Seeding rate and cultivar impacts on nutrient uptake of field pea under fertile soil condition

Plant density is an important agronomic factor that affects crop growth, development, and yield. The optimum plant density to attain the highest yield can vary with genotype, production and, environmental factors. A field experiment was conducted at Bursa Uludag University Agricultural Area to evaluate the effects of seeding rate and variety on plant nutrient uptake of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars (Ulubatli, Kirazli, Golyazi, and Urunlu). Some very important factors responsible for low yield are plant density under field conditions and the selection of unsuitable cultivars. The adoption of pea cultivars that are more productive and better adapted to cultivation regions and the increase in plant population per area are important strategies to obtain higher productivity under field conditions. Plant density is one of the most effective agronomic factors for determining optimum plant nutrient uptake. The factorial experiment was arranged in a completely randomized block design with three replicates per treatment. Four cultivars and five seeding rates (75, 100, 125, 150, and 175 g seed m-2) were evaluated. Results showed that plant nutrient uptake was affected by seeding rate and pea cultivars. The maximum rate of plant nutrient uptake occurred at a density of 100-125 g seed m-2 and for 'Kirazli', 'Golyazi', and 'Urunlu'. However, 'Ulubatli' showed minimum values of nutrient uptake. Regarding macroand micronutrients, varieties on the average had mean nutrient uptake with the following sequence: N > K > Ca > P > Mg, Na, Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu. Pea varieties and seeding rates should be considered in the fertilization program.