Effect of different nutrient management practices on growth and yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under heavy soils of Punjab

Abstract

The experiment on “Effect of different nutrient management practices on growth and yield of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under heavy soils of Punjab” was conducted during Rabi season of 2023-24 at Campus for Research and Advanced Studies, Dhablan of G.S.S.D.G.S. Khalsa College Patiala on clayey soil with pH 7.3, which is medium in organic carbon (0.51%), low in available nitrogen (241 kg ha-1), medium in available phosphorus (22.8 kg ha-1) and medium in available potassium (128.7 kg ha-1). The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design with 3 replications and 12 treatments. Implementation of integrated nutrients significantly influenced the plant height, no. of leaves, leaf area index, dry weight, capitulum diameter, test weight, achenes capitulum-1, seed yield, straw yield and harvest index. The highest seed yield (26.28 q ha-1) was recorded with application of 75% RDF + FYM 5 t ha-1 + VC 2 t ha-1 + Azotobacter + PSB (Seed inoculation). Based on above results, it can be concluded that application of 75% RDF + FYM 5 t ha-1 + VC 2 t ha-1 + Azotobacter + PSB (Seed inoculation) were found to be best treatment and highest net return (? 126710 ha-1) and B:C (3.37) were also recorded in this treatment.