Effect of irrigation scheduling and nutrient

Effect of irrigation scheduling and nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of utera linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF

Master of Science (Agriculture)

in Agronomy

Supervisor

Submitted by

Prof. R.K. Singh

Ram Singh Yadav

DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY VARANASI - 221 005 I.D. No. A-13003

2015

Enrolment No. 359621

Dr. R.K. Singh Professor & Coordinator (SAP-UGC) Mobile:+ 91-9451169269

Ref. No.

Department of Agronomy Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi - 221 005 (U.P.) INDIA

Date:

To, The Registrar (Academic) Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi – 221 005. India. Through:

The Head Department of Agronomy Institute of Agricultural Sciences Banaras Hindu University Varanasi – 221 005.

Dear Sir, I have great pleasure in forwarding the thesis entitled “Effect of irrigation scheduling and nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of utera linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)” submitted by Mr. Ram Singh Yadav, ID. No. A-13003, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Agriculture) in Agronomy, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, and placing on record that he has completed the requisite residential requirements as contained in the statutes of the university. I certify that the work has been carried out solely under my guidance and the data forming the basis of the thesis to the best of my knowledge are original and genuine and no part of the work has been submitted for any other degree or institution. Thanking you.

Forwarded by

Yours faithfully

(R.K. Singh) Supervisor

Effect of irrigation scheduling and nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of utera linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

by

Ram Singh Yadav Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of

Master of Science (Agriculture) in Agronomy DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY VARANASI – 221 005 2015 I.D. No. A-13003

Enrolment No. 359621

APPROVED BY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Chairman

Dr. R. K. Singh Professor & Coordinator (SAP-UGC) Department of Agronomy

Members

Dr. Ram Narayan Meena Assistant Professor Department of Agronomy

Dr. Anil Kumar Chauhan Professor Department of Food Technology

EXTERNAL EXAMINER:

Acknowledgement With the deep sense of devotion I bow and pray to the feet of Lord Hanuman Ji and Lord Shayam Ji who provided me choicest, everlasting blessing to get an opportunity to study in Banaras Hindu University, the dream of Bharat Ratna Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Ji, a great patriot, nobleman and patriarch of this university. At the outset I would like to express my profound sense of reverence and indebtedness to my Supervisor, Dr. R, K, Singh, Professor & Coordinator (SAPUGC), Department of Agronomy, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University for his meticulous guidance, compassionate initiation, congenial discussion, constructive criticism and soothing affection during the course of this investigation and preparation of this manuscript. It was a matter of sheer luck and opportunity to work under his guidance. I offer my heartfelt gratitude to members of the advisory committee Dr. R. N. Meena, Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy and Dr. A. K. Chauhan, Professor, Department of Food Technology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University for their critical suggestion, impeccable and benevolent guidance. My profound gratefulness and thanks are to Dr. R, P. Singh (Director), and all the respected teachers of the Department of Agronomy, for their valuable suggestions and criticism during the course of this study. I express my sincere thanks to Dr. Avijit Sen, Professor and Head, Department of Agronomy, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, for providing all facilities needed for completion of the research work. I express my sincere thanks to Mr. Nandu Ram Yadav, Mr. Manoj Kumar Yadav, Mr. Vijay Pratap Singh, Mr. J.C.N. Tripathi and Mr. Shyam Sundar of Department of Agronomy, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University and all the research scholars, of the Department of Agronomy, for their helping hands, encouragement and cooperation during the tenure of my studies and research work.

Words with me are insufficient to express my fillings of my heart to acknowledge and gratitude to my bellowed Father Late Shri Shimbhu Dayal Yadav, mother Smt. Shanti Devi and my brother Yogesh Kumar Yadav and Rajpal Yadav, my sister Suman, Munesh, Pinki, Babali, Khamosh and Manisha and my nephew Sachin, Sonu, Deepak, Navratan, Gaurav, and Dhruv other family members Ruda Ram Yadav, who taught me the value of wisdom based on erudition but without enslaved by it and their persistent inspiration, selfless sacrifices, continuous encouragement and blessing gave untiring help and have enabled me to be so today. My friends Sandeep Sihag, Kiran Hingonia, Ajeeta , Anita, Mishan Das, Ardith Sankar, Shiv Bahadur, Rajani, Lalaram, Gangadhar Nanda, Dharmendra , Surajyoti Pradhan, Shivam Shukla, Rajendra Prasad Meena, Sonu Pareek, Pargat, Hawa Singh Yadav, Ram Vilash, Mukesh, Mahipal, Vikash, Lalchand, Lokesh, Bheem, Dharmendra, Manoj, kamlesh and other deserves my appreciation for their cooperation and help at various stages of the investigations. I express my deep and warm feelings of gratitude to my seniors, Mr. Rajesh Chauhan, Mr. Arvind, Mrs. Mona Nagargade, Mrs. Ekta Kumari, Mr. Praveen Kumar Upadhyay, Mr. Pradeep Yadav, Mr. Vijay Pal, Mr. Anandi Lal Jat, Mr. Gaurav, Mr., Vishal Tyagi, Mr., Virendra Verma, Mr. Dev Narayan, Mr. and Banshi Lal Choudhary for their vital support and sparing their valuable time to complete this manuscript. I also obliged to Mr. Kailash Jakhar, Suresh, Ram Prasad and all my loving juniors. Last but not the least, I record my sincere thanks to all beloved and respected people who helped and could not find separate mentions. I still solicit their benediction to proceed at very step of respected destined life. Before pen down, I once again confess that I do not know how to acknowledge the help and co-operation of my Supervisor, members of advisory committee, family members and relatives, seniors, juniors, colleagues but above feeling are followed from the core of my heart in the shape of words and as gospel of truth. It’s like drop in the ocean by my all regards to Lord Hanuman and Shyam Ji, Goddess Maa Saraswati and Maa Laxmi for providing me energy and patience without which I would have been none.

Date:

Place: Varanasi

(Ram Singh Yadav)

LIST OF TABLES Table No.

Particular

Page No.

Table 3.1

Meteorological observation (standard week wise) recorded at Meteorological observatory, B.H.U. during the crop season (2013-2014) ..................................................................................... 24

Table 3.2

Cropping history of experimental field ............................................. 26

Table 3.3

Chemical properties of experimental plot soil ................................. 27

Table 3.4

Details of treatments ........................................................................ 28

Table 3.5

Details of layout plan ....................................................................... 29

Table 3.6

Schedule of cultural operations ....................................................... 30

Table 3.7

Chemical analyses of plant .............................................................. 36

Table 4.1

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on plant height (cm) of utera linseed ..................................................... 39

Table 4.2

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on number of branches plant -1 of utera linseed ...................................... 41

Table 4.3

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on number of green leaves plant -1 of utera linseed ................................. 43

Table 4.3a

Interaction effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on number of green leaves plant -1 at 90 DAS of utera linseed ..................................................................................... 44

Table 4.4

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on dry matter accumulation (g) plant -1 of utera linseed .......................... 46

Table 4.4a

Interaction effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on dry matter accumulation (g) plant -1 at 60 DAS of utera linseed ................................................................................. 47

Table 4.4b

Interaction effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on dry matter accumulation (g) plant -1 at harvest stage of utera linseed ....................................................................... 47

Table 4.5

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on yield attributing characters of utera linseed....................................... 49

Table 4.6

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on seed yield, stover yield and harvest index of utera linseed ................ 52

Table No.

Particular

Page No.

Table 4.7

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on quality parameters of utera linseed ................................................... 54

Table 4.8

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on NPK content in seed and stover of utera linseed. .............................. 57

Table 4.8a

Interaction effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on nitrogen content in seed of utera linseed ................. 58

Table 4.9

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on the economics of utera linseed .......................................................... 61

Table 4.10

Effect of treatments on economics of utera linseed ........................... 62

LIST OF FIGURES Figure No.

