Influence of nitrogen and phosphorus levels on the yield attributes and yield of coriander in Inceptisol of Raigarh District, Chhattisgarh

Abstract

The present study was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 to evaluate the influence of varying nitrogen and phosphorus levels on the yield attributes and yield of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) grown in the Inceptisols of Raigarh district, Chhattisgarh. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with sixteen treatment combinations comprising four nitrogen levels (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg N ha⁻¹) and four phosphorus levels (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹), replicated thrice. Results revealed that both nitrogen and phosphorus exerted significant effects on key yield-attributing traits, including number of umbels per plant, umbel length, umbel weight, and number of umbellets per umbel. The highest values for all these parameters were consistently recorded under the application of 90 kg N ha⁻¹ and 90 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹. Seed and stover yields also increased significantly with increasing nutrient levels, with maximum yields obtained under the highest nitrogen and phosphorus treatments. However, the interaction between nitrogen and phosphorus was found to be non-significant for all measured parameters. The study concludes that the combined application of 90 kg N ha⁻¹ and 90 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ is optimal for maximizing coriander productivity under the nutrient-deficient Inceptisols of Raigarh district. These findings highlight the importance of balanced nutrient management for enhancing yield, soil fertility, and economic returns for coriander growers in the region.