Impact of Sources and Levels of Potassium on Yield and Quality of Pomegranate (cv. Ganesh) Under Dryland Condition

A field experiment was conducted to find out suitable sources and levels of Potassium on yield and quality of Pomegranate at Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri (M.S.) during 2008–09. The present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of different sources and levels of potassium fertilizers on yield and quality by Pomegranate grown under Vertisols. Potassium plays an important role in maintaining the yield, quality and vase life of fruit crops. The periodical observations viz., total number of branches per plant, number of fruits per plant, Fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit volume, yield per plant, leaf analysis, fruit analysis and shelf life. The experiment was conducted in a split plot design with three replications. The main plot treatments consisted of three replications and twelve treatments. The present investigation was carried out on five years old pomegranate orchard, planted at 5 X 5 m spacing. The variety of pomegranate was Ganesh, the recommended dose of fertilizers i.e. FYM 40 kg + NPK were 625: 250: 250 g per plant respectively was applied at the time of Bahar. Pomegranate recorded significantly higher weight of fruits (192 g), number of fruits (164), diameter of fruits (7.37 cm), volume of fruits (181 cm³) and yield per plant (26.4 kg) through potassium sulphate (K₂SO₄) @ 150% i.e.750 gram per plant. However, the potassium sulphate (K₂SO₄) @ 150% was recorded numerically higher TSS (15.4%), reducing sugar (13.6%) and non reducing sugar (1.58%) and juice percentage (72.2%) than rest of sources and levels. Hence on the basis of one year data it can be concluded that application of potassium sulphate (K₂SO₄) @ 150% i.e.750 gram per plant as a soil application can be recommended for getting maximum yield with good quality fruits and sustaining the soil fertility.