Particular

Fig. 3.1

After Page No. Meteorological observation (standard week wise) recorded at Meteorological observatory, B.H.U. during the crop season (2013-2014) ..................................................................................... 24

Fig. 3.2

Layout of the experimental field ....................................................... 26

Fig. 4.1

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on plant height (cm) of utera linseed ..................................................... 39

Fig. 4.2

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on number of branches plant -1 of utera linseed ...................................... 41

Fig. 4.3

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on number of green leaves plant -1 of utera linseed ................................. 43

Fig. 4.4

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on dry matter accumulation (g) plant -1 of utera linseed .......................... 46

Fig. 4.5

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on yield attributing characters of utera linseed....................................... 49

Fig. 4.6

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on seed yield, stover yield and harvest index of utera linseed ................ 52

Fig. 4.7

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on quality parameters of utera linseed ................................................... 54

Fig. 4.8

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on NPK content in seed and stover of utera linseed. .............................. 57

Fig. 4.9

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on the economics of utera linseed .......................................................... 61

Chapter I

INTRODUCTION India is one of the leading oilseeds growing country in the world and fourth largest vegetable oil economy next only to USA, China and Brazil. It is estimated that nine oilseeds namely groundnut, rapeseed-mustard, soybean, sunflower, safflower, sesame, Niger, castor and linseed, accounted for an area of 25.32 million hectares with the production of 31.83 million tonnes. The diverse agro-ecological conditions in the country are favourable for growing oilseeds. Oilseeds play the second important role in the Indian agricultural economy, next only to food grains in terms of area and production. They occupy a distinct position after cereals, constituting 14.87 percent of the country’s gross cropped area, 9 percent of the production and accounting for nearly 1.4 per cent of the gross national product and 7.0 percent of the value of all agricultural products. The major oilseed producing states in India are Madhya Pradesh (22 percent) followed by Rajasthan (13 percent). Currently India’s total oilseed production is expected to grow 6.5 per cent to 37 million tons in 2014-15. Strong market prices for oilseeds and yield improvements will likely increase oilseed crush and push total oil meal production to 17.8 million tons, an increase of 6 per cent in 2014-15. Growing international demand for animal feed is also expected to push Indian oil meal exports to 5.6 million tons. Edible vegetable oil production and consumption are expected to increase to 7.6 million tons and 18.6 million tons, respectively. As a result, imports will increase to reach almost 11 million tons annually. Since the inception of technological mission on oilseeds (TMO) in 1986, these crops scored a remarkable success in first eight year of fare carrier (1986-94). This was facilitate by a relatively protection umbrella of higher import duties on the import of edible oil of order of 65% on palm oil, the commonly imported oil. The yellow revolution symbolizes the will country to revolve a problem which evolved solution

Introduction for a long time. It also symbolizes the work of a number of scientific and development institutional, industries, progressive farmer and policy maker. Among the different oilseeds crops grown in country, linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is considered the most important oilseed crop of India and stands next to rapeseed-mustard in rabi oilseed crop in area and production. Linseed is an important industrial and edible oil and fiber producing crop. It is grown either for oil extracted from seed or for fiber from stem. Seed contain oil ranging from 37 to 43%. Flax seed is rich in oil (41%), protein (20%), dietary fiber (28%), contains 7.7% moisture and 3.3% ashes (Morris, 2005). It has a high percentage of essential fatty acids, 75% polyunsaturated fatty acids, 57% alpha- linoleic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid, and 16% linoleic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid. Every part of linseed plant is utilized commercially either directly or after processing most of oil is used in the industry for manufacture of paints, varnishes, inks, soap and very small fraction of it is used for edible purpose. Its plants are small, hardy and require less management costs. Its origin is considered to be polyphyletic i.e. originated by natural hybridization between wild flax (Linum angustifolium L.) and cultivated forms. The climatic selective pressure differentiated hybrids into two distinct forms. One is small seeded having more oil content, developed in Southwestern Asia (India) and the other is bold seeded, suitable for fiber production and developed in the Mediterranean region. In India linseed is predominantly grown under rainfed (63 %), utera (25 %) and irrigated (12 %) with low input. At present linseed is cultivated in about 359.3 thousand hectares (2011-12) with a contribution of 152.5 thousand tonne (2011-12) to the annual oilseed production of the country. Its average productivity is 408 Kg/ ha (Indiastat, 2014). Linseed is an important rabi oilseed crop of eastern Uttar Pradesh. The crop is grown in area of about 1 lakh ha in Uttar Pradesh, which occupied 12.2 per cent of the total area of the country. Annual production of this crop is 40 lakh metric tonne. The productivity of linseed in UP is 462 kg/ha against national productivity of 408 Kg/ha. ~2~

Introduction It is grown as sole crop on marginal lands under rainfed conditions and also finds place in mixed or intercropping with component crops like wheat, barley, chickpea and mustard. It is also grown as paira or utera crop in rice field. The cultivation of linseed is restricted mostly to marginal and sub marginal land under restricted supply of fertilizer and irrigation, lack of improved varieties and untimely sowing, resulting in low crop yield. There has been a continuous decline in linseed area in the country during the last four decades and. the growth in the domestic production of oilseeds has not been able to keep pace with the growth in the demand in the country. Low and unstable yields of most oilseed crops, and uncertainty in returns to investment, which result from the continuing cultivation of oilseeds in rainfed, high risk production environments, are the factors leading to this situation of wide demand-supply gap. Therefore, it needs to develop appropriate agronomic practices to obtain higher crop yield. The cultivation of linseed is restricted mostly to marginal and sub marginal land under restricted supply of fertilizer and irrigation, lack of improved varieties and untimely sowing, resulting in low crop yield. The linseed crop maintained its increasing trend in productivity while, the area registered the declining trend resulting in stagnant production. The decrease in area might be due to socio-economic factors as the per capita holding is shrinking owing to population increase, thereby pressing the growers to grow other crops for their sustenance. In addition to this, improper selection of varieties also affects the crop yield. At present there is a tremendous scope for increasing the yield of linseed with the use of multi-character high yielding varieties. Among the different practices to obtain higher crop yield with suitable agro technique under different agro-climatic zone, application of suitable NPK levels, biofertilizers and selection of high yielding varieties are the major applied research thrust. The production potentiality of linseed has tremendous potential to increase productivity per unit area by using high yielding cultivars (Nagdy et al., 2010). Biological fertilization of non-legume crops by N2 – fixing bacteria had a great importance in recent years. The effect of inoculation had marked influence on the ~3~

Introduction growth of plant, which was reflected to increase yield. This increase might be due to the effect of N, which was produced by bacteria species, in addition of some growth regulators like IAA and GA3 which stimulated growth. These bacteria called Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and stimulate plant growth (El-Nagdy et al., 2010). Moreover, it was found that the application of phosphate dissolving bacteria as a biofertilizer resulted in a reduction of soil pH which increased the solubility of some nutrients such as P, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu which in turn increased nutrient uptake by plants (Saber and Kabesh, 1990). Azotobacter inoculants when applied to many non-leguminous crop plants, promote seed germination and initial vigour of plants by producing growth promoting substances. Bacterial rot and sclerotina rot of mustard significantly reduced with application of Azotobacter (Suneja et al., 1994). Azotobacter showed maximum response to various yield attributes as well disease intensity for Alternaria blight, white rust and stage head formation (Narula et al., 1993). Besides biofertilizers, all the major nutrients viz., nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium play important role in increasing the quality of linseed. Nitrogen is known to activate most of metabolic activities and transformation of energy. Phosphorus is essential for cell division and meristematic growth of tissue. It also helps in seed and fruit development and in stimulates flowering as well. Piara or utera cropping practices for efficient use of residual moisture in rice fields, where tillage is a problem. About 25% of the linseed area (0.5 million ha) is under utera cropping. The area under linseed is increasing with the decline in khesari (Lathyurus) cultivation. In this practice, linseed is broadcast in the standing rice fields, when the rice crop is between flowering and dough stages. Linseed is allowed to complete its life-cycle under moisture stress, with inadequate nutrients and plant protection measures, resulting in poor yields. To raise the yield levels, the following package of practices should be adopted. Improved varieties should be raised for the purpose of more productivity and good quality oil. Heavy textured soils with good water-retention capacity are ideal for this system. Adequate FYM or green manure should be applied along with phosphate fertilizers to rice. A dose of 20 kg N/ha ~4~

Introduction should be applied 2 or 3 days before linseed is sown using a seed rate of 35-40 kg/ha. In cuscuta infested areas cuscuta seeds should be removed from the seed lot before sowing. Sowing linseed when rice is at the dough stage proves to be the best. Manual weeding should be given once or twice.Crack system of sowing is a new method, which can be followed in areas where sufficient water is available. In this method 5 cm deep cracks are allowed to develop in the field, when the rice crop is at the bootleaf or panicle formation stage and the field is irrigated. After keeping the water standing for 5-7 days, the normal practice of utera is followed. This method has been found to give 50-100% more yields and has no adverse effect on rice yields. Production potentiality of linseed can be fully exploited with suitable irrigation management practices and fertilizers management practices. Therefore, in view of the above facts, the present investigation entitled “Effect of irrigation scheduling and nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of utera linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)” was planned and carried out in rabi season of 2013-14 at Agricultural Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, with the following objectives: 1.

