Vol. 12, Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
SS Hadole, PA Sarap, MD Sarode, Kritika Soni and SD Nandurkar

Abstract:
Globally, widespread micronutrient deficiencies have become a serious challenge for sustaining crop production systems and food security of all micronutrients; zinc (Zn) is the most deficient one. Hence, efficient Zn management is essential to achieve potential crop yields. A four-year field experiment was conducted on Typic Haplusterts with Cotton crop to study the direct and residual Zn management effect on Cotton crop. The effect on soil available Zn was also evaluated. Three Zn application frequencies, viz. once (single year), alternate (every alternate year), and continuous (every year) at four Zn application rates, viz. 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 kg ha^-1 along with one control (no Zn) were investigated from 2013 to 2019. The Zn application significantly improved the crop yields, system sustainability, DTPA-Zn, and different Zn pools without causing any environmental risk. In general, the alternate year application of Zn at 7.5 kg ha⁻¹ produced the maximum number of bolls, boll weight, maximum yield and system productivity. Similarly, the maximum macro and micronutrients uptake was also observed with alternate year application of Zn at 7.5 kg ha^-1.