Effect of NPK fertigation on post-harvest soil nutrient status, nutrient uptake and yield of hybrid ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb] Arka Vikram

With rising concern about current fertilizer NPK management, the present study was conducted during 2018-2019 at Vegetable Research Block of ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessarghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka to study the effect of NPK fertigation with water soluble fertilizers (WSF) and conventional fertilizers and soil application of straight fertilizers on post-harvest soil nutrients status, nutrient uptake and yield of hybrid ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.] Arka Vikram. The vine/plant received fertigation with WSF @ 150:90:150 kg NPK ha-1 recorded better growth and highest yield (53.73 t ha-1). The soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon and available macro and micronutrients status in soil after the harvest were significantly influenced by different treatments and treatment T3 i.e. fertigation with water soluble fertilizers @ 150:90:150 kg NPK ha-1 found to maintain/improve the soil fertility status compared to other treatments. Drip fertigation with higher levels of WSF improved the plant available nutrients in the soil and found to be statistically on par with traditional soil application of straight fertilizers. Further data indicated that uptake/accumulation of macro and micro nutrients by the vine and fruit was significantly differed with various fertigation treatments and these parameters found highest when it was fertigated with WSF @ 150:90:150 kg NPK ha-1. From this investigation it may be concluded that fertigation with WSF@ 150:90:150 kg NPK ha-1 is found to be best for getting better growth, yield and nutrient uptake by hybrid ridge gourd Arka Vikram and also for buildup of plant available nutrients in the soil.