Assessment and Impact studies of sowing methods in pulses production

Abstract

The United Nations, declared 2016 as “International Year of Pulses” (IYP) to enhance public understanding of the nutritional benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production and productivity aimed at food security and nutrition. The trial was taken up during Rabi 2019 under irrigated condition in Melavalavu and Keelaiyur villages of Kottampatti and Melur blocks respectively. Soil type is sandy clay loam with a seasonal rainfall of 380 mm in 16 rainy days. The soil was inclay loam with a pH of 7.6 (neutral pH), EC of 0.56 dS/m (Normal soil) and organic carbon percentage is 0.31 (low status). The soil fertility status of available nitrogen is low (205 kg /ha), available phosphorus is medium (16 kg / ha) and available potassium is high (300 kg / ha). Micronutrients such as Fe and Zn deficiency commonly occurred in all pulses grown soils of Virudhunagar District. Totally ten farmers were selected for conducting Front Line Demonstration (FLD). TO1: Farmers’ practice - Broadcasting; TO2: Dibbling; TO3: Seed drill sowing. Integrated crop management technologies Maximum yield (848.6 kg/ha) was obtained in Technology option 2 (Seed drill sowing) with higher cost benefit ratio of 3.20 as compared to Dibbling method of sowing (BCR ratio -2.64). The yield was minimum (620 kg/ha) with the BCR of 2.19 in broad cast method of sowing at Melavalavu village, Kottampatti Block (2019-20). Maximum yield (785.4 kg/ha) was obtained in Technology option 2 (Seed drill sowing) with higher cost benefit ratio of 2.96 as compared to Dibbling method of sowing (BCR ratio - 2.59). The yield was minimum (630 kg/ha) with the BCR of 2.23 in broad cast method of sowing at at Keelaiyur village, Melur Block (2019-20).