Effect of sulphur levels in combination of organic and inorganic sources of nutrient on plant growth and yield of potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.)

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of levels of sulphur in combination of organic and inorganic sources of nutrient on plant growth and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) during 2017-18 and 2018-19. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with ten treatments in three replications. The treatment combinations of four levels of S application i.e. 30, 60, 90 and 150 kg ha-1 in combinatons of 100% RDF and FYM. The study revealed that plant growth and yield of potato crop were significantly influenced by levels of sulphur application during both the years. Plant population per plot remained statistically unchanged (non-significant) under the various treatments. Control treatment recorded maximum root length at all the stages of crop growth during both the years (12.50, 12.25, 15.08, 13.56, 16.65 and 14.14 cm, respectively) as compared to other treatments. Application of 100% RDF + FYM @ 25 t/ha gave higher value of fresh root weight/plant at all the stage of crop growth as compare to other treatments during both the years (1.12, 1.25, 2.24, 1.80, 1.97 and 1.66 g/plant, respectively). Potato fresh haulm, tuber and biological yield/plot (12.0 m 2) were significantly affected due to different treatments of nutrient application during both the years. Application of 100% RDF + FYM @ 25 t/ha + 30 kg S recorded higher fresh haulm yield (19.56 and 17.54/12.0m 2) and treatment 100% RDF NPK + FYM @ 25 t/ha recorded higher fresh tuber yield (43.22 and 45.84 kg/12.0 m 2) and biological yield (62.06 and 63.16 kg/12.0 m 2) as compare to other treatments during both the years. This treatment was at par with 100% RDF + FYM @ 25 t/ha + 30 kg S during both the years.

Full text

~ 1855 ~
Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2019; 8(4): 1855-1861
E-ISSN: 2278-4136
P-ISSN: 2349-8234
JPP 2019; 8(4): 1855-1861
Received: 28-05-2019
Accepted: 30-06-2019
Hemlata Dhakad
College of Agriculture, Rajmata
Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa
Vidyalaya, Gwalior,
Madhya Pradesh, India
SK Verma
College of Agriculture, Rajmata
Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa
Vidyalaya, Gwalior,
Madhya Pradesh, India
SP Singh
ICAR-Central Potato Research
Institute- RS, Gwalior,
Madhya Pradesh, India
Dharmendra Gaur
College of Agriculture, Rajmata
Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa
Vidyalaya, Gwalior,
Madhya Pradesh, India
Vinaya Arya
College of Agriculture, Rajmata
Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa
Vidyalaya, Gwalior,
Madhya Pradesh, India
Kalpana Sharma
College of Agriculture, Rajmata
Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa
Vidyalaya, Gwalior,
Madhya Pradesh, India
Naresh Gupta
College of Agriculture, Rajmata
Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa
Vidyalaya, Gwalior,
Madhya Pradesh, India
As Tomar
College of Agriculture, Rajmata
Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa
Vidyalaya, Gwalior,
Madhya Pradesh, India
SK Sharma
College of Agriculture, Rajmata
Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa
Vidyalaya, Gwalior,
Madhya Pradesh, India
BK Rajput
College of Agriculture, Rajmata
Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa
Vidyalaya, Gwalior,
Madhya Pradesh, India
Correspondence
Hemlata Dhakad
College of Agriculture, Rajmata
Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa
Vidyalaya, Gwalior,
Madhya Pradesh, India
Effect of sulphur levels in combination of organic
and inorganic sources of nutrient on plant growth
and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Hemlata Dhakad, SK Verma, SP Singh, Dharmendra Gaur, Vinaya Arya,
Kalpana Sharma, Naresh Gupta, As Tomar, SK Sharma and BK Rajput
Abstract
The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of levels of sulphur in combination of
organic and inorganic sources of nutrient on plant growth and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
during 2017-18 and 2018-19. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with ten
treatments in three replications. The treatment combinations of four levels of S application i.e. 30, 60, 90
and 150 kg ha-1 in combinatons of 100% RDF and FYM. The study revealed that plant growth and yield
of potato crop were significantly influenced by levels of sulphur application during both the years. Plant
population per plot remained statistically unchanged (non-significant) under the various treatments.
Control treatment recorded maximum root length at all the stages of crop growth during both the years
(12.50, 12.25, 15.08, 13.56, 16.65 and 14.14 cm, respectively) as compared to other treatments.
