Evaluation of compact cultures under high density planting system with different nutrient levels in rainfed vertisols

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2016-17 in rainfed vertisols of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Lam to study the performance of cotton compact varieties under high density planting system with different spacings and nutrient management for higher production and to reduce the cost of cultivation under changing climatic conditions. The experiment was laid out in split-split design with three replications. Two compact varieties ARBC 1301 and DSC 1302 were taken as main treatments with three spacings (75cmX10cm, 90cmX10cm and 90 cm X 60 cm (recommended) and three nutrient levels (90-45-45 NPK kg ha-1, 120-60-60 NPK kg ha-1, 150-75-75 NPK kg ha-1) as sub treatments. The results of the study revealed that among the two varieties tested, highest seed cotton yield was recorded in ARBC 1301 (3324 kg ha-1). Regarding spacing, the seed cotton yield was significantly superior with the closer spacings 90cm x 10 cm (3266 kg ha-1) and 75cm x 10cm (3292 kg ha-1). Lowest seed cotton yield was recorded at recommended spacing of 90cmx60cm (2245 kg ha-1). Application of nutrients over and above 90-45-45 NPK kg ha-1 did not influence the seed cotton yield.