2025, Vol. 8, Issue 3, Part I

author(s)
Muley PA, Vaidya PH, Khandare RN and Dhamak AL

abstract
This field experiment was conducted at the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, to evaluate the impact of varying potassium levels on potassium adsorption and release behavior in safflower grown in vertisol during the Rabi seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24. The study utilized ten distinct treatment combinations, which included different potassium application rates, the recommended fertilizer dose, and a control, all arranged in a randomized block design (RBD). The findings revealed that the maximum plant height, number of capsules, grain yield, straw yield, and the content and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, and micronutrients (iron and zinc) were achieved with the application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (60:40:0) plus 90 kg K₂O per hectare, comparable to the recommended dose of fertilizer (60 kg N and 40 kg P) along with 50, 60, and 75 kg K₂O per hectare. This suggests that the application of 50 kg K₂O per hectare combined with the recommended dose of fertilizer (60:40:0) is more advantageous than applying nitrogen and phosphorus alone. The study concludes that balanced potassium fertilization can promote sustainable and environmentally friendly safflower production while enhancing yield.