Phosphorus Use Efficiency in Brinjal with FYM and Sulphur

The effects of phosphorus, sulphur and FYM application on yield, availability of phosphorus from fertilizer sources, its uptake and utilization by the crop were studied by a pot culture experiment with brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) in a typic Ustocrept soil of IARI farm. Four levels of phosphorus viz. 0, 5.95, 11.90 and 17.85 mg kg⁻¹ (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹, three levels of sulphur viz. 0, 6.82 and 13.64 mg kg⁻¹ (0, 15 and 30 kg S ha⁻¹) and two levels of FYM viz. 0 and 77.78 g pot⁻¹ (0 and 25 t ha⁻¹) were applied in all possible combinations. Maximum beneficial effect in respect to fruit yield on dry weight basis was noted in the combined application of 11.90 mg kg⁻¹ phosphorus, 6.82 mg kg⁻¹ sulphur with FYM. Per cent utilization of added phosphorus was maximum when lowest level of phosphorus was applied with highest level of sulphur. Available phosphorus content in soil both at pre-flowering and harvesting stages increased due to application of highest levels of phosphorus, FYM and sulphur but synergistic effect was found only up to 6.82 mg kg⁻¹ level of sulphur. Combined application of phosphorus with FYM and sulphur was beneficial as per cent phosphorus derived from fertilizer (Pdff) values increased in soil at both stages of crop growth.