Determination of effective method of NPK fertilization in pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars grown in Pakistan

Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) are amongst the fundamental macronutrients, which are crucial for the growth and development plants. There is lack of information for the most effective method for NPK fertilization in pea cultivars grown in Pakistan. In most of the cases, NPK is applied as soil application rather than foliar spray.

Experiments were conducted to find out the most effective method of NPK fertilization i.e. soil application or foliar spray on three pea cultivars (Aleena, Climax and Meteor). Experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with 4 replicates and data was recorded at different growth stages.

Soil and foliar spray of NPK showed significant results for the enhancement of root and shoot development, foliage growth, relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), photosynthetic pigments, total carbohydrate contents and soluble proteins. Antioxidant activities i.e. catalases (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and yield attributes increased significantly with NPK applications. NPK foliar application showed better result only for the higher relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR). It was noted that NPK soil applications were more effective for the improvement of growth, quality and yield of pea as compared to foliar spray. Climax and Aleena cultivars were better in relation to growth, quality and yield than Meteor with soil NPK application. Changes in antioxidant activities by NPK significantly increased the defense mechanism in plants resulted improved in plant metabolism that increased the growth, yield and quality of pea. It was concluded that soil application of NPK was more effective for higher productivity of pea than foliar use.