Influence of different levels of nitrogen on yield and economics of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) under different planting geometry

Abstract

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) is a crop of economic importance due to its utilization as the alternative source of sugar. The productivity of stevia depends on many agronomical factors such as planting density, nutrient levels, field preparation, spacing etc. A field experiment was conducted during Zaid season 2018 in a clayey soil under irrigated conditions to study the “Influence of different levels of nitrogen on yield and economics of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) under different planting geometry. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design which comprised of 2 factors viz., Nitrogen levels (50, 75 and 100 kg ha-1) and Plant spacing S1 (30 cm x 20 cm), S2 (40 cm x 20 cm), and S3 (50 cm x 20 cm). The combination of 100 kg ha-1 N at (30 cm x 20 cm) spacing was proved to be best treatment in terms of highest fresh biomass yield (24.35 t ha-1), fresh leaf yield (10.54 t ha-1) and dry leaf yield (2.63 t ha-1). However, maximum leaf to stem ratio on fresh weight basis (0.78) and harvest index (0.44) was obtained in treatment T4 i.e., 75 kg ha-1 N at (30 cm x 20 cm) spacing.