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Crop Research

Evaluation of polyhalite as a potassium and sulphur source for improving the growth and productivity of summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)


 

DOI: 10.31830/2454-1761.2025.CR-1069    | Article Id: CR-1069 | Page : 357-362
Citation :- Evaluation of polyhalite as a potassium and sulphur source for improving the growth and productivity of summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Crop Res. 60: 357-362
BISRUTI MAITY, MASINA SAIRAM, SUMIT RAY, SAGAR MAITRA, BISHNUPRASAD DASH AND DEBANJAN GUCHHAIT sairam.masina@cutm.ac.in
Address : Department of Agronomy and Agroforestry, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi-761 211, Odisha, India
Submitted Date : 13-09-2025
Accepted Date : 9-10-2025
Online Published:

Abstract

Groundnut is an important legume oilseed crop with high oil and protein content. Improper agronomic practices, climate change and reduced soil fertility have collectively led to yield stagnation of summer groundnut in India. To address these constraints, polyhalite, a natural mineral fertiliser, containing 14% K2O, 18% SO3, 17% CaO and 6% MgO, can be a vital input for improving the productivity of ground nuts. Adequate potassium and sulphur nutrition play a pivotal role in enhancing yield and oil content, whereas their imbalance often results in yield reduction and poor seed quality. Considering these, the present study was carried out from 12 January to 18 May 2025 at the P. G. Research Farm of M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Odisha. The experiment was designed in a randomised block design with 10 treatments and three replications. The experiment included various nutrient combinations of potassium and sulfur applied through bentonite sulphur, muriate of potash (MOP), and polyhalite, including full (100%), reduced (75%), and increased rates (125%), as well as split applications combining K2O and S sources. The Kadri-6 variety (K-6) was considered for the experiment. The results revealed that the highest plant height (112.0 cm), dry matter accumulation/plant (666.5 g/m2), LAI (2.91), number of nodules/plant (181.3), pods/plant (31.7), filled pods/plant (22.3), pod yield (2674 kg/ha) and haulm yield (4340 kg/ha) were recorded from the treatment with 125% K through polyhalite. Among others, the 100% K2O through polyhalite and 75% K2O through polyhalite remained statistically at par with the aforesaid treatment in expression of the agronomic traits. The experiment concluded that the application of polyhalite for K and S can enhance the growth and productivity of summer groundnuts.

Keywords

Groundnut oilseed poly4 potassium sulphur yield 

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