Effect of sulphur sources and organic manures on the productivity and quality of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2022 at S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner (Rajasthan), to evaluate the impact of sulphur sources and organic manures on the growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and quality of sesame. The experiment was arranged as a factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications, comprising a total of twenty treatment combinations. One factor consisted of four sulphur sources (control, gypsum, elemental sulphur, and bentonite) while the other factor comprised five organic manure treatments (control, FYM at 5 t/ha, FYM at 10 t/ha, vermicompost at 2.5 t/ha, and vermicompost at 5 t/ha). Results demonstrated that gypsum and vermicompost at 5 t/ha significantly improved growth parameters, yield, nutrient uptake, and quality of sesame compared to control treatments. Gypsum produced the highest seed yield (814.8 kg/ha) and oil yield (378.32 kg/ha), while vermicompost at 5 t/ha achieved comparable outcomes (827.63 kg/ha seed yield; 380.08 kg/ha oil yield). Significant increases in nutrient uptake (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur) and seed protein content were also observed. These findings highlight the potential of integrated nutrient management using inorganic and organic amendments to sustainably enhance sesame production in semi-arid regions.