Nitrogen Assimilation and Yield of Lepidium Sativum [L.] As Affected by Potassium Availability

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted to find out the influence of different potassium concentrations [0, 40, 80, 120 kg K ha−1] on the nitrogen, nitrate and sulphur contents, nitrate reductase activity, and yield of three genotypes [G1, G2 and G3] of Lepidium sativum Linn. G2 was found to be most responsive to potassium treatment. K+ fertilization had a positive effect on the uptake, translocation and reduction of NO3− in leaves at various stages of plant development. The amount of toxic nitrate was reduced whereas yield quality improved in response to potassium fertilization. The study inferred that for cultivation of L. sativum in field conditions 80 kg K ha−1 dose was most appropriate.