Effect of integrated nitrogen management and spacing on dry matter partitioning in Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season to study the effect of different nitrogen sources and spacing on dry matter partitioning in Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata). The experiment was laid out in FRBD comprising four nitrogen sources: N1 - 50% N through vermicompost + 50% RDN through inorganic fertilizer, N2 - 75% N through vermicompost + 25% RDN through inorganic fertilizer, N3 - 100% N through vermicompost, and N4 - 100% RDN through inorganic fertilizer; and three spacing: S1 - 20×20 cm, S2 - 30×10 cm, and S3 - 30×15 cm. The results revealed that N4 recorded the highest root dry matter (2.36 g/plant), stem dry matter (8.96 g/plant), leaf dry matter (5.66 g/plant), and total dry matter (14.62 g/plant) at harvest. Among spacing, S3 (30×15 cm) was superior with maximum root (2.36 g/plant), stem (7.74 g/plant), leaf (6.06 g/plant), and total dry matter (13.80 g/plant). The interaction effect between nitrogen sources and spacing was non-significant at all growth stages except at harvest. The highest percent contribution of economic parts (leaves and stem) was noted in N4 (leaves 38.04%, stem 61.96%), while N1 recorded maximum leaf share (43.58%). Among spacing, S2 showed highest leaf contribution (44.56%).