Nutrient management in direct seeded rabi fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Response of Direct Seeded Rabi Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) To Varying Levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorus

Description

Fennel requires cool and dry climate for its cultivation. Dry and moderately cool weather conditions during seed formation increase seed yield and quality of the produce. Except sandy soil, fennel can successfully be cultivated in all types of soils. Black cotton soil and loamy soil containing lime with proper drainage are better suited for its cultivation. Among the nutrients, nitrogen is primary essential element required to increase agricultural production. It plays an important role in synthesis of chlorophyll and amino acids that contribute to the building unit of protein and thus growth of plants. An adequate supply of this element is associated with vigorous vegetative growth and dark green colour. Phosphorus is the second most important plant nutrient and is the key element in the process of conservation of solar energy into chemical energy. The optimum supply of phosphorus to the plant stimulates root development and growth, thereby helps to establish seedling quickly and also hastens maturity as well as improves the quality of crop.