Application of 100% RDF + FYM @ 25 t/ha gave higher value of fresh root weight/plant at all the stage
of crop growth as compare to other treatments during both the years (1.12, 1.25, 2.24, 1.80, 1.97 and 1.66
g/plant, respectively). Potato fresh haulm, tuber and biological yield/plot (12.0 m2) were significantly
affected due to different treatments of nutrient application during both the years. Application of 100%
RDF + FYM @ 25 t/ha + 30 kg S recorded higher fresh haulm yield (19.56 and 17.54/12.0m2) and
treatment 100% RDF NPK + FYM @ 25 t/ha recorded higher fresh tuber yield (43.22 and 45.84 kg/12.0
m2) and biological yield (62.06 and 63.16 kg/12.0 m2) as compare to other treatments during both the
years. This treatment was at par with 100% RDF + FYM @ 25 t/ha + 30 kg S during both the years.
Keywords: Growth, yield, tuber grade, root, shoot ratio and sulphur
Introduction
Sulphur is one of sixteen essential nutrient elements and fourth major nutrient after N, P and K
required by plants for proper growth and yield as it is known to take part in many reactions in
all living cells [20]. It is required in similar amount as that of phosphorus. It is a building block
of protein and a key ingredient in the formation of chlorophyll. It is required for the synthesis
of S containing amino acids such as cystine, cysteine and methionine. Without adequate S,
crops cannot reach their full potential in terms of yield or protein content. Sulphur deficient
plant had poor utilization of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash [17]. Furthermore, Eppendorfer
and Eggum (1994) [4] found that S deficiency significantly influenced the amino acid
composition of potatoes; the concentration of the S-containing amino acids methionine and
cysteine decreased by 30% and 60%, respectively, in S-deficient soil. Potato is not a highly
sulphur demanding crop, with the S concentrations ranging from 1.2 to 2.8 g kg-1 in the dry
matter of tuber and haulm, but considerable amounts of Sulphur can be removed from the soil
over years when potato yields are high. Sulphur application has been found to increase yields
of potato tubers, improve tuber quality (increased content of protein, starch, carotene, vitamin
C, macro-and microelements) and resistance against Streptomyces scabies and Rhizoctonia
solani [11].
Organic sources which helps in plant nutrient supply and increases the physico-chemical
properties of the soil like; soil structure, water holding capacity, soil aeration, soil temperature,
pH, balance supply of nutrients to plants, slow release of nutrients and increase the humus
content of soil. Organic matter also helps in providing food for soil microorganism. This
increases activity of microbes which in term, help to convert the unavailable forms of plant
nutrients into available forms. The application of inorganic and organic fertilizers is
considered essential to produce high tuber yield. To improve productivity, potato plant
requires a balanced dose of NPK along with adequate amount of micronutrients and
macronutrients like zinc, boron and sulphur. Micronutrients are essential for plant survival and
are only needed in small quantities [9].

~ 1856 ~
Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
Materials and Methods
The experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of
2017-18 and 2018-19 in an alluvial soil at the research farm
of ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute RS, Gwalior
(M.P.). The experimental soil was silty-clay-loan in texture,
with pH 6.92, EC (0.27 dS/m), organic carbon (0.39%),
available N (162.73 kg/ha), available P (16.01 kg/ha),
available K (280.66 kg/ha) and available S (11.33 mg/kg).
The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with
ten treatments in three replications. The treatments consisted
of T1: control, T2: 100% RDF NPK, T3: 100% RDF NPK + 30
kg S, T4: 100% RDF NPK + 60 kg S, T5: 100% RDF NPK +
90 kg, T6: 100% RDF NPK + 150 kg S, T7: 100 % RDF NPK
+ FYM @ 25 t/ha, T8: 100% RDF NPK + FYM @ 25 t/ha +
30 kg S, T9: 100% RDF NPK + FYM @ 25 t/ha + 60 kg S
and T10: 100% RDF NPK + FYM @ 25 t/ha + 90 kg S were
applied. The tubers were planted at spacing of 60 cm × 20 cm.
The gross plot area was 4.2 m × 4.0 m while net area was 3.0
m × 4.0 m. Potato cultivar “Kufri jyoti” was taken as test
crop. Standard cultural practices recommended for potato
were followed uniformly for all the experimental plots. The
recommended dose of N, P2O5, K2O (180:80:120 kg/ha) and S
were applied through Urea, DAP (dia-ammonium phosphate),
MOP (muriate of potash) and gypsum respectively. The full
quantities of phosphorus, potash and half dose of nitrogen
were applied as basal at the time of planting. All the three
fertilizers used for basal dressing were mixed before
application and was placed 5-7 cm below the seed tubers
before planting. While, remaining quantity of nitrogen was
applied in split dose at earthing-up. Well decomposed organic
manure (FYM) and gypsum were applied three days before
planting of tubers. Prior to planting, the field was prepared as
per the standard procedure and planting was done on 24th
October, 2017 and 25th October, 2018. Five potato plants were
randomly sampled from the inner rows of the each plot
leaving the border rows. The sampled plants were carefully
dunged up, the roots thoroughly washed under running water,
put in labeled envelop bags and taken to the laboratory where
the growth parameters were recorded at 30, 60 DAP and
maturity stage. Different yield parameters viz. fresh haulm
and tuber weight (g)/plant at 30, 60 and maturity and haulm,
grade wise tuber, biological yield and grade wise tuber
number were recorded from net plot area (12.0 m2) and
expressed in kg. After harvesting the potato crop, grading was
performed on the basis of weight and size of tubers. Tubers
were graded into four groups viz. <25 g (<3cm), 25-50 g (3-
4cm), 50-75 g (4-5cm), >75 g (>5 cm).
