Effect of fertility levels, dates and methods of sowing on growth attributes, grain or stalk yield and net returns in sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2016 and 2017 to study the effect of fertility levels, dates of sowing and methods of planting on growth and yield parameters of sweet sorghum. The experiment consisted of two sowing dates, two methods of sowing (Ridge and furrow and Flatbed methods) and four fertility levels viz. 120+60+60, 90+45+45, 60+30+30 and 0 (control) NPK Kg ha-1. Early sowing in first week of July and crop planted on beds were superior in terms of growth, yield and yield attributes of sweet sorghum than sowing in second fortnight of July and flatbed planting. Fertility level of 120+60+60 Kg/ha N+P+K recorded tallest plant, maximum number of leaf/plant and dry biomass/plant. Sweet sorghum yields and yield attributes were linearly increased with increase in fertility levels and maximum yields were produced under highest level of fertility.