Effect of N, P and K fertilizers on yield, content and uptake of N, P and K by sesame (Sesamum indicum)

A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of N, P and K fertilization on yield, N, P and K content and uptake by sesame. The experiment comprised 4 nitrogen rates (0, 37.5, 75, 112.5 kg N per ha), 3 phosphorus rates (0, 22.5 & 45 kg P2O5 per ha) and 3 rates of potassium (0, 22.5 & 45 kg K2O per ha). Optimum number of capsule and seed yield was obtained at 75 kg N per ha while dry matter yield was highest at 112.5 kg N per ha. Application of P at 45 kg P2O5 per ha significantly increased number of capsules, seed and dry matter yields per plant. N fertilization at 75 kg N per ha increased shoot N and K content by 155 and 8%, respectively. Shoot P content increased by 3.14 folds at 37.5 kg N per ha. P and K showed no significant influence on N and P shoot content. N fertilization enhanced N, P and K shoot uptake by 260, 43 and 46%, respectively. There was no significant increase in N and K shoot uptake during P fertilization, while P uptake was increased by 72