To study the effect of irrigation scheduling on growth, yield and quality of utera linseed

2.

To study the effect of nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of utera linseed

3.

To study the interaction effect of irrigation scheduling and nutrient management, if any in utera linseed

4.

To work out the economics of various treatments.

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Chapter II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE Out of 5.5 million hectares area under linseed cultivation in India, only 48% is under irrigated condition however, the crop performs well under irrigated condition and gives better yield than obtained under rainfed conditions. The crop is generally grown under suboptimal nutrient condition even though it responds well to applied nutrients under irrigated condition. Adequate fertility levels as well as biofertilizers not only increases yield of seed and oil content but also improves quality of oil. Linseed is the most important oilseed crops of northern India. These crops are taken more commonly in north India under rainfed and irrigated conditions. In this chapter an attempt has been made to review and present the available research literature pertaining to the theme of investigation, entitled “Effect of irrigation scheduling and nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of utera linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)”.

2.1

Effect of irrigation scheduling on growth attributes Omidbaigi et al. (2001) observed that increasing the rate of N fertilizer to 150

kg/ha increased plant height, number of branches, number of fruits and seed yield, but had no significant effect on 1000-seed weight. A suitable amount of fatty acids was produced from plants in the control plots (without N fertilizer and irrigation). Increasing the water supply to 60 mm increased plant height, number of branches, number of fruits and seed yield, but had no significant effect on seed oil content. Gabiana et al. (2005) conducted an experiment and found the plant population influenced production of primary branches more in irrigated plants than in unirrigated plants. Seed yield components except for the thousand seed weight (TSW), responded favourably to irrigation. Addition of N had no effect on yield components except for seed yield/plant. Increasing the plant population reduced capsule production/plant.

Review of Literature Under dryland conditions plant population had little effect on capsule number/plant and seed yield. However, there was a large effect in plants from irrigated plots. Patil et al. (2012) found that in case of irrigation management, mean height of plant, number of branches/plant and mean dry matter accumulation/plant were maximum in treatment two irrigations, one at flowering and one at capsule formation stage and significantly superior over treatments one irrigation at flowering and no irrigation. The interaction effect of land configuration and irrigation management was found to be non-significant.. Bassegio et al. (2013) observed that the production components with quadratic polynomial responses were significant to the treatments, as well as the interaction between cultivars and irrigation levels. The Brown Linseed presented increase of the morphologic characteristics, while the golden cultivar presented greater number of capsules per plant.

2.2

Effect of irrigation scheduling on yield attributes Dubey et al. (2000) found that the seed yield was highest with 2 irrigations at

branching and capsule initiation stages but yield differences were not significant at Raipur. During 1991-92, the highest seed yield was recorded with one irrigation at the capsule initiation stage at both locations. Seed yield was reduced by 12 and 30 kg/ha with 2 and one irrigations at capsule initiation at Mauranipur and Raipur, respectively. Chorumale et al. (2001) study the effect of N (0, 20, 40, and 60 kg/ha) and irrigation schedules (no irrigation, irrigation at flowering, irrigation at capsule filling stages, and irrigation at flowering and capsule filling stages). The highest seed yield was obtained with irrigation at flowering and capsule filling stages (1263 kg/ha) and 60 kg N/ha (1159 kg/ha). The yield components were also highest with irrigation at flowering and capsule filling stages and 60 kg N/ha treatments. Gabiana et al. (2005) observed that linseed seed, straw and total dry matter (TDM) yield responded well to irrigation. Total dry matter production increased with ~7~

Review of Literature irrigation from 509 g/m2 to 763 g/m2. The main effects of plant population on seed and straw yield were also significant Khokhar et al (2005) conducted an experiment at Kanpur and observed that the second irrigation with 66 mm CPE promoted the number of capsules per plant and number of seeds per capsule. On an average, it recorded 27.09 and 46.77%, 3.29 and 21.33%, 3.76 and 9.64% and 0.22 and 5.81% higher capsules per plant and seeds per capsule, respectively, than the control and irrigation. Yenpreddiwar et al.(2007) conducted an experiment at Akola, Maharashtra and found that irrigation at flowering and capsule filling stages recorded the highest yield of 1182 kg/ha, but irrigation at flowering stage recorded the highest water use efficiency of 5.32 kg ha mm-1. Yenpreddiwar et al. (2007) observed that two irrigations applied at flowering and capsule filling stages significantly increased the yield attributes, yield, oil content and oil yield of linseed. Chauhan et al. (2008) conducted an experiment and found those three dates of sowing (10th Oct, 25th Oct and 10th Nov), four varieties (Subhra, Neelam, Sweta and Laxmi-27) and three levels of irrigation (One irrigation at 30 DAS, Two irrigation at 30 DAS and 60 DAS and Three irrigation one at 30 DAS, 60 DAS and 90 DAS). Late sowing reduced seed as well as stover yield during both years and in pooled data. Neelam variety of linseed gave the highest yield. Patil et al. (2011) found that in case of irrigation management, two irrigations, one at flowering and another at capsule formation stage increased all yield attributing characters over no irrigation and one irrigation at flowering. Interaction effect of land configuration and irrigation management was found to be nonsignificant. In case of economics of crop, same trend was found and the highest B: C ration was obtained at level of broad bed furrow which was found at par with furrow in every row and furrow after two rows. In case of irrigation management, the highest B: C ration was

~8~

Review of Literature obtained when two irrigations, one at flowering and another at capsule formation stage were applied.

2.3

Effect of irrigation scheduling on quality parameters Patil et al. (2011) observed in case of quality parameters like oil content was

not influenced by any treatment but oil yield was recorded maximum in treatment BBF which was at par with furrow in every row and furrow after two rows and the oil yield as higher in treatment two irrigations, one at flowering treatment and one at capsule formation stage than remaining treatments. The interaction effect was nonsignificant on quality parameters of linseed. Yenpreddiwar et al. (2007) found that two irrigations applied at flowering and capsule filling stages significantly increased the yield attributes, yield, oil content and oil yield of linseed.

2.4

Effect of NPK levels In plant metabolism N P and K play an important role, their deficiency and

toxicity adversely affect plant growth and development as well as yield and product quality. Nitrogen is vitally an important plant nutrient. It is an essential constituent of all amino acids and present in many other compounds of great physiological importance in plant metabolism e.g. chlorophyll, nucleotides, phosphatides, alkaloids, enzymes, hormones and vitamins etc. Phosphorus has a great role in energy storage and transfer and is known as energy currency of living cell. Potassium is essential for ATP synthesis, makes water balance in plant cell and regulates many transport activity, enzymes and stomatal opening. 2.4.1 Effect of NPK levels on growth parameters Bhati et al. (1982) reported significant increment in seed yield, oil content and oil yield was observed when L. usitatissimum was supplied with NPK fertilizers.

