Growth response of sweet basil cv. cim-saumya to varied NPK levels and application strategies

A field experiment was conducted at the PSMA block, Dr. YSRHU - College of Horticulture, Anantharajupeta, from February to May 2025 to evaluate the optimal nutrient level and application method of NPK on the growth characteristics of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum cv. Cim-Saumya). The study employed a randomized block design with 11 treatment combinations and three replications. The recommended dose of fertilizer 80:40:40 kg ha⁻¹ was applied through varying soil application levels (100%, 80%, 60%, and 50%) and foliar spray concentrations (1% and 2%). Results indicated that combined soil and foliar application significantly enhanced plant growth. Treatment T4 (80% soil application + 2% foliar spray) recorded the highest values for plant height (68.23 cm and 70.67 cm), plant spread (45.27 cm East-West, 41.87 cm North-South at 45 days after transplanting; 54.93 cm East-West, 48.87 cm North-South at 60 days after transplanting), number of primary and secondary branches (10.13 and 60.00 at 45 days after transplanting; 15.27 and 77.00 at 60 days after transplanting), and total number of branches (70.13 and 92.27 at 45 and 60 days after transplanting, respectively). The lowest values were observed in the control (T11). These findings suggest that nutrient use efficiency can be improved and optimized recommended dose of fertilizer with a 20% reduction in soil-applied fertilizer when supplemented with foliar application.