Enhancing Sesame Yield in Arid Conditions through NPK Fertilizer Optimization
Saqib Hanif
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Talha Nasir Sial
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Muhammad Khizar Hayat *
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Agro-Climatology Lab, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Mubashir Tariq
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Saba Mehwish
Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Muhammad Usman
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Muhammad Ali Shabbir
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Syeda Hira Benish
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Muhammad Bilal
Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Pakistan.
Muhammad Haseeb Abdullah
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Sheharyar Alam
Department of Plant pathology, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Sesame, an important oilseed crop and valuable source of protein, plays a central role in global agriculture. This study, conducted during the 2021-2022 Kharif season at Karor Adaptive Research Farm (ARF), Layyah, Pakistan, aimed to optimize the use of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) fertilizers to increase sesame yield under dry conditions. Our research aimed to determine the most effective application rates of NPK fertilizer (34:24:12) kg/acre for sesame variety TH-6 in the region, consistent with the objectives of maximizing sesame yield and biomass accumulation. The experimental design RCBD included multiple treatments, with meticulous attention to plot sizes, replicates, and robust data collection and analysis methods. These measures ensure the reliability of our results and their potential applicability to similar agroclimatic conditions. The use of NPK fertilizer at the rate of (113:113:60) kg ha-1 in ARF gave promising results. A maximum grain yield of 765.3 kg ha-1 was observed in 2021, exceeding the yield of 738.6 kg ha-1 in 2022. Similarly, the use of NPK (113:113:60) kg ha-1 in a farmer's field resulted in a maximum grain yield of 828.6 kg ha-1 in 2021, as opposed to 702.6 kg ha-1 in 2022. These results highlight the potential of NPK fertilizer application combined with optimal field practices to increase sesame yield and its components under the challenging agro-climatic conditions of Karor, Layyah. The discussion interprets the results and emphasizes the importance of NPK fertilizers for sesame cultivation. Although our primary focus is not on climate discussions, the consistent methodology in both years, from sowing to harvesting, revealed significant differences in yield and growth parameters, leading to climate change being considered as a potential contributing factor. This study shows that the application of NPK fertilizer at the rate of (113:113:60) kg ha-1 can significantly increase sesame yield under adverse conditions.
Keywords: Adaptive research farm karor, NPK, nutrient management; sesame, TH-6 variety, agronomy