment was carried out according to generally accepted methods.Results. The most significant increase in the onion crop was obtained on the variants of the complex application of the studied agricultural methods and amounted, on average, for 2011...2016 with an irrigation regime of 75...75...75% of HB on the standard variety Volgodonets – 159%, relative to the control, on a promising hybrid Octant F1 – 118%, on the hybrid – 125%. With the regime of 70...80...75% of HB on the Volgodonets standard grade – 155%, relative to control, on the promising Oktant F1 hybrid 113%, on the Valero F1 hybrid – 115%. When calculating the cultivation efficiency of this crop, economic data were obtained, the value of which allows us to conclude that when planning the growth of onion production efficiency, agricultural producers are recommended to introduce agricultural technology with a profitability of 253.63%: promising hybrid Octant F1, irrigation mode – differentiated, background N450P180K135+Mortar+Energy-M. Against this background, in the context of research on the variety and hybrids, the maximum return on production costs is 3.2 rubles. An analysis of data on a combination of crop-forming factors showed that for onions when cultivating promising hybrids Octant F1 and Valero F1, when planning yields of 130 and 150 t/ha, it is necessary to maintain a moisture level of 70...80...75% HB, and when grown without fertilizers and when planning 110 t/ha it is enough to create a permanent irrigation regime.

The purpose of the research was to substantiate feasibility and effectiveness of cultivating promising tomatoes varieties and hybrids in the Lower Volga region to obtain high-quality yields of 150 t/ha and more. It was the first time for chestnut soils, when comprehensive research on resource-saving techniques increasing vegetable crop productivity in an extremely arid climate under drip irrigation by regulating physiological and biological processes was conducted, and a system for applying these techniques was developed. The experiments were carried out according to generally accepted methods. The study revealed that in order to obtain the planned productivity of 110, 130, 150 t/ha in all the tomato varieties and a hybrid (Volgogradsky 5/95, Fokker F1 and Gerkules), differentiated irrigation regime was used. It resulted in yield increase up to 18.8 t/ha (when compared to planned 130 t/ha) and up to 10.2 t/ha (when compared to planned 150 t/ha) in the variants where Energiya-M growth regulator and Rastvorin water-soluble fertilizer were used with complete mineral fertilizer. Hercules tomato variety treated with N285P115K145 + Rastvorin + Energiya-M was the most economically viable for cultivation. According to the variants, a return on production costs of 6.87 rubles of income was achieved.

