Vol. 9, Special Issue 12, Part E (2025)

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of graded levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizers on soil nutrient availability, fodder yield, and nutrient uptake of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) grown during Kharif 2023 at the N.M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat. Three fertilizer levels were imposed: no fertilizer (L1), recommended NPK dose (80:40:40 kg ha⁻¹; L2), and double the recommended dose (160:80:80 kg ha⁻¹; L3). After harvest, soil samples (0-20 cm) were analyzed for available N, P₂O₅, and K₂O, while plant samples were evaluated for dry matter yield and nutrient uptake. Results revealed a clear improvement in soil nutrient status with increasing NPK levels, with post-harvest available N, P₂O₅, and K₂O ranging from 179.45 to 235.44, 22.72 to 35.32, and 219.80 to 283.45 kg ha⁻¹, respectively, from L1 to L3. Sorghum fodder yield increased from 17.20 t ha⁻¹ in L1 to 33.70 t ha⁻¹ in L3. Likewise, nutrient uptake of N, P₂O₅, and K₂O was highest under L3 (100.3, 43.9, and 111.3 kg ha⁻¹, respectively). The results clearly indicate that higher levels of NPK fertilizers enhanced biomass production, nutrient uptake, and post-harvest soil nutrient availability. The study highlights the importance of balanced and adequate fertilizer application for improving sorghum productivity and sustaining soil fertility under similar agro-ecological conditions.