Influence of spacing and fertilizer levels on the leaf nutrient contents of Bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) under drip fertigation system

Field experiments were conducted during 2010 to 2012 to study the effect of spacing and fertilizer levels on the leaf nutrient contents of Bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) under drip fertigation system at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The treatments consisted two spacings (M1-60 x 45 cm and M2 - 60 x 30 cm) and eight drip fertigation levels. The study revealed that drip fertigation at 125% recommended dose of fertilizers (250:125:125 kg NPK/ha) as water soluble fertilizer combined with Azophosmet (0.5% at750 ml/ha) and humic acid (0.4% at2.5 litre/ha)  under wider spacing registered the highest leaf nutrient status like nitrogen (2.31%), phosphorus (0.53%), potassium (1.33%), calcium (0.59%), magnesium (1.46%), zinc (45.55 ppm), manganese (102.81 ppm) and boron content (16.70 ppm), whereas, the leaf copper content (22.31 ppm) was the highest under 100% recommended dose of fertilizers as water soluble fertilizer combination with Azophosmet and humic acid under wider spacing.   Key words: Spacing, fertilizer levels, Bhendi, drip fertigation, leaf nutrients.