Effect of nutrient omissions on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and economics of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in northern Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted entitled “Effect of nutrient omissions on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and ecomimics of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in northern Madhya Pradesh ”at research farm, ICAR-CPRI-RS, Gwalior (M.P.) during the winter season of 2019-20 under the agro-climatic and soil conditions of Northern Madhya Pradesh. The experiment was planted under Randomized Block Design having 11 treatment combinations replicated thrice. Highest growth parameters viz., plant height (56.09 cm), number of stem per plant (5.71) and number of compound leaves/plant (35.08), yield parameters viz. haulm yield (13.75 t/ha), tuber yield (26.67 t/ha) and biological yield (40.42 t/ha) were recorded with 100% recommended dose of NPK. Similarly, chemical parameters viz., N uptake (63.73 kg/ha), P uptake (19.66 kg/ha) K uptake (75.03 kg/ha) in tubers; N uptake (45.39 kg/ha), P uptake (10.3 kg/ha) K uptake (50.6 kg/ha) haulms in 100% RDF NPK treatment. N (176 kg/ha), P (43.37 kg/ha) and K (360.12 kg/ha) contents in soil were highest in T11 (150% Recommended NPK). Highest cost of cultivation (Rs 123200/ha) in 150% RDF NPK but gross return (Rs 366481/ha) was recorded in 100% RDF NPK. However, highest net return (Rs 251681/ha) was recorded in 100% RDF NPK. In contrast to above, highest benefit cost ratio (3.2) was recorded in 100% RDF NPK which was slightly higher to 75% RDF NPK. Thus, resource poor farmers by reducing 25% dose of NPK, can increase return on per rupee invested on one hand and on other hand will contribute environmental safety.