Data were analyzed as per standard procedure with 5%
probability level as suggested by Gomez and Gomez (1984) [7].
Results and Discussion
Growth parameters
Plant population
Uniform plant density is an important requisite for obtaining
higher precision when it is not a variable factor as the
treatments. The data (Table 1) shows that the plant population
per plot remained statistically unchanged (non-significant)
under the different treatments without giving any definite
trend at 30 DAS. It is obviously reflect the fact from these
data that the planting of potato was done properly, uniformly
in each treatment using healthy and viable seed to maintain
the better germination and crop stand per unit area. This result
was supported by the result of Eugenia (2008) [5].
Table 1: Effect of sulphur levels in combination of organic and inorganic source of nutrients on plant population, root length and root: shoot
ratio of potato
Treatments
Plant population/plot at 30 DAP
Root length/plant (cm.)
Root : shoot ratio
maturity
maturity
maturity
2017-18
2018-19
2017-18
2018-19
2017-18
2018-19
T1:Control
135.00
134.33
16.65
14.14
0.03
0.03
T2:100 % RDF NPK
137.00
137.33
13.22
13.78
0.02
0.02
T3:T2 + 30 kg S
137.00
138.00
12.40
11.81
0.03
0.02
T4: T2 + 60 kg S
133.67
136.00
12.17
13.22
0.02
0.02
T5: T2 + 90 kg S
135.67
134.00
11.53
12.78
0.02
0.02
T6: T2 + 150 kg S
135.67
136.67
13.63
13.44
0.02
0.02
T7: T2 + FYM
140.00
139.33
11.97
13.19
0.02
0.03
T8: T3 + FYM
139.33
136.67
13.08
13.11
0.03
0.02
T9: T4 + FYM
138.33
138.33
13.67
13.78
0.03
0.02
T10: T5 + FYM
137.00
136.67
13.43
13.67
0.04
0.02
SEm(d)
1.26
1.60
0.40
0.55
0.003
0.002
CD at 5 %
NS
NS
1.18
1.62
0.009
0.006
Note: FYM @ 25t/ha
Root length/ Plant (cm)
In general, the root length increased with the advancement in
crop age and reached maximum at maturity due to positive
impact of different nutrient application treatment on this
parameter. However, effect of different nutrient application
treatments have significant upon this parameter during both
the years. Control treatment recorded maximum root length at
all the stages of crop growth as compare to other treatments
(Table 1). It may be possible due to formation of thinner and
longer roots in case of nutrient deficiency in control plot. This
finding lined with Gaur et al. (2017) [6].
Fresh haulm weight/plant (g)
Overall, fresh potato haulm weight (Table 2) increased with
the advancement in crop age and reached maximum at 60
DAP (data recorded at 30, 60 DAP and maturity but table
contains only at maturity). There was lower value of fresh
haulm weight at maturity stage as compare to 60 DAP. This is
possible due to starting of abscission, senescence and
translocation of food materials from leaves (source) to
underground part viz. tuber (sink) from 60 DAP to maturity
stage. The effect of various treatments with respect to plant
fresh haulm weight was found significant at all the stages of
crop growth during both the years. Application of 100% RDF
NPK + FYM @ 25 t/ha + 30 kg S gave higher value of this
parameter at 60 DAP (202.73 and 231.33 g/plant during 2017-
18 and 2018-19 respectively) and maturity stage (207.30
g/plant) in 2017-18, except 2018-19 at maturity stage where it
was at par with higher fresh haulm weight treatment (100%
RDF NPK + FYM @ 25 t/ha + 60 kg S with 212.47 g/plant)

~ 1857 ~
Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
and at 30 DAP this treatment was also at par with higher fresh
haulm weight treatment during both the years (100% RDF
NPK + FYM @ 25 t/ha in 2017-18 and . 100% RDF NPK +
FYM @ 25 t/ha + 60 kg S in 2018-19). This increase may be
due to higher availability of nutrients owing to combined
application of manure and fertilizer, therefore delay in
senescence as a result higher fresh haulm weight as compare
to fertilizer applied alone and control treatments. The effect of
sulphur fertilization appears to be due to vigorous growth of
plant as their presence in plant system suggest greater
availability of metabolites and nutrients synchronized to meet
demand for growth. Synergistic interaction between sulphur
and potassium could have increased availability of all
nutrients in soils as reported by Chaudhary et al. (1981) [2].
