Evaluation of lime, boron and their residue on three cropping sequences of non- cruciferous vegetables for yield, composition of leaf and soil properties on an Alfisol

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 1989-92 on lime/boron application in 3 cropping sequences: (i) okra
[Hibiscus esculentus (L.) Moench}-frenchbean (phaseolus vulgaris L.)-carrot (Daucus carota L.), (ii) cowpea I
[Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]-pea (Pisum sativum L.)-radish (Raphanus sativus L.), both initiated in the rainy season
(kharif} and (iii) cowpea II-capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.)-onion (Allium cepa L.), initiated in summer season.
The yield of all the crops increased by lime (3.4 tonnes/ha) or its residue by 6% in radish, 7% in cowpea II, 8% okra,
11 % in radish and pea, 15% in frenchbean, 29% ill onion and 52% in capsicum compared to no lime control. Boron at
0.75 kg/ha or its residue significantly increased the yield by 7% in frenchbean, 11% in radish, 15% in cowpea I and
25% in onion compared to no boron (control) but higher boron levels depressed the yield. In okra, boron at 1.5 kg/ha
increased the yield by 15% while boron at 0.75-2.25 kg/ha or its residue increased the yield by 10-12% in carrot, 17-29%
in pea and 25-35% in capsicum. An evaluation of soil pH IN KC 1 extractable acidity and hot water soluble boron
in the soil after each crop showed extent of reaction of lime with soil or the residues of boron depended on both the
crops involved as well as the time or season of application of lime or boron.