~9~

Review of Literature Hocking et al. (1987) reported that nitrogen is a component of proteins and chlorophyll needed for plant growth (Lawlor et al., 1998; Lawlor, 2002), and is the most important nutrient in flaxseed production, especially when grown under irrigation. Jain et al. (1989) found that linseed supplemented with fertilizer input 60 kg N and 30 kg P2O5 significantly increased the plant height, branches and crop biomass as compared to 40 kg N, 15 kg P2O5 ha-1 and the control. Diepenbrock and Iwersen (1989) indicated that fertilizing with 40 to 60 kg N ha-1 was enough to reach acceptable seed yields of utera linseed. According to Nandha Gopal et al. (1993) the increasing nitrogen rate showed significant effect on almost all the plant characteristics, i.e. plant height, seed yield, crude protein contents and nitrogen uptake by linseed. Shahidullah et al. (1994) found that growth attributes of linseed increased with increasing doses of N application up to 75 kg ha-1 but decreases thereafter. Similarly, Singh and Mishra (1994) found that with increasing doses of nitrogen up to 80 kg N kg and further, dry matter accumulation and other growth characters were significantly improved at all the growth stages and it was recorded the highest at 120 kg N ha-1. Sharma et al. (1995) observed that the dry matter accumulation, branches plant-1 and all other growth parameters increased with increasing nitrogen doses up to 120 kg ha-1. In a greenhouse experiment, Hocking (1995) found that the deficiency of nitrogen significantly affected the dry matter accumulation, branches plant -1 and harvest index. Nandanwar et al. (2000) reported that Application of 60 kg N and 20 kg Zn ha-1 significantly increased plant height, number of branches, capsules branch -1, seeds capsule-1 of linseed . Palli and Tripathi (2000) working at Raipur that plant height, branches plant -1and dry matter accumulation were increased with increasing fertility levels up to 30 kg N 40 kg P and 20 kg ha -1. Banerjee et al. (2001) reported that ~10~

Review of Literature application of 50 kg K2O ha-1 gave the maximum value of plant height, primary and secondary branches plant -1. According to El-Shimy et al. (2002) nitrogen is an essential element for flax growth to build up protoplasm and protein which induce cell division, meristematic activity and further increased cell number and size with an overall increase in flax growth, consequently more fiber and seed production. It was found that increasing N levels increased yield and quality of flax. According to Saxena et al. (2005) the leaf area, dry matter, branches plant -1 and chlorophyll content of linseed were increased with increasing rates of N and P application up to 80 kg N and 40 kg P2O5 ha-1. Sune et al. (2006) reported that the application of P increased the plant height, branches plant -1 and dry matter accumulation in linseed and 40 kg P2O5ha-1 was found best. Sharief et al. (2005) reported that the maximum plant height (109.20 cm) was recorded in ‘linola’ at 75 kg N ha

-1

while at same level linseed exhibited 106.07

cm whereas, minimum plant height (91.77 cm) was observed in linseed at the control (no nitrogen) (Sharief et al., 2005). Karwasra et al. (2006) also noticed a linear increase in growth and yield attributes of linseed up to 90 kg N ha -1 under late sown irrigated condition of Fatehabad, Haryana. Awasthi et al. (2011) conducted an experiment at Kanpur and found that

the winter (rabi) seasons of 2005-06 and 2006-07 . the effect of

nitrogen levels and moisture conservation practices on linseed, results revealed that increasing nitrogen levels from 0 to 40 kg N gave significantly taller plants as compared to 20 kg N ha -1 and the control. 2.4.2 Effect of NPK levels on yield attributes According to Singh and Saran (1987) application of nitrogen up to 90 kg N ha-1 to Indian rape (B. campestris var.toria) grown in sandy loam soil improved yield ~11~

Review of Literature attributes viz., siliquae plant-1 and 1000-seed weight but the differences among the various N levels were not significant. According to Rathore and Manohar(1989)

the yield and number of siliquae

plant-1 significantly increased with increasing levels of nitrogen application up to 120 kg N ha-1 in mustard. However, optimum dose of nitrogen application was worked out as 147.5 and 166.8 kg N ha -1 during 1984-85 and 1985-86, respectively. Chauhan et al. (1993) conducted an experiment at Gurgaon (Haryana) on sandy loam soil, low in organic C and available N and it observed that higher level of 80 kg N ha-1 recorded markedly higher values of growth and yield attributes and seed yield of raya except 1000-seed weight. Similar response to N application has also been reported by Rathore and Manohar (1989). Shahidulla et al. (1994) found that yield components of linseed like capsule plant-1, seeds capsule-1 and 1000-seed weight increased with increasing levels of N application up to 75 kg ha-1. Hocking (1995) found in a greenhouse experiment that the deficiency of nitrogen severely affected the yield and yield attributing characters of linseed. Aulakh et al. (1995) found that application of 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N ha -1 to B. campestris var. sarson cv. ‘GSL-1’ resulted in significant increase in seed yield up to 100 kg N ha-1. Sadhu et al. (1995) conducted an field experiment during the winter (rabi) and rainy (kharif) seasons of 1992-93 and 1993-94 at Junagadh on clay soil (pH 7.9) and it was that observed that each increment in fertilizer level from no fertilizer to full recommended fertilizer dose significantly increased the seed yield and stover yields of Indian mustard. Mahal et al. (1995)working on toria at Ludhiana found significant increase in seed yield up to 120 kg N ha-1 with a response of 6-7 kg seed per kg N. They further reported that at 120 kg N ha-1 with two irrigation, exhibited the maximum seed yield.

~12~

Review of Literature Ali et al. (1996) worked on rapeseed reported from Dhaka, Bangladesh that increasing levels of nitrogen up to 120 kg N ha-1 improved the yield components viz. siliquae m-2 and seeds siliqua-1. It also enhanced seed and stover yield as well as harvest index. Similarly, Singh et al., (1996) obtained the highest seed yield of mustard at 120 kg N ha-1. Arthamwar et al. (1996) reported that the linear increase in seed yield of mustard due to increase in nitrogen levels from 0-100 kg N ha-1. According to Mahal et al. (1996) application of nitrogen @ 90 kg N ha-1 significantly increased the total dry matter accumulation, siliquae plant -1, 1000-seed weight, seed yield and oil content over 60 kg N while remain at par with 120 kg N ha-1. Hocking et al. (1997) reported that the combined effects of the slight increases in seed yield components due to N, though not significant in themselves, may have contributed to increased seed yield plant-1. Singh et al. (1997) working on Brassica juncea cv. RLM 619 at Ludhiana, reported that the seed yield was comparable at 125 and 150 kg N but both levels produced higher seed yield than 100 kg N ha-1 Singh et al. (1998) conducted an experiment at Varanasi and worked on seed and stover yield, removal of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium significant increased with increasing level of nitrogen up to 80 kg N ha -1 under rainfed condition. Maximum seed, biomassand net return were also recorded with 80 kg N ha-1. Pali and Tripathi (2000) observed that capsules plant -1, seeds capsule-1 and 1000 seed weight were increased with increasing rate of N P and K application and maximum values were recorded at 30 kg N, 40 kg P2O5 and 20 kg K2O ha-1. Meena (2004) performed a field experiment in Rajasthan on Indian mustard (Brassica juncea). It was recorded that application of nitrogen @ 80 kg ha -1 + sulphur @ 60 kg ha-1significantly increased siliquae plant -1, seeds siliqua-1, length of siliqua and test weight of seeds and also resulted in highest seed yield (2109 kg ha-1) on pooled basis. ~13~

Review of Literature Rana et al.(2000).The seed yield and yield attributing character viz. 1000-seed weight, capsules plant -1 and seeds capsule-1 were recorded maximum at 60 kg N ha-1 as split application. Banerjee et al. (2001) conducted an field experiment at Fatemabad, Haryana, the effect of different rates of potassium (0, 25 and 50 kg K2O ha-1) application on growth parameters and yield attributes and found that the application of 50 kg K ha -1 gave the highest 1000-seed weight, seeds capsule-1 and capsules plant -1. Meena and Sharma (2002) reported that application of 60 kg N registered significantly higher seed and stover yield of mustard over the control and 30 kg N and found statistically at par with 90 kg N ha-1. Prein and Kumar (2004) found that significant increase in number of siliquae plant-1 up to 120 kg N and number of seeds siliqua -1 up to 80 kg N ha-1 which resulted significant increase in seed yield up to 120 kg N ha -1. N level did not affect siliqua length and test weight of mustard while addition of N at rates above 80 kg ha -1 reduced the oil content. Geabiana et al. (2005) conducted an experiment and determine the influence of irrigation levels, N levels (0 and 150 kg ha -1) and plant population on yield and yield components of linseed (cv. Hina). In irrigated plots, plants given 150 kg N ha -1 produced 7.4 per cent more yield plant -1 than plants which received no nitrogen. According to Sune et al. (2006) application of P increased yield attributing characters of linseed and 40 kg P2O5 recorded higher values of capsules plant -1, seeds capsule-1 and 1000 seed weight as compared to 20 and 30 kg P 2O5 ha-1. In a field experiment at Hamirpur (U.P.) under irrigated condition, linseed was supplemented with 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg N and found that the increasing levels of nitrogen up to 90 kg N ha-1 produced significantly higher number of capsules plant -1, seeds capsule-1, seed weight plant-1 and 1000-seed weight (Kushawaha et al., 2006). Similarly, Karwassra et al. (2006) reported a linear increase in yield attributes viz. seeds capsule-1, capsules plant-1 and test weight with an increasing levels up to 90 kg N ha -1 ~14~