This increase might be also due to steady decomposition of
FYM and release of nutrients throughout the crop growth
period coupled with better assimilation of nutrients. These
findings supported by Kumar et al. (2013) [12].
Fresh root weight (g)/plant
Different sources and levels of nutrient application had
significant impact on root fresh weight/plant at all stages of
crop growth (Table 2), (data recorded at 30, 60 DAP and
maturity but table contains only at maturity). The fresh weight
of root per plant was augmented steadily in all the treatments
with the advancement of plant growth up to 60 DAP and
further, decrease in the root fresh weight at 60 DAP to
maturity stage due to reduction in water content at maturity
because of abscission and senescence. Application of 100%
RDF + FYM @ 25 t/ha gave higher value of this parameter
(1.12 and 1.25 g/plant at 30 DAP, 2.24 and 1.80 g/plant at 60
DAP and 1.97, 1.66 g/plant at maturity stage) at all the stage
of crop growth during both the years as compare to other
treatments. It could have been possible due to direct effect of
FYM on crop growth which encouraged conducive physical
environment leading to better aeration, root density and
higher supply of absorption of nutrients during all the stages
of crop growth.
Table 2: Effect of sulphur levels in combination of organic and inorganic source of nutrients on fresh haulm, tuber and root weight/plant of
potato
Treatments
Fresh haulm weight/plant (g)
Fresh tuber weight/plant (g)
Fresh root weight/plant (g)
Maturity
Maturity
Maturity
2017-18
2018-19
2017-18
2018-19
2017-18
2018-19
T1:Control
95.60
107.33
251.73
233.87
0.77
0.78
T2:100 % RDF NPK
169.00
136.93
374.80
336.73
1.08
1.01
T3:T2 + 30 kg S
139.87
181.60
380.87
415.33
1.78
1.05
T4: T2 + 60 kg S
105.87
195.47
380.40
435.87
1.10
1.37
T5: T2 + 90 kg S
109.07
143.20
328.93
356.40
1.08
1.25
T6: T2 + 150 kg S
141.00
140.00
352.93
398.87
1.20
1.08
T7: T2 + FYM
191.27
180.87
432.60
516.00
1.97
1.66
T8: T3 + FYM
207.30
194.63
395.60
478.87
1.90
1.36
T9: T4 + FYM
184.13
212.47
323.87
450.13
1.97
1.49
T10: T5 + FYM
137.20
186.07
380.53
456.27
1.76
1.39
SEm(d)
11.47
10.89
12.53
14.32
0.07
0.13
CD at 5 %
34.08
32.35
37.22
42.54
0.22
0.38
Note: FYM @ 25t/ha
Root: Shoot ratio
Root: shoot ratio is an important physiological parameter,
which gave clear response about root growth of plant in
respect to shoot growth. However, it was statistically
significant at all the stages of crop growth during both the
years (Table 1) (data recorded at 30, 60 DAP and maturity but
table contains only at maturity). Maximum value of this
parameter was found in control treatment as compare to other
treatments at 60 DAP (0.04 and 0.05) during both the years
and maturity stage (0.03) in 2018-19. Whereas, at maturity
stage treatment 100% RDF + FYM + 90 kg S in 2017-18
(0.04) also gave higher root shoot ratio. This result is possible
due to less shoot development owing to insufficiency of
nutrients in control treatment. Insufficiency of available
nutrients in soil caused for higher root length upto maturity in
search of nutrients pool, on the other hand less development
of shoot owing to lack of nutrients. These are in line with the
findings of Gaur et al. (2017) [6].
