Effect of NPK Slow-Release Fertilizer Diameter and Zeolite Particle Size on Phosphorus Uptake and Yield Quality of Shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) Grown in Inceptisol
Abstract
Shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) is a high-value horticultural crop with increasing demand due to population growth. However, the availability of productive agricultural land to expand shallot cultivation is declining. Inceptisols are widely distributed and have potential for cultivation, but their physical and chemical limitations often restrict crop productivity. The application of slow-release NPK fertilizer (NPK-SR) combined with natural zeolite is expected to improve nutrient availability and enhance soil quality in Inceptisol. This study aimed to determine the optimal diameter of NPK-SR fertilizer and zeolite particle size, as well as their interaction effects on phosphorus (P) uptake and yield quality of shallot. The experiment was conducted in pots using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors: NPK-SR diameter (control, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm) and zeolite particle size (60 mesh and 100 mesh), each with three replications. Observed variables included P uptake, bulb diameter, bulb volume, bulb firmness, bulb color, bulb aroma, vitamin C content, and bulb water content. The results showed that different diameters of NPK-SR fertilizer did not significantly affect all observed variables. Zeolite particle size significantly affected bulb firmness. A significant interaction between NPK-SR diameter and zeolite particle size was observed for vitamin C content, with the best combination obtained from 5 mm NPK-SR fertilizer and 60 mesh zeolite, producing the highest vitamin C content of 0.96%.
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Introduction
Shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) is an economically important horticultural crop widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. It plays a significant role in food security and agro-based economies due to its high market value and its use as a culinary spice and medicinal plant (1). Increasing demand for shallots, driven by population growth and expanding food industries, requires sustainable intensification strategies, particularly in areas where fertile agricultural land is limited. However, the expansion of productive agricultural land is limited, necessitating the optimization of marginal soils to sustain crop productivity.
Inceptisols are among the most widely distributed soil orders globally and are commonly used for crop production (2). These soils are characterized by weak horizon development and moderate weathering. Although generally considered productive, their agricultural performance is often constrained by moderate organic matter content, suboptimal structure, and nutrient limitations (2,3). Inceptisols are widely distributed agricultural soils characterized by moderate development and high phosphorus fixation capacity due to the presence of Fe and Al oxides (4,5). In such soils, applied phosphorus rapidly becomes unavailable, reducing fertilizer use efficiency and increasing production costs (6). One of the major constraints in Inceptisols is low phosphorus (P) availability due to adsorption and fixation by iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) oxides, particularly under acidic conditions (3,7).
Conclusion
1. Variation in NPK-SR granule diameter (1–5 mm) did not significantly influence phosphorus uptake or yield parameters of shallot grown in Inceptisol. Zeolite particle size significantly affected bulb firmness, with 60 mesh providing superior quality compared to 100 mesh.
2. A significant interaction between fertilizer granule diameter and zeolite particle size was observed for vitamin C content, indicating that combined physical optimization of fertilizer and soil amendment characteristics may enhance nutritional quality traits. The best treatment interaction was the P5Z1 treatment (NPK-SR fertilizer 5 mm and 60 mesh
natural zeolite), which produced the highest vitamin C content of 0.96%.
3. Overall, while granule size modification alone did not improve nutrient uptake efficiency, integration of controlledrelease fertilizer with appropriately sized zeolite demonstrates potential for improving crop quality in highly buffered soils.
References
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