Influence of Varieties and Nutrient Levels on Growth, Yield and Profitability of Palak (Beta vulgaris var. Bengalensis)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur (M.P.) during Rabi season of year 2019-20 to study the “Influence of varieties and nutrient levels on growth, yield and profitability of palak (Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis)”. The experiment comprised of two varieties V1 (Pusa Bharati), V2 (All Green) and 6 different nutrient levels (N1- 00:00:00 NPK kg/ha, N2- 40:30:20 NPK kg/ha, N3- 60:40:30 NPK kg/ha, N4- 80:50:40 NPK kg/ha, N5- 100:60:50 NPK kg/ha and N6- 120:70:60 NPK kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The variety Pusa Bharati was found significantly better plant height (26.87 cm, 31.88 cm and 32.12 cm), maximum number of leaves per plant (8.18, 13.70 and 14.02), maximum leaf area (31.28 cm2, 76.53 cm2 and 79.88 cm2), maximum fresh green yield per plant (19.12 g, 20.64 g and 21.79 g), maximum fresh green yield per hectare (191.19, 206.36 and 217.90 q/ha) at 1st, 2nd and 3rd cuttings, respectively. The significantly higher economic performance in terms of gross income (Rs. 246180.00/ha), net income (Rs. 196695.63/ha) and B:C ratio (3.95) was observed with variety Pusa Bharti.Among nutrient levels, N6 (120:70:60 NPK kg/ha) found better for growth, yield and economics i.e., plant height (30.92 cm, 35.04 cm and 35.66 cm), maximum number of leaves per plant i.e. 9.60, 16.10 and 17.99, maximum leaf area i.e. 34.16 cm2, 83.31 cm2 and 88.76 cm2, maximum fresh green yield per plant i.e. 20.27 g, 22.31 g and 24.46 g, maximum fresh green yield per hectare i.e. 202.72, 223.12 and 224.62 q/ha at 1st, 2nd and 3rd cuttings, respectively, highest gross income (Rs. 268180/ha), net income (Rs. 215587.30 /ha) and B:C ratio (4.10) was found with nutrient level N6 (120:70:60 NPK kg/ha). It may be concluded that variety V1 (Pusa Bharati) and nutrient level N6­ (120:70:60 NPK kg/ha) showed better performance for growth, yield and economics in spinach.