Yield parameters
Tuber fresh weight (g)/plant
Overall, tuber fresh weight (Table, 2) increased with the
advancement in crop age and reached maximum at maturity
stage (data recorded at 30, 60 DAP and maturity but table
contains only at maturity). The effect of various treatments
with respect to tuber fresh weight was found significant at all
the stages of crop growth. Application of 100% RDF NPK +
FYM @ 25 t/ha + 30 kg S gave higher fresh tuber weight at
30 DAP during 2017-18 (4.12 g/plant) as compare to other
treatments and it was at par with higher tuber fresh weight
treatment (100% RDF NPK + FYM @ 25 t/ha) with 3.03
g/plant in 2018-19. This may be due to higher accumulation
of food materials as compare to other treatments because
application of sulphur increased the rate of photosynthesis
resulting in higher accumulation of food material. Application
of 100% RDF NPK +FYM @ 25 t/ha gave higher fresh tuber
weight at 60 DAP (338.53 and 375.07 g/plant) and maturity
stage (432.60 and 516.00 g/plant) as compare to other
treatments during both the years and this treatment was at par
with 100% RDF NPK + FYM @ 25 t/ha + 30 kg S during
both the years. This may be due to higher and balanced
availability of essential nutrients to crop plant owing to
reduced losses of applied nutrients. FYM also supply
beneficial growth regulator to crop plant as a result
increasement in physiological process within the plant
ultimately higher tuber fresh weight. This result is also
supported by Ahmed et al. (2015) [1], Meena et al. (2013) [14],
Mohammed et al. (2018) [15] and Narayan et al. (2013) [16].
Grade wise number of tuber per plot
Different sources of nutrient application had significant effect
on number of tuber (Table 3) under < 25 g grade during 2018-
19, whereas effect was non-significant in 2017-18. In 2017-18
100% RDF + 60 kg S gave higher number of tuber (151.33)

~ 1858 ~
Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
under this grade. In 2018-19, this treatment was statistically
same with higher number of tuber (229.67) treatment (100%
RDF + FYM @ 25 t/ha). Application of 100% RDF NPK +
FYM @ 25 t/ha + 30 kg S gave higher number of tuber
(148.33) under 25-50 g in 2018-19 and 50-75 g grade
(115.33) in 2017-18, as compare to other treatments. It was
statistically the same with higher value of treatment (100%
RDF NPK + FYM @ 25 t/ha + 60 kg S) in 2017-18 under 25-
50 g grade and 100% RDF NPK + 60 kg S in 2018-19 under
50-75 g grade (121.00). Application of 100% RDF NPK +
FYM @ 25 t/ha gave higher number of tuber (161.33) under
>75 g grade during 2018-19, this treatment was at par with
higher number of tuber (140.00) treatment (100% RDF + 30
kg S) under > 75 g grade in 2017-18. The result shows
combined application of FYM and fertilizer treatment gave
more number of tubers as compare to fertilizer alone
treatments. This may be due to higher availability of nutrients
in combined application as a result, production of higher
amount of tuber. These findings also supported by Sayed et
al. (2015) [19] and Yadav et al. (2014) [21]. Application of
100% RDF NPK +FYM @ 25 t/ha + 30 kg S gave higher
total number of tuber (748) as compare to other treatments
during 2018-19, it was statistically the same with higher value
of treatment (100% RDF NPK + 30 kg S) in with 566.00
tubers in 2017-18. This may be due to presence of sulphur in
plant nutrition, vigorous growth of plant as their presence in
plant system suggest greater availability of metabolites and
nutrients synchronized to demand for growth. Synergistic
interaction between sulphur and potassium could have
increased availability of all nutrients in soils as reported by
Chaudhary et al. (1981) [2]. This result supported by Ahmed et
al. (2015) [1], Koireng et al. (2018) [10] and Mohammed et al.
(2018) [15].
Table 3: Effect of sulphur levels in combination of organic and inorganic so urce of nutrients on on grade wise tuber number of potato
Treatments
Tuber number /plot
<25 g
25-50 g
50-75 g
>75 g
2017-18
2018-19
2017-18
2018-19
2017-18
2018-19
2017-18
2018-19
T1:Control
130.00
158.67
76.67
87.67
78.67
89.00
85.67
68.33
T2:100% RDF NPK
149.67
195.67
89.00
126.00
101.33
99.67
106.33
109.33
T3:T2 + 30 kg S
150.33
173.33
86.33
136.33
101.33
111.33
140.00
137.33
T4: T2 + 60 kg S
151.33
229.67
76.33
113.33
98.33
121.00
130.67
122.67
T5: T2 + 90 kg S
126.67
162.00
89.00
117.33
104.67
95.33
110.67
126.00
T6:T2 + 150 kg S
103.33
231.33
63.67
115.33
102.33
105.00
109.00
127.67
T7:T2 + FYM
143.00
221.67
84.00
131.00
112.33
104.67
126.33
161.33
T8:T3 + FYM
132.33
262.67
76.33
148.33
115.33
118.67
115.67
137.00
T9:T4 + FYM
124.00
194.00
92.00
129.33
113.33
116.00
104.67
139.67
T10:T5+ FYM
109.33
199.33
67.67
133.33
109.67
114.33
105.67
132.00
SEm(d)
11.00
13.76
6.87
7.87
5.65
7.21
8.10
9.93
CD at 5 %
NS
40.88
NS
23.39
16.80
NS
24.07
29.50
Note: FYM @ 25t/ha
Grade wise yield of tuber (kg/plot)
Different sources of nutrient application had significant effect
on this parameter during both the years (Table 4), except 25-
50 g grade where different treatments showed non-significant
effect on tuber yield during both the years.
