Application of Mitscherlich–Bray Equation for Fertilizer Use on Groundnut

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted at two locations in order to formulate phosphorus and potassium fertilizer recommendations of groundnut (Arachis hypogea) based on Mitscherlich–Bray equation. The treatments comprised four levels of phosphorus (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅) ha⁻¹) and three levels of potassium (0, 30, and 60 kg potassium oxide (K₂O) ha⁻¹) in all possible combinations. Theoretical maximum yield of groundnut was calculated by plotting log y (pod yield) versus 1/x (amount of nutrients applied). Fertilizer recommendation for various soil fertility levels and yield target were developed, and their validities were tested by conducting two field verification trials on the same soil. The results showed that although general recommended fertilizer dose resulted in highest yield of groundnut at both the locations, but value cost ratio and rate of increase in income were lowest with this fertilizer treatment, and 90% of maximum yield treatment was superior in terms of economics of fertilizer and risk factor.

Keywords:

• Arachis hypogea
• phosphorus
• potassium
• relative increase in income
• value cost ratio