Review of Literature According to Verma et al. (2009) the application of 80 kg N ha -1significantly improved seed yield (1.17 and 1.28 tonnes ha -1), stover yield, nitrogen uptake (54.26 and 57.52 kg ha-1), protein content and oil content, probably due to better crop growth and yield attributes of Indian mustard over 0, 40 and 60 kg N ha -1. Maximum net returns and benefit: cost ratio was observed with the application of 80 kg N ha -1 Dordas et al. (2010) reported that the effect of N fertilization on various aspects of linseed growth, including phenological stages of seed yield and yield components, contribution of yield components to seed yield, biomass growth rate and nitrogen uptake rate, revealed that phenological stages viz. time to reach flowering, seed maturity and seed filling period were significantly affected by N fertilization and the seed filling period was significantly increased by 10 per cent as compared with the control. According to Sakandar et al. (2011) increasing nitrogen level up to 75 kg N ha-1significantlyincreased tillers plant -1, capsules plant-1, seeds capsule-1 and 1000seed weight of both ‘linola’ and ‘linseed’ crops. Meena et al. (2011) conducted an experiment at varanasi increase the fertility level from 0 kg (control) to 60, 30, 30, 30 kg NPKS ha -1 significantly increased plant height, branches plant -1, dry weight plant -1, capsules plant-1, seeds capsule-1 and 1000seed weight of linseed (cv. ‘Garima’) grown under dryland condition. Sharma et al. (2012) found that the application of 80 kg N + 30 kg P2O5 gave significantly higher capsules plant -1, seeds capsule-1, seed and stover yield over 40 kg N + 20 kg P2O5 but was found statistically at par with 120 kg N + 40 kg P 2O5 ha-1. Khourang et al. (2012) conducted a field experiment in Tehran, Iran to study the effect of some chemical and biological fertilizer containing macro nutrient they found that the earliest and latest flowering date of plants was achieved by applying NPK fertilizer and 100 tone ha-1 of animal manure, respectively.

~15~

Review of Literature 2.4.3 Effect of NPK levels on seed and stover yield Katole and Sharma (1990) found that seed yield of linseed increased with increasing rates of application of N and was recorded highest at 90 kg N ha -1 . In a field experiment at Jabalpur, linseed cv. ‘R-17’ was given 0-100 kg N, 0-60 kg P and 0-30 kg K ha-1 and it was found that the direct effect of fertilizer N and P were highly significant with respect to seed and stover yield (Puri and Jaipukar 1990). Chaubey et al. (1992) found that application of 40 and 80 kg N ha-1 increased seed yield of linseed by 37.4 and 39 per cent, respectively and phosphorus application at 25 and 50 kg ha-1 increased seed yield by 17.3 and 14 per cent, respectively over the control. Patidar and Lal (1992) also reported that seed yield increased from 0.97 to 1.27 tones ha-1 by increasing rates of N application from 0 to 60 kg ha-1. Vashishtha (1993) in a field experiment applied 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha-1 and 0, 20 or 40 kg P ha-1 to linseed and found that seed yield increased with increasing N and P levels. Reddaih et al. (1993) found that application of 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha -1 produced mean seed yields of 1.12, 1.52, 1.81 and 1.63 tones ha -1, respectively. In a field trial at Hoshangabad, M.P., Chaurasia and Dixit (1993) observed that application of nitrogen to linseed at 90 kg N ha-1 increased seed yield by 86.2 per cent over the control. Nimje and Gandhi (1994) conducted an experiment at CIAE, Bhopal, found that seed yield of linseed increased up to 40 kg N and further increase in N fertilization up to 80 kg N ha -1 had no significant effect on seed yield. However, Dixit et al. (1994) found that seed and stover yield of linseed increased with increasing levels of N application up to 90 kg N ha-1. A field experiment conducted at research station, Dindori, M. P., revealed that seed and stover of linseed increased with increasing doses of N and P application and was recorded the highest at 60 kg N and 30 kg P2O5 ha-1 (Dubey, 1994). Dubey and Singh (1994) reported that with increasing doses of N application up to 100 kg N ha-1, seed yield of linseed increased correspondingly and 0, 50 and 100 ~16~

Review of Literature kg N ha-1 produced 1.08, 1.34 and 1.54 tones seed ha -1, respectively. In a field experiment on linseed cultivar ‘Jawahar-23’, Dwivedi et al. (1994) applied 0, 15, 30 and 45 kg N and 0, 15 and 30 kg P2O5 ha-1 and found that seed and stover yield increased with increasing levels of N application up to 80 kg ha -1. Similar findings were reported by Dutta et al. (1995). Palli et al. (1995) observed that the seed yield of linseed was recorded highest with application of 40 kg P2O5 and 40 kg K2O ha-1. Khare et al. (1996) also reported an increase in seed yield of linseed up to 45 kg N ha -1 under rainfed condition of Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. Agrawal et al. (1997) found that seed and stover yield of linseed increased with increasing NPK level and were significant higher at 60 kg N, 30 kg P 2O5 and 10 kg K2O as compared with 30 kg N, 15 kg P2O5 and 10 kg K2O ha-1. Tomar et al. (1999) found that linseed supplemented with 0-90 kg N ha-1 recorded highest seed yield (1.48 tons ha -1) at 90 kg N ha-1. According to Singh et al. (2007) the effect of source and levels of sulphur on productivity, sulphur content and uptake of nutrients (N, P, S) by linseed. They were that the application of sulphur up to 60 kg ha -1 significantly increased the seed and oil yield. According to Singh et al. (2010) application of 120 kg N ha-1 and 60 kg S ha-1 significantly increased the seed and stover yields of linseed and the percent increase in seed yield at 120 kg N and 60 kg S ha-1 the over control was 43.6 and 29.1 per cent, respectively. According to Ali et al. (2011) the biological yield and seed yield of both ‘linola’ and ‘linseed’ crops were significantly increased with nitrogen level up to 75 kg ha-1 and thereafter it was decreased. The magnitude of increase in seed yield of ‘linola’ and ‘linseed’ by the application of 75 kg N ha -1 over the control (No nitrogen) was 55 and 59 per cent, respectively. Meena et al. (2011) conduct an experiment at Varanasi, with sandy clay loam soil found that the application of 60, 30, 30 and 30 kg NPKS produced the higher seed ~17~

Review of Literature and stover yield of linseed (cv. ‘Garima’) and per cent increased was 55.6 and 49.5, respectively over the control on pooled data basis. 2.4.4 Effect of NPK level on quality parameters Patidar and Lal (1992) observed that oil content in seeds of linseed decreased from 46.6 to 41.2 per cent with increased in N application rates (from 0-60 kg N ha-1). A field experiment conducted at Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, revealed that increase in N application rate decreased the oil content while increase in P rates increased oil content in seed over the control (Chaubey et al., 1993). In a field experiment conducted at Bilaspur, Madhya Pradesh, Rajput and Gautam (1993) found that protein and oil content were increased with increasing levels of N application up to 90 kg N ha-1. According to Reddiah et al. (1993) the oil content in seed decreased with increasing rate of nitrogenous fertilizer application up to 120 kg N ha -1. However, Vashishtha (1993) reported that the oil content increased with increase in N and P levels up to 40 kg N and 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and decreased thereafter with further increase in N rate while further increase in phosphorus level had no significant effect. Shahidullah et al. (1994) reported from Dhaka (Bangladesh), that with increasing levels of N application, oil content increased up to 75 kg N ha-1 but decreased thereafter. Shrivastva et al. (1994) found that linseed supplemented with 0 to 90 kg N and 0 to 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 Shrivastva et al. (1994), found that seed oil content increased with increasing levels of N and P application up to 60 kg N (45.26 %) and 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 (45.06 %). Tomar et al. (1999) also reported an increase in seed protein with increasing levels of N application from 0 to 90 kg N ha -1. Working on rice-linseed sequence under irrigated condition, Singh et al. (1997) noticed an increase in oil content of linseed seed with increasing N fertilization up to 90 kg N ha -1. However, Kumar et al. (2000) reported decreasing seed oil content with increasing N application under acid soil conditions of Singhbhumi, Bihar.

