Effect of Boron on Nutritional Quality of Groundnut Grown in Coastal Sandy Soils

Aim: To study the effect of boron on quality parameters and micronutrient uptake of groundnut in coastal sandy soils.

Study Design: The experiment laid out in randomized block design with three replications.

Place of Study: At College Farm, Agricultural College, Bapatla, Guntur.

Methodology: After the preliminary layout, the TAG-24 variety of groundnut was used as a test crop, with a spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm in the experimental site. Plant samples were collected at 45, 90 DAS, and harvest. Plant samples were shade dried and kept in hot air oven at 75°C until a constant weight was obtained. Samples were powdered and then analysed for micronutrients using standard chemical procedures.

Results: Protein content, boron content and uptake of micronutrients viz., iron, zinc, manganese, copper and boron were significantly improved with the application of boron in groundnut. Oil content and oil yield were not significantly influenced by the application of boron. The highest value of all these parameters were recorded in T4 (RDF + soil application of Borax @ 12.5 kg/ha).

Conclusion: Application of boron along with RDF improved the nutritional quality of groundnut in coastal sandy soils.