Studies on the Nutrient Uptake in Robusta and Poovan

Studies were undertaken to assess the level and uptake of nutrients at different stages of growth of Robusta and Poovan at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The cultivars showed different levels of uptake of nutrients and a differential distribution in various parts. Leaf was found to be the specific tissue for diagnosing the N, P, Ca and Mg at all stages of growth. For K, however, sheath was found to be the most suitable tissue.

N and K are absorbed more before flowering in Robusta. There is however, a continuous and steady uptake of N and K and the amounts are about equal before and after flowering in Poovan. Ca and Mg are taken more in the early phase in both the varieties. On the basis of this study, the amounts of nutrients absorbed by the two varieties have been commuted.