Peanut cultivation during the summer needs precise management of nutrient and water resources particularly in arid and semi-arid areas to sustain agricultural productivity where water is a scarce commodity. Application of NPK fertilizers both normal and water-soluble was evaluated using soil and drip fertigation methods for their effect on productivity, profitability, enzyme activities, and soil nutrient balance. Application of 100% NF at sowing through drip irrigation (T10) significantly (p =.05) enhanced leaf area index (LAI), yield attributes, pod, kernel, and oil yields, and net returns over T1, which was found at par to the staggered application of 75% or 100% water-soluble fertilizers (WSF) through drip except for net returns at T5 and T8. However, the highest plant height, dry weight, and haulm yield was observed under T4. The highest PFP was recorded with treatment T6 and showed a declining trend with an increase in fertilizer dose. Activities of phosphatase enzymes increased up to 60 DAS and thereafter, showed a declining trend except for alkaline phosphatase under T1. Significantly higher dehydrogenase activity was reported under T9 at 60 DAS except under T1 and T6. Compared to initial status, actual available N, P, and K status after harvest increased in all the treatments but maximum actual gains were recorded under T1. The results clearly indicated that pod yield and net returns obtained under treatments T2 to T9 were comparable to T10 except for net returns at T5 and T8. Therefore, 25% NPK requirement could be saved without affecting yield and net returns with treatment T6 in the summer peanut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The three year (2017-2019) fertigation experiment with fine aroma hop variety Saaz was established in the Czech Republic in Saaz hop growing region. The control treatment included the contemporary growing technology without fertigation, just soil and foliar fertilization with 300 kg/ha of ammonium sulphate, 300 kg/ha of ammonium phosphate and 300 kg/ha of potassium chloride in the early spring, followed by 250 kg/ha of ammonium nitrate with limestone in May. Foliar fertilization mainly consisted of N, P, K, Zn and Mg application. The treatment with fertigation got basic dose of fertilizers (640 kg/ha of fertilizer containing NPK 20-7-10 + 4 % S, 2 % MgO) during sprouting, followed by fertigation 5-times (42,5 kg/ha of fertilizer containing NPK 12-12-36 + micro) and foliar application during vegetation period (various fertilizers containing mainly N, P, K, Zn, Mg, B, S). The amount of applied nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was lower at the treatment with fertigation by 8,3 % N, 53,6 % P and 22,5 % K. The experiment proved the significant increase of yield by 27 %, 33 % and 16 % in 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively at treatment with fertigation compared to control treatment and also the alpha-bitter acids content in hop cones was significantly higher in 2018 (by 14 %) at treatment with fertigation compared to control tretament. Nevertheless, in the years 2017 and 2019 there was no significant difference in alpha-bitter acids content between treatments. The results suggest that fertigation can intensify hop cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at Bengaluru during 2015 to study the effect of fertigation on performance of hybrid chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). The trial included nine treatments comprising varying rates and sources of fertilizers, tested with or without mulching. Application of recommended dose of fertilizer (180:120:180 kg NPK/ha) through fertigation using water-soluble fertilizers resulted in higher values for plant height (104.27 cm), number of branches per plant (16.71), leaf area per plant (89.44 dm2), dry matter per plant (185.49 g), number of fruits per plant (142.7), fruit length (11.13 cm), fruit girth (4.75 cm), fruit weight (1.29 g), yield per plant (184.11 g) and fruit yield (5.03 t/ha) which remained on par with same amount of fertilizer applied using conventional means along with polyethylene mulching. In general, treatments that received fertilizers through fertigation took less number of days to flowering over conventional soil-application of fertilizers. All fertigation treatments recorded higher dry-chilli fruit yield over the conventional soil-application of fertilizers, to a tune of 27.87% to 52.4% over the control.

Banana is well known to be extremely demanding for water and nutrients, and supplemental application of these resources are prerequisites for higher yield. The study was undertaken to assess the effects of fertigation through drip on the growth, yield, quality, and economics of banana during 2007–2009. The experiment also aimed to find out a suitable method of planting for banana under drip irrigation system. Twelve treatments comprising two fertilizer sources, three fertilizer levels, and two planting systems were attempted. These treatments were compared with surface method of irrigation using conventional fertilizers applied as farmers practice. The results revealed that among the various treatments, 100% dose of water-soluble RDNPK and planting spacing of 1.5 × 1.5 m with drip fertigation recorded better values for growth characteristics. Banana fruit yield was significantly higher in normal planting (82.86 t/ha) than paired row planting (75.75 t/ha). The fruit yield increased significantly in water-soluble fertilizers (81.01 t/ha) as compared with “nitrogen (N)” fertigation (77.59 t/ha) and it also increased significantly with an increase in fertilizer levels (100% fertigation), but high costs of these fertilizers lowered the B:C ratio and net returns as compared with fertigation using conventional fertilizers. The drip irrigation gave 3–14.5% increase in banana fruit yield and 52% water saving over surface irrigation. The quality of banana fruits was not affected significantly due to any of the treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of foliar feeding of water- soluble fertilizers in combination with soil-applied fertilizers on growth, yield and quality attributes in tomato cv. Pant T-3. The experiment was laid out during 2009-10 in a randomized block design with four replications and six treatments. Water-soluble fertilizers were sprayed along with different levels of soil-applied fertilizers. Results of the experiments revealed that among the treatments, 87.5% recommended dose of NPK + foliar spray of water-soluble fertilizers recorded tallest plants, higher number of primary and secondary branches, more fruits per cluster, fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit pericarp thickness, highest fruit yield per plant and fruit-yield per hectare. However, early flowering and fruiting were observed in the Control (100% recommended dose of fertilizer). Economically, 87.5% recommended dose of NPK + foliar spray of water-soluble fertilizers was recorded highest net return of, Rs.1,25,890.05 and highest benefit:cost ratio of 2.73, in our trial.