Impact of different row spacing and nutrient management practices on growth, yield attributes and yield of rabi Niger (Guizotia abyssinica)

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during rabi season of the year 2021-22 at Niger Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Vanarasi to study the effect of different row spacing and nutrient management practices on rabi niger. Growth parameters were influenced significantly due to different row spacing. Significantly higher plant height at 30 DAS and number of branches per plant at harvest were recorded with application of 45 cm row spacing (S3) which remained at par with 30 cm row spacing at 30 DAS in case of plant height. While, significantly higher plant height at 60 DAS was observed with 30 cm row spacing (S2) and remained at par with 45 cm row spacing (S3). Plant height at harvest remained unaffected due to different row spacings. All the yield attributes and yield of Niger were influenced significantly by different row spacing. Significantly higher number of capitula per plant, number of seeds per capitula and seed yield was recorded with application of 45 cm row spacing. Among the nutrient management practices, significantly higher number of capitula per plant, number of seeds per capitula and seed yield were recorded with application of RDF + vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha + biofertilizers (Azotobacter +PSB +KSB) and remained at par with vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha and RDF + vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha treatments for number of capitula per plant and number of seeds per capitula. While in case of seed yield RDF + vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha + biofertilizers (Azotobacter +PSB +KSB) treatment remained at par with RDF + vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha treatment. Therefore, on the basis of results, it can be concluded that niger crop (GNNIG-3) should be sown at 45 cm row spacing and nutrient management should be integrated in the manner of RDF (20-20-00 N-P2O5-K2O kg/ha) along with 1.5 t/ha vermicompost (basal application) with or without biofertilizers seed treatment (Azotobacter + PSB + KSB) for securing higher seed yield in niger crop.