Long term effect of application of organic manures on growth, yield and soil nutrient status of cashew

Abstract

A long term trial on organic management of cashew was conducted during 2011-12 to 2018-19 (8 years) under AICRP-Cashew programme at RFRS, Vengurla. Cashew grafts (V-4) planted at 7m x 7m during 2008. Trial was laid out in RBD with three replications and eight treatments comprises of different source of manures were applied in the month of June. Standard package of practices uniformly followed during investigation. Growth, yield attributes and soil nutrients status recorded at appropriate stages. Year-wise as well as pooled data (8years) was statically analyzed. Application of RDF + 10kg FYM (T8) gave the highest yield (6.02 kg/tree & 1.22 t/ha) followed by T4 -100% N as Vermicompost + BCF (5.23 kg/tree & 1.06 t/ha). Further, the highest available soil N and P2O5 content (312.20 kg/ha & 37.61 kg/ha, respectively) recorded after harvest in T8 treatment. The higher available soil K2O content noted in T4 treatment (910.50 kg/ha).