Effect of combined applications of inorganic and organic fertilizer on growth and yield of Kaentawan (Helianthus tuberosus L.)

• Published in: Khon Kaen Agriculture Journal (Thailand)
• Main Authors: Sanun Jogloy(Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen (Thailand). Faculty of Agriculture. Department of Agronomy), Ratchanee Puttha(Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen (Thailand). Faculty of Agriculture. Department of Agronomy), Ratchanok Mikaew(Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen (Thailand). Faculty of Agriculture. Department of Agronomy), Wilawan Tula(Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen (Thailand). Faculty of Agriculture. Department of Agronomy), Thawan Kesmala(Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen (Thailand). Faculty of Agriculture. Department of Agronomy)
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Thai
• Published: 01.04.2006
• Subjects: Application rates; Fertilizer application; Growth; Helianthus tuberosus; Inorganic fertilizers; Jerusalem artichokes; Organic fertilizers; Yields
• ISSN: 0125-0485

Kaentawan or Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) has been used as human food, animal feed and alternative fuel source for alcohol production in many countries. Introduction of this crop into Thailand is quite recent, and commercial production has not been established. In order for studying feasibility to grow this crop profitably in Thailand, this research was undertaken with the objective of investigating the effects of combined applications of inorganic and organic fertilizer on growth and yield of kaentawan. Five fertilizer treatments (no fertilizer, 25 kg of 12-24-12 chemical fertilizer, 50 kg of 12-24-12 chemical fertilizer, 500 kg of animal manure plus 25 kg of 12-24-12 chemical fertilizer and 500 kg of animal manure plus 50 kg of 12-24-12 chemical fertilizer) were assigned in a randomized complete block with four replications. At 50 days after emergence, no fertilizer treatment gave the lowest SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR) (32.9) and application of 500 kg of animal manure plus 50 kg of 12-24-12 chemical fertilizer gave the highest SCMR (35.9), indicating the highest chlorophyll status. At 90 days after emergence, application of 500 kg of animal manure plus 50 kg of 12-24-12 chemical fertilizer gave the highest branch number/plant (28.5), but fertilizer applications had no effects on plant height. Fertilizer applications of 25 kg of 12-24-12 chemical fertilizer tended to give the highest tuber yield of 1682.18 kg/rai.