Growth and seed yield of K3 sesame crops in a typic hapludox with potassium fertilization

Abstract

ABSTRACT Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an oilseed crop species valued for its nutritional properties. Sesame production has been a strategic alternative for expanding agricultural diversification in Mato Grosso, Brazil. In this context, the objective of this study was to assess growth and seed yield of sesame plants (cultivar K3) grown in a Typic Hapludox soil under potassium (K) fertilizer application. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four replications, using a 6×4 factorial arrangement consisting of six K2O rates (0, 30, 50, 70, 90, and 120 kg ha-1) and four application times (0, 20, 30, and 40 days after sowing). Agronomic parameters were evaluated, including plant height, first capsule height, numbers of branches and capsules per plant, capsule weight, 1000-seed weight, and seed yield. Soil samples were chemically analyzed after harvest. Individual factors (K2O rates and application times) and the interaction between factors had no significant effects on plant height, first capsule height, number of branches per plant, and capsule and 1000-seed weights. The timing of fertilizer application did not significantly affect plant growth and seed yield. However, K fertilizer application increased soil K contents, number of capsules per plant, and seed yield. The highest seed yield was found for the K2O rate of 90 kg ha-1.