~18~

Review of Literature Saxena et al. (2005) found that the effect of 0, 40 and 80 kg N and 0, 20 and 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 on linseed cv. ‘Garima’ and recorded significantly higher oil and protein content with increasing levels N and P application up to highest level. Sune et al. (2006) working at Nagpur found that application of 20, 30 and 40 kg P 2O5 ha-1 increased the oil and protein content as well as yield of linseed and maximum values were recorded at highest level of P application. Berti (2009) conducted field experiment at two locations during two seasons in Chillan 2004-05, 2005-06 and in Osorno 2004-05,2006-07 with 4 levels of nitrogen (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg N ha-1), three levels of P (0, 100 and 200 kg P2O5 ha-1) and two levels of K (0 and 150 kg K2O ha-1) results revealed that the rate of oil content and yield increased up to 200 kg N ha-1. The application of P did not show effect on seed yield, oil content, oil yield and oil composition. Singh et al. (2010) found that application of 120 kg N ha-1 increased the protein content by 18.6 per cent oil decreased the oil content by 4.4 per cent over control. According to Meena et al. (2011) the oil content, oil yield and protein yield of linseed (cv. Garima) were significantly enhanced with increase in fertility levels up to 60, 30, 30 and 30 kg NPKS ha -1. Khourang et al. (2012) observed from Iran that seed yield, oil percentage and oil yield of linseed recorded highest values by adding 150 kg K2O ha-1. 2.4.5 Effect of NPK levels on nutrient uptake Power et al. (1990) conduct an experiment at Rahuri, Maharashtra to study effect of varying levels of N application to linseed and noticed that NPK content in seed and straw as well as their uptake increased with increasing N application rates up to 60 kg N ha-1. In a field experiment at Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Chaurasia et al. (1993) while studying the effect of nitrogen levels on linseed cv. ‘Jawahar-23’ observed that N content in roots, stems, leaves, capsules, seed and straw generally increased with increase in N rates and response to N was evident between 40 and 90 ~19~

Review of Literature days after sowing (DAS). N application decreased S content in stems and leaves at 45 and 60 DAS and also S content in capsules, seeds and stover. According to Jaggi et al. (1995) the effect of N levels on linseed found that the seed and straw N and S concentrations and NPK and S uptake were increased with increasing levels of N application up to 75 kg N ha -1. Similarly, Chaubey and Dwivedi(1995) also reported that N, P and S content in seed and straw and their uptake were increased with increasing rate of N application up to 80 kg N ha -1. However, Tomar et al. (1999) reported that the increasing rate of N application up 90 kg N ha-1, increased N and P contents but did not affect S content in seed and stover of linseed.

2.5

Effect of NPK levels on economics Rajput and Gautam (1993) conducted an field experiment and reported that

seed yield and profit from linseed increased with increasing levels of N application and was recorded highest at 90 kg N ha-1. Similarly, Dubey (1994) obtained highest net return from linseed cv. ‘JLS-23’ with application of 60 kg N and 30 kg P2O5 ha-1-1 Dixit et al. (1994) observed that linseed cultivar ‘R-552’ gave highest net return with application of 90 kg N ha -1. In a field experiment conducted at Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, linseed to see the effect of nitrogen application up to 120 kg N ha -1 and it was noticed that net return and benefit: cost ratio were increased with increasing N rates up to 90 kg ha-1 (Singh and Verma 1999). Agrawal et al. (1997) found that the highest yield and net return of linseed were obtained with application of 30 kg N + 15 kg P2O5 + 10 kg K2O ha-1. However, in a field experiment conducted at Fatehabad, Haryana, the maximum net return (`4171 ha-1) as well as benefit cost ratio (1.16) of linseed was recorded with 90 kg N ha-1 (Karwasra et al., 2006). Working on linseed under dryland condition, Meena et al. (2011) reported that increasing fertility levels up to 60, 30, 30, 30 kg N, P, K, S ha-1 significantly increased gross return but net return was maximum at 40, 20, 20, 20 kg ha-1 N, P, K, S ha ~20~

Review of Literature 2.6

Effect of biofertilizers

2.6.1 Effect of biofertilizers on growth parameters Baldev and Pareek (1999) found that seed inoculation with PSB increased plant height, dry matter accumulation m-1 row, number of siliquae plant -1 and straw yield. Kantwa and Meena (2002) observed that seed inoculation with PSB significantly increased plant height, branches plant -1, dry matter accumulation, and seed and stover yield over the no inoculation. Gudadhe et al. (2005) observed that the seed inoculation with Azotobacter or/and PSB along with 100 per cent RDF (40, 20, 00 kg NPK ha-1) significantly increased plant height, number of branches, dry matter and leaf area plant -1 of mustard (cv. ‘Pusa bold’). The inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB along with 100 per cent RDF recorded the highest seed yield (1266 kg ha-1) and straw yield (2982 kg ha-1) followed by 75 per cent RDF + Azotobacter + PSB, which recorded seed yield of 1227 kg and straw yield of 2918 kg ha-1. Yadav et al. (2010) observed that the maximum yield was obtained by the sulphur application @ 40 kg ha -1 and by the source of biofertilizer @ Azotobacter 10 kg seed inoculates. The interaction between sulphur and biofertilizer was significant and the maximum increase in yield was obtained by applied sulphur @ 40 kg ha-1with biofertilizer Azotobacter 10 g kg-1 seed inoculate. 2.6.2 Effect of biofertilizers on yield and yield attributes Shrivastva et al. (2000) found that application of 80, 40, 20 kg NPK ha -1 and seed inoculation of Azotobacter increased the seed yield Abraham and Lal (2002) observed that that 33 per cent recommended dose of NPK along with PSB + Azospirillum + poultry manure significantly increased the oil

~21~

Review of Literature content and protein content in seed. However, the highest seed yield and biological yield were greatest in 100 per cent NPK treatment Singh et al. (2006) conduct an experiment during 2001-02 and 2002-03, in Rajasthan, to evaluate the response of Indian mustard cv. ‘RH-30’ to FYM (2.5 and 5 t ha-1) and inorganic N (0, 40, 80 kg ha -1) applied alone or in combination with biofertilizers (Azotobacter chroococcum and Azospirillum). Branches, siliquae plant -1, seeds siliquae-1, 1000-seed weight, seed oil content, oil yield, and yield of seed and stover significantly increased with the application of FYM + biofertilizers (5 t FYM + Azotobactor chroococcum+ Azospirillum) over the control. According to Dar and Bali (2007) the grain yield and harvest index also exhibit a discernable increase with use of bio- fertilizers. Nagdiv et al. (2007) found that application of 75 per cent RDF + Azotobacter + PSB gave the highest yield contributing characters and seed yield ha -1 of Indian mustard. Subashini et al. (2007) found that the incorporation of bio-fertilizers (Nfixers) plays major role in improving soil fertility, yield attributing characters and thereby final yield has been reported by many workers of crops. Sahoo et al. (2010) conduct an experiment and observed that inoculation of seed with Azotobacter + 80 kg N ha-1 recorded the highest seed yield of 13.17 q which was at par with 60 kg N ha -1 + Azospirillum (12.34 q ha-1) and 80 kg N ha-1 sole (12.23 q ha-1) and differed significantly from rest of the treatment combinations. Maximum stover yield (23.06 q ha -1) was recorded with Azospirillum + 80 kg N ha-1 and was at par with 60 kg N ha -1 + Azospirillum, 60 or 80 kg N ha-1 with Azotobacter treatment combinations and 80 kg N ha -1alone.

~22~

Chapter III

MATERIALS AND METHODS The present investigation entitled “Effect of irrigation scheduling and nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of utera linseed.” was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi during the Rabi season of 2013-2014. Details of the materials used and methods employed during the course of investigation are described in this chapter.

3.1

Location of experimental site The Agricultural Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University is situated at a

distance of about 10 KM from the Varanasi Railway station in the south-east direction and lies in the North Gangetic alluvial plain, on the left side of river Ganges. It is located and 25.180latitude and 83.030E longitude at an altitude of 128.93 meters from the sea level.

