Effects of Artificial Soil Fertility Gradient Strategy on the Soil Fertility, Nutrient Uptake and Growth Attributes of Chakravarthi Keerai (Chenopodium album)

The effect of artificial soil fertility gradient techniques on crop growth attributes, nutrient uptake, soil fertility and soil biological properties were studied in a field trial conducted in 2023 at Horticulture Research Station, Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. It was done using an inductive methodology. The field was split into three equal strips, with three graded levels of fertilizers viz., N (Urea), P2O5 (Single Super phosphate) and K2O (Muriate of Potash) applied to strip I (N0P0K0), II (N1P1K1) and III (N2P2K2). The N1 level has been determined on the basis of the blanket recommendation to Chakravarthi keerai, while the P1 and the K1 levels have been determined based on the fixing capacity of the soil phosphorus (250 kg ha-1) and the potassium (100 kg ha-1). Gradient crop, Chakravarthi keerai variety Ooty 1 was cultivated and green yield of Chakravarthi keerai was observed at the time of harvesting. At the time of harvesting, plant samples were taken and examined for N, P & K content and the uptake of N, P & K was calculated. The results showed that graded levels of fertilizer N, P2O5, K2O had a significant impact on soil fertility status and NPK uptake, as well as plant growth parameter. The article clearly shows a significant influence of the organic carbon, chlorophyll content, soil enzymes activity, microbial population, and Microbial biomass carbon.