Effect of spacings and fertilizer levels on yield paramters, yield and quality of chia (Salvia hispanica L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in Kharif 2016 at the research field of College of Agriculture, Shivamogga to determine the effect of different spacings and fertilizer levels on the yield and quality parameters of Chia crop. The experiment consisted of three levels of spacings (S1: 60cm x 22.5cm, S2: 60cm x 30cm and S3: 60cm x 45cm) and three levels of fertilizers (F1: 30:20:25 kg NPK ha-1, F2: 60:40:50 kg NPK ha-1 and F3: 90:60:75 kg NPK ha-1). Experimental design adopted was two factor symmetrical experiment with RCBD having three replications. Crop was first established in nursery and then transplanted in main field at 18 days after sowing. Full dose of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers were applied as basal while, half of nitrogen was applied as basal and remaining half was applied 20 days after transplanting as top dressing. Result of the study shown significant increase in number of spikes plant-1 and seed yield with spacing, 60cm x 45cm (76.01 and 597.59 kg ha-1) and fertilizer level, 90:60:75 kg NPK ha-1 (69.39 and 623.60 kg ha-1). Significant number of spikes and yield (88.57 and 676.58 kg ha-1) obtained in treatment combination, 60cm x 45 cm with 90: 60: 75 kg NPK ha-1 compared to other treatment combinations. Oil per cent showed significantly different result with fertilizer dosage and gave significantly superior oil (30.64 %) at lower fertilizer dosage. Protein content in seeds increased significantly with increase in fertilizer levels and recorded significantly higher per cent in F3 (23.85 %) and was superior to F2 (21.50 %) and F1 (20.17 %). Alpha linolenic acid content is significantly influenced by fertilizer dosage. Significantly higher content of alpha linolenic acid (55.66 %) is shown by F1: 30:20:25 kg NPK ha-1 compared to other higher dosage of fertilizers