3.2

Weather and climate Varanasi is situated in the eastern part of U.P. and has a sub-tropical climate,

characterized by hot winters. Usually May and June are the hottest months with mean maximum temperature ranging from 37 to 43 C. However, the coldest month is January with mean minimum temperature varying from 90 C to 100 C. The region enjoys unimodel rainfall which starts in the third week of June and lasts up to the end September or sometime early October. The normal annual rainfall of this region is 1100 mm. The mean relatively humidity of the area is about 68% with maximum of 81% during July to September and minimum of 38% during April to early June, respectively. The details regarding the mean maximum and minimum temperature, mean maximum and minimum relative humidity, total rainfall, mean sunshine duration and evaporation, wind speed during the crop season 2013-2014 recorded

Materials and Methods standard week wise from the meteorological observatory at the Agricultural Research Farm, B.H.U., Varanasi are presented in Table 3.1 and depicted in Figure 3.1. Table 3.1 Meteorological observation (standard week wise) recorded at Meteorological observatory, B.H.U. during the crop season (20132014) Temperature (°C)

RH (%)

Rainfall (mm)

Evaporation (mm)

Wind Speed (km/hr)

Sunshine (hrs/day)

Meteorological weeks

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

45 (05-11 Nov)

27.6

15.5

84

60

0.0

1.6

0.6

7.6

46 (12-18 Nov)

26.2

11.5

90

48

0.0

1.5

1.2

7.9

47 (19-25 Nov)

26.7

25.0

89

41

0.0

1.8

1.0

8.5

48 (26-02 Dec)

26.4

13.7

87

46

0.0

1.6

1.9

8.1

49 (03-09 Dec)

25.4

13.7

89

43

0.0

1.5

1.3

8.2

50 (10-16 Dec)

24.0

10.6

88

48

0.0

1.4

2.5

8.3

51 (17-23 Dec)

23.5

11.5

83

57

0.0

1.6

2.0

7.5

52 (24-31 Dec)

21.1

10.3

85

49

0.0

1.4

3.1

7.8

1 (01-07 Jan)

20.7

11.3

91

59

0.0

1.3

3.1

6.9

2 (08-14 Jan)

17.9

10.7

92

68

22.4

1.1

3.2

2.0

3 (15-21 Jan)

18.1

10.6

92

76

37.1

0.8

2.1

0.6

4 (22-28 Jan)

20.4

11.7

94

63

0.0

1.4

3.2

2.4

5 (29-04 Feb)

20.1

9.8

89

63

0.0

1.2

1.9

4.6

6 (05-11 Feb)

24.9

12.3

81

45

0.0

2.7

3.2

9.1

7 (12-18 Feb)

20.4

11.0

83

54

24.4

1.3

3.8

3.1

8 (19-25 Feb)

23.5

12.3

82

64

15.5

1.8

1.8

7.6

9 (26-04 Mar)

23.9

15.6

87

68

34.5

1.8

2.9

3.6

10 (05-11 Mar)

27.0

13.0

83

45

0.0

3.0

2.3

8.1

11 (12-18 Mar)

28.5

15.9

82

55

0.0

3.5

2.5

8.3

12 (19-25 Mar)

31.9

17.5

66

38

0.0

4.7

2.6

9.5

13 (26-01 Apr)

34.9

19.8

64

39

0.0

5.3

4.6

9.6

14 (02-08 Apr)

36.0

19.4

50

23

0.0

6.5

4.3

9.7

15 (09-15 Apr)

36.3

19.3

32

18

0.0

6.3

4.6

9.6

It is evident from the data that weather during the crop season was dry with 133.9 mm rainfall. There was a gradual decrease in the temperature from November onwards up to January and varied between360.3 C to 9.80 C during crop growth ~24~

Materials and Methods period. January was most humid month with 94% relative humidity in fourth week of month and dry weather with 32% relatively humidity was observed in months of second weeks of April. The brightest month was April with 9.7 hrs of sunshine and cloudy weather during January with only 0.6 hrs sunshine. The evaporation increased with temperature and maximum 6.5 mm evaporation was recording during the month of April. 3.2.1 Rainfall (mm) In general, the rainfall situation during the experimental period was not satisfactory. About a week before sowing no rain was received which permit the application of pre-sowing irrigation to linseed. The actual rainfall during the period of investigation in the season 2013-14 was only 133.9 mm. The dry spell prevailed in the mid vegetative growth periods. Light showers were received in the 2 nd and 3rd standard week and during reproductive growth periods of linseed. 3.2.2 Temperature (C) The weekly mean maximum and minimum temperature during the experimentation ranges from 17.0 0C to 36.3 0C and 9.8 0C to 19.8 0C, respectively. The maximum temperature 36.3 0C was recorded in the month of April, whereas the minimum temperature 9.8 0C was observed in the month of February. 3.2.3 Relative humidity (%) The weekly maximum relative humidity ranges from 32 to 94 per cent and weekly minimum relative humidity varied from 18 to 76 per cent during the period of experimentation. 3.2.4 Sunshine (hours) The mean daily sun-shine duration the crop growing period was 8.81 hours. The mean maximum and minimum weekly bright sun-shine duration were recorded 9.8 hrs to 2.3 hrs, respectively during the period of investigation. ~25~

Materials and Methods

~26~

Materials and Methods 3.2.5 Evaporation (mm) The evapo-transpiration data obtained from Weather Bureau Class A pan evaporimeter showed that the average evapo-transpiration during the period of experiment varied from 0.8 to 6.5 mm per day and it was recorded lowest in the month of January.

3.3

Cropping history of the experimental field The production of experimental field can be judged form the cropping history.

The details of the cropping history of the experimental field, proceeding the period of experimentation are given in Table 3.2. it is evident from the table that continuous cereal-cereal was followed in the experimental field. This resulted in continuous uptake of nutrients, which leads to decline in fertility status of the experimental field. Table 3.2 Cropping history of experimental field

3.4

Year

Kharif

Rabi

2008- 09

Rice

Wheat

2009- 10

Rice

Wheat

2010- 11

Rice

Wheat

2011- 12

Rice

Mustard

2012- 13

Rice

Wheat

2013- 14

Rice

Experimental crop

Soil of the experimental site To evaluate the initial fertility status of the soil, soil sample were collected

from the experimental field before the sowing of crop. Soil samples were taken from plot different parts of the field up to depth of 15 cm and a composite sample was prepared which was subjected to mechanical and chemical analysis as per standard procedure. The results thus obtained are presented in Table 3.3. It is evident from the ~27~

Materials and Methods soil analysis that the experimental field falls in sandy clay loam category with moderate fertility status having low available nitrogen, medium available potassium.

3.5

Crop variety: Neelam Linseed variety neelam was developed at CSAUAT Kanpur. This variety

matures in 125-130 days. Its flowers are blue in colour. Seeds are medium in size and contain 43 per cent oil. This variety is resistant to rust and wilt. Its yield potential is 15-20 quintals per hectare. It is suitable for growing in central and Western Uttar Pradesh. It has also performed well in Terai regions of Uttar Pradesh. Table 3.3

Chemical properties of experimental plot soil

Particulars

Value

Organic carbon (%)

0.36

Walkley and black (Jackson,1973)

pH (1:2.5) soil water suspension

7.4

Glass electrode digital pH meter (Jackson,1973)

Electric conductivity (dsm-1)

0.34

Conductivity bridge meter (Jackson,1973 )

Available N (kg/ha)

174.4

Alkaline potassium permanganate method (Subbiah and Asija ( 1956)

Available P (kg/ha)

22.7

Olsen’s colorimetric method (Jackson, 1973)

Available K (kg/ha)

191.6

Flam photometer method (Jackson,1973 )

3.6

Method of determination rapid

titration

method

Experimental design and layout Considering the nature of factors under study and the convenience of

agricultural operation and efficiency, the experiment was laid out in Split plot Design comprised of 12 treatments combination along with three replications. Each replication was divided into 12 equal plots and the treatments were randomly allocated within them. The inoculants Azotobacter chroococcum (strain: MTCC Chandigarh) and Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB; Bacillus subtilis; strain: ~28~

Materials and Methods PSBBHU 20) were used in the treatment combinations, obtained from the department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University. The details of layout are given below and illustrated through Table 3.4. Table 3.4

Details of treatments

S.No.

