An Evaluation of Nitrification Retardation Property of Citrullus colosynthis Cake and Its Influence on Yield and N Uptake by Wheat

Citrullus colosynthis oilcake was tested as nitrification retarder under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The same showed NH⁴-N conservation when applied at the rate of 5 and 10% by weight of urea. Higher rate (20%) of the cake resulted in NO²-N accumulation leading to lower N recovery by wheat (var. Kalyansona). The cake also proved a good source of nitrogen and was nearly 67 per cent as efficient as urea.