Abstract
Ih2tel leaf is an important cash crop in the southern region of Bangladesh but nutrient
management of betel leaf is not appropriate. Poor management with imbalanced or
inadequate nutrient supply hampers its production. The present study was formulated to
find out a suitable fertilizer r&ommendation as well as a preservation method for
increasing the shelf life of three betel leaf varieties viz. Mahanali, BARI Pan-I and
BARI Pan-2 in Ganges Tidal Floodplain soils. In order to achieve the objectives one
survey, three fertilizer trials and one experiment on Pan preservation were conducted at
RARS, Rahmatpur, Barishal during 2014-2018. The experimental site belongs to Non-
calcareous Grey Floodplain %il. The soil was loam in texture having pH 6.0, organic
matter 1.28%, total N ().()6%, available P 58.2 ppm, exchangeable K 0.34 meq/100 g soil,
exchangeable Ca 4.5 meq/l(l) g soil, exchangeable Mg 1.5 meq/100 g soil, available S 63
ppm and available Zn 3.37 ppm. A survey was conducted to investigate the nutrient
management practices for leaf production at farmer's level. Survey result showed
that farmers of the selected areas do not use recommended doses of fertilizers for betel
leaf production. First fertilizer trial was conducted with Mahanali variety of betel leaf
including 6 treatments viz. To (Control i.e. No), Tl (N300P1mK100 kg/ha), T2 (25% N from
+ N from urea), % (50% N from MCC + N from urea), T4 (75% N from
+ 25% N from urea) and (100% N from MOC). A basal dose of 100 kg P from 'ISP
and I(K) kg K from MOP were used for all the treatments. The results demonstrate that
integrated use of organic 75% N through MX and 25% N from urea (Tj increased the
yield of betel leaf in comparison with other treatments but 50:50 ratios of organic N and
inorganic N (T3) appeared to be suitable for economic return. The second fertilizer trial
was conducted with BARI Pan-I and BARI Pan-2 consisting of 6 treatments viz. To
(Control), Tl (MOC 5 t/ha), (Cowdung 10 t/ha) T3 (80-40-40-15 kg NPKS/ha), (80-40-
40-15 kg NPKS/ha + MOC 5 t/ha) and E (80-40-40-15 kg NPKS/ha + Cowdung 10 t/ha).
The results indicate that the Ta treatment (80-40-40-15 NPKS kg/ha + MOC 5t/ha)
produced the highest leaf yield of 8.74 t/ha/year for BARI Pan-I and 8.56 t/ha/year for
BARI Pan-2. The minimum leaf yield was noticed in the control for both the varieties. The
third fertilizer trial was conducted to see the effects of sulphur, magnesium and zinc on
the leaf yield of Mahanali Pan. The treatments were To (SoMgoZno), Tl (*Mg15Zn5), T2
(S20Mg15Zns), T3 (S25MB3Z115), T, (S20MgoZns), (S20Mg10Zn5), T6 (S20MgmZns), T,
(S20Mg15Zno) and T8 (S20Mg15Zn10). The application of Mg, S and Zn did not show any
signifiant effect on the yield of betel leaf. The last expriment was carried out on
preservation techniques of betel leaf. Seven preservation methods viz. covered with
banana leaves with or without spraying water, polythene with or without spraying
water, news paper, Mahagani (Mahagani mahnganl) leaves and well ventilated space. The
method wrapping with polythene without spraying water was found better for
preservation of betel leaves. It can be concluded from the results that integrated use of
organic and inorganic fertilizers is beneficial for betel leaf production in comparison with
sole application Of either organic Or chemical fertilizers. Further, shelf life of betel leaf can
be increased through polythene wrapping without spraying water.