Application of 100% RDF NPK + 60 kg S gave higher tuber
yield (2.94 kg/plot) under < 25 g grade as compare to other
treatments during 2018-19 and it was statistically same with
higher value of treatment (100% RDF NPK + 30 kg S) with
1.94 kg/plot in 2017-18. Effect of different treatments were
non-significant on yield of tuber under 25-50 g grade during
both the years, whereas higher tuber yield was recorded in
100% RDF NPK + FYM @ 25 t/ha + 60 kg S (3.15 kg/plot)
in 2017-18 and 100% RDF NPK + FYM @ 25 t/ha + 30 kg S
(5.87 kg/plot) in 2018-19. Application of 100% RDF NPK +
FYM @ 25 t/ha + 30 kg S gave higher tuber yield (8.09
kg/plot) under 50-75 g grade as compare to other treatments
during 2017-18 and it was statistically same with higher value
(8.03 kg/plot) of treatment (100% RDF NPK + FYM @ 25
t/ha + 60 kg S) in 2018-19. Application of 100% RDF NPK
+FYM @ 25 t/ha gave higher tuber yield (20.51 kg/plot)
under >75 g grade as compare to other treatments during
2018-19 and this treatment was at par with higher value
(18.55 kg/plot) of treatment in 2017-18 (100% RDF NPK +
60 kg S). This may be due to higher transfer rate of
accumulated food material as a result gained more food
material therefore higher % of tuber under this treatment. [19]
and [21]. In general there was increase in large size (>75 g)
and medium size (25-50 and 50-75 g) tuber yield with upto 60
kg s/ha, which showed reduction at further high level. These
results are line with Sud and Sharma (2002) [20] who reported
that increase in tuber yield with increasing sulphur levels may
be attributed to its role in better partitioning of the
photosynthates in the shoot and tubers. Similarly, Lalitha et
al. (2002) [13] have also reported significant effect on grade
wise tuber yield and increase in bulking rate with sulphur
application. But heavy application of sulphur can result in
yield reductions [3]. These findings are also in agreement
with those of Nasreen et al. (2007) [18].
Table 4: Effect of sulphur levels in combination of organic and inorganic source of nutrients on grade wise tuber yield of potato
Treatments
yield of tubers (kg/plot)
<25 g
25-50 g
50-75 g
>75 g
2017-18
2018-19
2017-18
2018-19
2017-18
2018-19
2017-18
2018-19
T1:Control
1.13
1.50
2.98
3.89
5.62
5.70
12.82
8.24
T2:100 % RDF NPK
1.70
2.43
2.94
4.82
6.32
6.09
15.93
14.38
T3:T2 + 30 kg S
1.94
1.99
3.03
5.10
5.39
6.00
15.04
17.69
T4: T2 + 60 kg S
1.62
2.94
3.04
4.32
6.01
8.05
18.55
16.13
T5: T2 + 90 kg S
1.50
1.81
3.12
5.01
7.35
6.13
13.43
17.82
T6:T2 + 150 kg S
0.97
2.21
2.20
4.08
6.60
7.30
11.53
16.66

~ 1859 ~
Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
T7: T2 + FYM
1.42
2.63
2.77
5.63
7.92
7.16
17.75
20.51
T8: T3 + FYM
1.52
2.80
2.84
5.87
8.09
7.33
15.49
18.85
T9: T4 + FYM
1.46
2.17
3.15
4.95
7.50
8.03
14.70
18.65
T10:T5 + FYM
1.51
2.09
2.48
4.75
7.34
7.44
16.06
18.89
SEm(d)
0.17
0.21
0.27
0.40
0.45
0.54
0.99
1.17
CD at 5 %
0.51
0.64
NS
NS
1.33
1.61
2.93
3.48
Note: FYM @ 25t/ha
Fresh yield (kg/plot)
Potato fresh haulm, tuber and biological yield kg per plot
were significantly affected due to different treatments of
nutrient application during both the years (Table 5).
Application of 100% RDF + FYM + 30 kg S recorded higher
fresh haulm weight (19.56 and 17.54 kg/plot) during both the
years as compare to other treatments. This may be due to
presence of S and FYM in plant nutrition, vigorous growth of
plant as their presence in plant system suggest greater
availability of metabolites and nutrients synchronized to meet
demand for growth. Synergistic interaction between sulphur
and potassium could have increased availability of all
nutrients in soils as reported by Chaudhary et al. (1981) [2].
