Fertilization of NPK boosts the yield and quality of date palm (Phoenix sylvestris Roxb.) juice under subtropical conditions

Document Type : Original Research Articles.

Authors

1 Bangladesh Sugarcrop Research Institute, Regional Station, Thakurgaon, Bangladesh

2 Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to assess the effects of NPK fertilizers on juice and goor (brown sugar) yield and juice quality of date palm (Phoenix sylvestris Roxb.). The trial examined N, P and K fertilizers consisting of each of three levels (Firstly, in 2013-2014 three levels of N viz.   0, 600, 1200 g/plant and three levels of P  viz. 0,  100, 200 g/plant, and three levels of K viz. 0, 700, 1400 g/plant. Secondly, in 2014-2015, four N levels viz. 0, 600, 1200, 1800 g/plant, and four levels of P viz. 0, 100, 200, 300 g/plant, and two levels of K viz.  0 and 1400 g/plant) and assigned in a factorial RCBD with three replications. Based on the results of the first year of experimentation, the experiment was repeated in the following year by including one more level each of N and P, and dropping one level of K as followed in the trial. The data collection was made on juice and goor yields as obtained from individual plants throughout the tapping period. As quality parameters brix (%), Pol (pure sucrose in juice) (%), purity and reducing sugar (RS) of juice were determined at the same period every week. The results revealed that applications of NPK fertilizers significantly impacted different parameters under study. N and K had more pronounced effects than P concerning yield and qualitative parameters among the nutrient elements. The highest juice yield was harvested by applying the combination of NPK at 1800g, 300g and 1400g/plant but the highest goor yield was processed from the NPK combination of 1200g, 200g and 1400g/plant due to obtaining higher brix reading. Having the highest values each of goor (jaggary) yield, gross return, gross margin and BCR with less variable cost, the application of NPK fertilizers at 1200g, 200g and 1400g/per plant could be considered as the best doses for successful date palm cultivation for tapping purposes

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