Soil test crop response (STCR) based primary nutrient management of gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus hort.) in inceptisol

Gladiolus production systems demand precise nutrient management to ensure high quality spikes and propagative-sized corms. However, conventional recommendations are generalised and often ignore the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of soils, adversely affecting nutrient availability and plant uptake. To address these issues and to refine the existing practices, A field study was conducted in gladiolus cv. Trader Horn to develop a site-specific nutrient management strategy using soil test crop response (STCR) approach. The experiment involved creating fertility gradients and applying various combinations of N, P, K, and FYM in a fractional factorial randomised block design. Results revealed that producing 100 kg of spikes required 0.96 kg N, 0.16 kg P, and 0.98 kg K, while 100 kg of corms requires 0.98 kg N, 0.16 kg P, and 1.00 kg K. Contributions from soil, fertilizer, and FYM were quantified as N (29.3%, 29.7%, 17.5%), P (56.4%, 16.9%, 9.6%), and K (31.6%, 74.6%, 17.1%). Fertilizer prescription equations and a ready reckoner were developed for different soil test values and yield targets enabling farmers to apply optimal nutrients based on soil capacity and crop needs. This approach promotes balanced fertilization, enhances environmental sustainability and ensures economic viability in gladiolus cultivation