GROUNDNUT GROWTH AND YIELD RESPONSES TO CALCIUM AND PHOSPHOROUS FERTILIZATION

An experiment was conducted in factorial design with three replications in Nawalpur, Sarlahi, Nepal in 2018 and 2019 to investigate the impact of calcium and phosphorous application on yield and yield components of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Baidehi variety of groundnut was used. Calcium concentrations in three levels (0, 110, and 165 kg ha-1 from Gypsum) and phosphorous rates in three levels (0, 25, and 50 kg ha-1 from SSP) were used in this study. The application of calcium had a major impact on pod production, quantity of filled pods, and hundred seed weight, with 165 kg ha-1 calcium from gypsum performing significantly better than the others. The highest pod yield (2006 and 2477 kg ha-1) was obtained from calcium 165 kg ha-1 in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Calcium application (165 kg ha-1) increased the mean pod yield by 24% compared to the control. Control plots resulted in more than 13% empty pods (pops) compared to when applied with 165 kg Ca ha-1. Phosphorus was rich in the inherent soil leading to no significant effect on the yield components. According to the findings of this research, efficient fertilizer application, especially calcium and phosphorus, is critical for groundnut nutrition and pod filling.