Abstract
Four studies were conducted, including a survey work, during the period from
January, 1998 to March, 2001. The field experiments and laboratory work were carried out at
the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, adjacent village Boira and
Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture to find out the effect of fertilizers on the
production, quality and shelf of betel leaf.
Among the four N levels tested, 400 kg N/ha in the form of urea was found to be the
best, but statistically identical to 350 kg N/ha for most of the yield components and yield.
The highest level of nitrogen (400 kg N/ha) produced the highest yield (7.04 t/ha). Weight
loss and rottage of betel leaf during the period of storage increased significantly with
increase in the dose of nitrogen. The crop fertilized with 150 kg P2O5/ha produced the
maximum yield (6.48 t/ha). The highest dose of phosphate (150 kg P2O5/ha) was statistically
similar to the moderate dose (100 kg P2O5/ha) in most cases. The highest dose of potassium
(150 kg K20/ha) produced the best result, but the dose was statistically identical to that of the
moderate dose (100 kg K20/ha). Application of potassium at 150 kg K20/ha gave the highest
yield (6.45 t/ha).
The application of sulphur did not show any significant role on growth and yield of betel
leaf. Magnesium and zinc also did not show any positive effect. The growth and yield of
betel leaf were, however, slightly higher due to the combined use of sulphur, magnesium and
zinc fertilizer rather than individual use, but the response was not statistically significant.
Higher proportion of inorganic fertilizer improved plant growth. Combined use of
fertilizer was superior to control, where the yield increase ranged from 1.42 to 2.36 t/ha in
rabi and 3.06 to 5.02 t/ha in kharif. Maximum portion of inorganic fertilizers application
improvequality of betel leaf but dods not play any significant role in shelf life in most cases.
Betel leaf showed vigorous growth and higher yield in kharif than in rabi. In the study, the
combination of maximum portion of inorganic fertilizer and minimum portion of mustard oil
cake appeared to be suitable for increased yield and economic return from betel leaf.