This result supported by Ahmed et al. (2015) [1], Koireng et
al. (2018) [10] and Mohammed et al. (2018) [15]. While,
Application of 100% RDF NPK + FYM @ 25 t/ha recorded
higher fresh tuber yield (43.22 and 45.84 kg/plot) and fresh
biological yield (62.06 and 63.16 kg/plot) as compare to other
treatments during both the years respectively, this treatment
was at par with 100% RDF + FYM + 30 kg S during both the
years. This may be due to higher stem number/plant, higher
leaves number/plant, and higher total uptake of nutrients
under this treatment may be due to combined effect of FYM
and fertilizer. Balanced nutrient availability and beneficial
effect of FYM helped in increasing the availability of various
macro and micronutrients in soil [8]. FYM supplies nutrients
in available forms to the plants in right proportion. Uniform
and continuous nutrient supply for longer period through
biological decomposition along with micronutrients resulted
into higher growth and yield attributing characters and
ultimately yields. Improvement in tuber yield was observed
upto 60 kg S/ha application, which showed reduction at
further high level of S application because more availability
of sulphur, S is an important component in plant nutrition,
might have increased the yield in potato upto a limit, but
heavy application of S can result in yield reduction because
requirement of S for potato is low and this requirement of
crop was fulfilled by FYM and along with low level of S
application. S also has antagonistic effect with essential
nutrients at higher concentration in soil solution. Therefore,
its higher availability in soil solution caused antagonistic
effect with other essential nutrients to plants ultimately
resulted reduction in yield at higher sulphur application.
These results are in line with Sud and Sharma (2002) [20],
Lalitha et al. (2002) [13] and Narseen et al. (2007) [18].
Table 5: Effect of sulphur levels in combination of organic and inorganic source of nutrients on fresh yield (kg/plot) of potato
Treatments
Fresh yield (kg/plot)
Haulm
Tuber
Biological
2017-18
2018-19
2017-18
2018-19
2017-18
2018-19
T1:Control
8.39
6.73
27.22
21.11
35.61
27.84
T2:100% RDF NPK
15.98
13.61
36.29
38.69
52.27
52.30
T3:T2 + 30 kg S
16.63
14.14
38.01
40.19
54.64
54.33
T4: T2 + 60 kg S
16.99
14.05
37.42
40.29
54.41
54.35
T5: T2 + 90 kg S
17.98
14.41
36.58
39.56
54.55
53.97
T6: T2 + 150 kg S
17.78
15.29
34.26
39.01
52.04
54.30
T7: T2 + FYM
18.84
17.32
43.22
45.84
62.06
63.16
T8: T3 + FYM
19.56
17.54
41.13
45.14
60.69
62.68
T9: T4 + FYM
17.84
16.39
40.45
41.43
58.29
57.82
T10: T5 + FYM
17.51
15.08
40.98
42.11
58.49
57.19
SEm(d)
0.87
0.70
1.08
1.50
1.45
1.53
CD at 5 %
2.57
2.08
3.22
4.45
4.30
4.55
Note: FYM @ 25t/ha
Correlation
Potato tuber yield showed positive and highly significant
relationship with root fresh weight/plant at maturity
(0.8739**), tuber fresh weight/plant at maturity (0.9476**)
and total number of tuber/plot (0.9315**) (Fig 1, 2 and 3).
Fig 1: Correlation between tuber yield (kg/plot) and tuber weight (g/plant)

~ 1860 ~
Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
Fig 2: Correlation between tuber yield (kg/plot) and root weight (g)/plant
Fig 3: Correlation between tuber yield (kg/plot) and tuber number/plot
Conclusion
Based on two years of field experimentation, it may be
concluded that application of sulphur @ 30 kg/ha to potato is
sufficient dose for increased growth and yield of potato crop.
Treatment 100% RDF NPK + FYM @ 25 t/ha and 100%
RDF NPK + FYM @ 25 t/ha + 30 kg S were the better
treatment as compare to other treatments in relation to crop
yield and soil fertility because requirement of S for potato is
low and this requirement of crop was fulfilled by FYM and
along with low level of S application. Further, high level of S
application resulted reduction in crop yield and soil fertility
due to more availability of sulphur. Sulphur also has
antagonistic effect with essential nutrients at higher
concentration in soil solution.
Reference
1. Ahmed AA, Zaki MF, Shafeek MR, Helmy YI, Abd El-
Baky MMH. Integrated use of farmyard manure and
inorganic nitrogen fertilizer on growth, yield and quality
of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Int. J Curr. Microbiol.
