Effect of NPK Fertilizer on Chemical Composition of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo Linn.) Seeds

An investigation of the proximate composition and antioxidant profile of pumpkin seeds obtained from different levels of NPK 15 : 15 : 15 compound fertilizer application at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria was carried out. Pumpkin seeds were grown in 2010 for two cropping seasons (May to August and August to November), and the following fertilizer rates were applied: 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg/ha. Standard analytical methods were used to determine protein, crude fibre, ash, fat, carbohydrate, antioxidant activities, phenol, flavonoid, proanthocyanidin, and anthocyanin. The highest concentrations of the proximate and antioxidants analysed were found from the seeds of control and those treated with lower NPK rates. The mean protein, ash, crude fibre, and carbohydrate values of pumpkin seeds at zero to 100 kg NPK/ha were 27%, 1.56%, 0.56%, and 11.7% respectively. At these same levels of fertilizer, pumpkin seed oil yield was 59%. Antioxidant activities ranged from 89.9 to 90.4% while total phenol was 47 mg/100 g. Except for carbohydrate, the % concentration of nutrients and antioxidants in pumpkin seeds was significantly () depressed with fertilizer rates above 100 g/ha.

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What the Heck is N-P-K ?

Most fertilizers (and many soil amendments) show this formula somewhere prominently on the package: N-P-K. This shows the ratio of the three most important plant nutrients, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Potassium gets a ‘K’ because of its name on the periodic table of elements (Kalium). These three elements are fundamental to the development and success of all plants to varying degrees. A fertilizer with a rating of 20-20-20 is considered “balanced” because it provides each of these major nutrients in equal proportion.

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MAP 12-61-00 (monoammonium phosphate)
Monoammonium phosphate (MAP 12-61-00)
LXJL Chem

Water-soluble monoammonium phosphate 12:61 (MAP)

Monoammonium phosphate is a water-soluble mineral fertilizer, without nitrates and nitrites, chlorine-free, fire and explosion-proof product.Appearance: white crystalsMonoammonium phosphate is used as a highly effective water-soluble mineral fertilizer fertilizer for indoor and outdoor ground.

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Potassium Nitrate (NOP 13.5-00-46)
LXJL Chem

LXJL Chem Potassium Nitrate 99.4% (NOP 13.5-00-46, 99.4%)

LXJL Chem Potassium Nitrate offers additional benefits including:
100% Natural origin.
High purity and low salt index.
High solubility.
Low chlorine level.
Non detectable Perchlorates level. (virtually free )
Slightly acidic pH.
High N: K ratio and readily available nitrate nitrogen.
Free flowing.
Low moisture content.

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