Maximization of nutrient use efficiency and crop productivity using fertigation technology for cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Effect of fertigation on crop growth, yield and fertilizer use efficiency of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under drip irrigation” consisted of four levels of fertigation (50% RDF (T₁), 75% RDF (T₂), 100% RDF (T₃) through fertigation and 100% RDF (T₄) through soil application. Water applied was common for all the treatments and it was 100% crop ET. The growth parameters such as vine length, number of leaves per plant, stem girth, leaf area and leaf area index was at 30, 45 and 60 DAS and chlorophyll content at 30, 60 and 90 DAS, and days taken for last harvest recorded higher values under 100% crop ET with the application of 100% RDF through fertigation. The highest crop yield was recorded in the treatment receiving 100% crop ET with 100% RDF through fertigation. i.e., 111.70t ha^-1. The nutrient use efficiency was highest in the treatment receiving 100% crop ET with 100% RDF through fertigation (587.89 kg ha^-1).