App. Sci. 2015; 4(10):325-349.
2. Chaudhary ML, Singh JP, Narval P. Effect of long term
application of P, K and FYM on some soil chemical
properties. Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science.
1981: 29:81-85.
3. Eddins AH. Effect of inoculated sulphur, lime and
mercury compounds on the yield of potatoes. Am. J
Potato Res. 1934; 11:295-302.
4. Eppendorfer W, Eggum B. Sulphur deficiency of
potatoes as reflected in chemical composition and in
some measures of nutritive value. Norw. J Agric. Sci,
1994; 15:127-134.
5. Eugenia B. Ontario Potato Conference, 2008-2012.
6. Gaur D, Singh SP, Sharma K, Sharma SK, Dhakad H,
Dangi RS et al. Effect of different phosphorus levels on
growth attributes physiological parameter and grading of
tuber in potato crop (Solanum tuberosum L.).
International Journal of Chemical Studies. 2017;
5(6):215-219.
7. Gomez KA, Gomez AA. Statistical Procedures for
Agricultural Research. Second Edition. John Willey and
Sons, New York, 1984.
8. Hashim M. Influence of crop residue mixed farm yard
manure and fertilizer combinations on productivity and
rhizospheric environment in maize (Zea mays L.)-wheat
(Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system. Ph. D. thesis
submitted to IARI, New Delhi, 2014.
9. Kanwar JS, Youngdahl LJ. Micronutrients needs of
tropical food crops. Fertilizer Research. 1985; 7(1):43-67.
10. Koireng RJ, Singh LN, Devi P. Integration of different
sources of organic manure and micro-nutrients on
growth, yield and quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum
L.) grown under new alluvial soil condition. Indian J
Agric. Res. 2018: 52(2):172-176.
11. Kołodziejczy KM. Effectiveness of nitrogen fertilization
and application of microbial preparations in potato
cultivation. Turk. J Agric. For. 2014; 38:299-310.
12. Kumar M, Baishya LK, Ghosh DC, Ghosh M, Gupta VK.
Verma MR. Effects of organic manures, chemical
fertilizers and biofertilizers on growth and productivity of
rainfed potato in the eastern Himalayas. Journal of Plant
Nutrition. 2013: 36:1065–1082.
13. Lalitha BS, Nagaraj KH, Anand TN. Effect of source
propagation, level of potassium and sulphur on potato
(Solanum tuberosum L) Mys. J Agric. Sci. 2002; 36:148-
153.
14. Meena BP, Kumar A, Meena SR, Dhar S, Rana DS, Rana
KS. Effect of sources and levels of nutrients on growth
and yield behaviour of popcorn (Zea mays) and potato

~ 1861 ~
Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
(Solanum tuberosum) sequence. Indian Journal of
Agronomy. 2013; 58(4):474-479.
15. Mohammed A, Mohammed M, Dechasa N, Abduselam
F. Effects of Integrated Nutrient Management on Potato
(Solanum tuberosum L.) Growth, Yield and Yield
Components at Haramaya Watershed, Eastern Ethiopia.
Open Access Library Journal. 2018: 5:1-20. (DOI:
10.4236/oalib.1103974).
16. Narayan S, Kanth RH, Narayan R, Khan FA, Singh P,
Rehman SU. Effect of integrated nutrient Management
practices on yield of potato. Potato J. 2013; 40(1):84-86.
17. Nasreen S, Haq SMI, Hossain MA. Sulphur effects on
growth responses and yield of onion. Asian Journal of
Plant Science. 2003; 2:897-902.
18. Nasreen S, Haque MM, Hossain MA, Farid
ATM. Nutrient uptake and yield of onion as influenced
by nitrogen and sulphur fertilization. Bangladesh J Agric.
Res. 2007: 32:413-420.
19. Sayed FES, Hassan AH, Mohamed MEO. Impact of Bio
and Organic Fertilizers on Potato Yield, Quality and
Tuber Weight Loss after Harvest. J of Potato Research,
2015; 58(1):67-81.
20. Sud KC, Sharma RC. Sulphur needs of potato under
rainfed conditions in Shimla hills, In. Potato Global
Research and Development, Khurana, SMP, GS.
Shekhawat, S.K. Panday and B. P. Singh (Eds.), Indian
Potato Association, Shimla. 2002; 2:889-899.
21. Yadav SK, Srivastava AK, Bag TK. Effect of integrated
nutrient management on production of seed tubers from
true potato (Solanum tuberosum) seed. Indian J Agron.
2014; 59(4):646-650.