Studies on irrigation regimes and fertility levels for kalonji (Nigella sativa L.) under South-Eastern Rajasthan

Abstract

Rajasthan) on Kalonji (Nigella sativa L.). The experiment consisted of nine treatment combinations viz. three irrigation regimes (IW/CPE ratio 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8) and three levels of fertility (75, 100 and 125 % RDF) were under taken in split plot design with four replications. The maximum plant height, branches and yield attributes was recorded with irrigation regime of IW/CPE 0.8 over application of IW/CPE 0.6 and IW/CPE 0.4 in the pooled analysis. Pooled data showed that the significantly higher seed yield (890 kg ha -1 ), net return (Rs. 1,27,270 ha -1 ) and B: C ratio (4.40) of kalonji was obtained under the application of irrigation regime IW/CPE 0.8 as compared to IW/CPE 0.4. While, maximum water use efficiency (39.1 kgha-mm -1) and water productivity (3.91 kg m -3) was recorded under irrigation regime IW/CPE 0.4 in comparison to irrigation regime IW/CPE 0.8. Under application of 125 % RDF was recorded maximum plant height, number of branches and yield attributes over application of 75 % RDF, but it was found at par with application of 100 % RDF. Among the fertility levels, the maximum seed yield (850 kg ha -1) of kalonji, water use efficiency (39.8 kg ha-mm -1), net return (Rs. 1,20, ) and B: C ratio (4.15) was found in application of 125 % RDF being on par with 100 % RDF over application of 75 % RDF in the pooled data. Similarly, maximum water productivity (3.97 kg m -3) was recorded under application of 125 % RDF in comparison to 75 % RDF.