Treatment

A. 1.

Irrigation No irrigation (control)

2. 3.

One irrigation (at 55 day after germination) Two irrigations (1st at 25day after paddy harvest and 2nd 25-30days after 1st irrigation) Fertilizer No fertilizer (control) 100% RDN 100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter 100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering Combinations (Irrigation × Fertilizer) No irrigation × No fertilizer No irrigation × 100% RDN No irrigation × 100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter No irrigation × 100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering One irrigation × No fertilizer One irrigation × 100% RDN One irrigation × 100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter One irrigation × 100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering Two irrigations × No fertilizer Two irrigations × 100% RDN Two irrigations × 100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter Two irrigations × 100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering

B. 1. 2. 3. 4. C. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Symbol I0

~29~

I1 I2

F1 F2 F3 F4 I0F1 I0F2 I0F3 I0F4 I1F1 I1F2 I1F3 I1F4 I2F1 I2F2 I2F3 I2F4

Materials and Methods 3.7

Field operations The details of the field operations performed during the period of

experimentation are described in Table 3.4. 3.7.1 Land preparation Proper field preparation and fine seed bed are essential for good germination and growth of the linseed To have a suitable field for sowing, the experimental field was ploughed criss-cross with a tractor drawn disc, dry weeds , stubbles were removed manually. The block borders, plot bunds and irrigation channels were made manually as per the layout plan (Fig. 2). The experimental plots were levelled before sowing of seeds. Table 3.5

Details of layout plan

Design

Split plot design(SPD)

Treatment

12

Replication

3

Total number of plots

36

Field border

1.5 m

Block border

1.0 m

Plot border

0.5 m

Row spacing

25 cm

Irrigation channel

1.0 m

Plot size a)

Gross plot size

2.5 m × 2.7 m = 6.75 m2

b)

Net plot size

2.0 m × 2.2 m =4.4 m2

~30~

Materials and Methods Table 3.6 Schedule of cultural operations

S. No.

Operations

Date

1.

Ploughing and planking

25.11.2013

2.

Layout of the experimental field

27.11.2013

3.

Sowing

28.11.2013

4.

Fertilizer application a.

Basal application

28.11.2013

b.

Top dressing (1st)

28.12.2013

c.

Top dressing (2nd)

28.01.2014

5.

Thinning

6.

Manual weeding

7.

13.12.2013

a.

First

24.12.2013

b.

Second

19.01.2014

Irrigation a.

First

04.01.2014

b.

Second

02.02.2014

8.

Harvesting

10.04.2014

9.

Threshing

13.04.2014

3.7.2 Fertilizer application The whole amount of phosphorus and potassium and half dose nitrogen as per treatments in the form of di-ammonium phosphate (18% N and 46% P2O5,), muriate of potash (60% K2O) and urea (46% N) respectively was applied below the seeds at the time of sowing of crop. Remaining half dose of nitrogen was divided into two equal parts as per treatments and applied as top dressing in the form of urea after one and two month(s) of sowing, respectively. Seed were treated with Azotobacter and PSB as per treatment. Spraying of urea was done as per the treatments. ~31~

Materials and Methods 3.7.3 Seed inoculation In two 500 ml beakers, water was boiled and to each beaker 60 g molasses were added and dissolved and then cooled. To one beaker Azotobacter inoculants was mixed and to other beaker PSB inoculants was mixed to obtain their slurries. The seed was inoculated with both Azotobacter and PSB. The inoculated seed after uniformly inoculation was spread and dried under shade and was sown immediately after drying. 3.7.4 Seed and sowing Requisite quantity of healthy and clean seeds of linseed variety Neelam was taken before sowing. Furrows were opened with the help of ‘kudal’ maintaining 25 cm row spacing and seeds were sown @ 30 kg ha-1 at about 4-5 cm depth. The plot was then levelled to fill the soil in furrows. 3.7.5 Thinning Thinning of crops was done after 15 days of sowing in order to keep only one robust and healthy plant at a distance of 10 cm to maintain proper plant population. Each plot accommodated 10 rows and 27 plants within a row. 3.7.6 Irrigation management The crop was grown under irrigated condition and two irrigations were applied to about one month interval to maintain optimum soil moisture for plant growth. 3.7.7 Manual weeding Two weeding was done manually at 25 and 45 DAS. 3.7.8 Harvesting and threshing The crop was harvested as soon as 80 per cent capsules turn yellowish brown to prevent shattering. First of all border rows were harvested and removed plants from each border net plot area were harvested carefully, bundled, tagged and were taken to ~32~

Materials and Methods threshing floor and kept separately. After proper sun drying the bundles were threshed separately.

3.8

Detail of selected bio fertilizers

3.8.1 Azotobacter The genus Azotobacter fixes the atmospheric nitrogen. Azotobacter is widely distributed in different cultivated soils. Morphologically these are granular, ovoid, or rod shaped and sometimes mobile. The bacterium produces abundant slime which helps in soil aggregation. The numbers of A. chroococcum in Indian soils rarely exceeds 105 g-1 soils due to lack of organic matter and the presence of antagonistic microorganism in soil. Rhizosphere of crops plant is considered to be the congenial habitat where it exists to be in comparatively in high number when compared with the soil. The inoculation helps to raise the population from 2-10 times. Root exudates influence the growth and nitrogen fixation capacity of Azotobacter in the rhizosphere. 3.8.2 Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) These are group of beneficial bacteria, capable of hydrolyzing organic and inorganic phosphorus from insoluble compounds. Some PSB produce phosphates like phytase that hydrolyses organic forms of phosphate compound efficiently. One or both type of PSB has been introduced to agricultural community as phosphate biofertilizer. A large portion of soluble inorganic phosphate which is applied to the soil as chemical fertilizers is immobilized rapidly and becomes unavailable to plants. The use of PSB as inoculants increases the P uptake by plants.

3.9

Observations recorded For recording biometric observation at regular interval, two sampling area i.e.

one for destructive and other for non- destructive were marked. The observations like plant height, number of functional leaves, branches and capsules per plant were taken from non-destructive sampling area i.e. net plot area while the observation like dry matter accumulation plant -1 was taken from destructive area i.e. area apart from net ~33~

Materials and Methods plot area. For observing growth parameter 5 plants from net plot area were selected out randomly and tagged and their observation were made at 30, 60, 90 DAS and at harvest. Yield and yield attributing character were recorded at the time of harvesting and after harvest. 3.9.1 Methods of observation 3.9.1.1 Plant height (cm) Plant height of five randomly tagged plants was measured from base of plant up to the growing tips of main stem and average height was recorded in cm. 3.9.1.2 Branches plant-1 Five randomly tagged plants were used for counting the number of branches. All branches were counted each at 30, 60, 90 DAS of crop. The average number of branches per plant was worked out. 3.9.1.3 Green leaves plant-1 The number of functional green leaves per plant were counted and expressed as average number of leaves plant -1. 3.9.1.4 Dry matter accumulation plant-1 (g) For recording dry matter accumulation, 5 randomly selected plants from each plot were cut from the ground level of border rows. Sampled plants were sun dried first then dried in oven for 24 hours to get constant dry weight. Thereafter, the average dry weight was recorded in g plant -1. 3.9.1.5 Capsules plant-1 Total numbers of capsules on five tagged plant were counted and average number of capsules per plant was recorded.

~34~

Materials and Methods 3.9.1.6 Seeds capsules -1 Ten capsules were split open and number of seed was counted and the mean was expressed. 3.9.1.7 Test weight (1000-seed weight) From the representative sample of each plot one thousand seeds were counted and weighed to record 1000 seeds weight in gram. 3.9.1.8 Seed yield (kg ha-1) The seed yield of net plot after cleaning and proper drying was recorded in grams and converted into kilogram hectare-1 by multiplying with appropriate factor. 3.9.1.9 Stover yield (kg ha-1) After threshing stem and chaff weight per plot were recorded and added treatment-wise. These were converted to kilogram hectare -1 by multiplying with appropriate conversion factor. 3.9.1.10 Harvest index (%) Harvest index was calculated by the formula (Donald and Hamblin, 1978):

Harvest index (%) 

Economic yield  100 Bilogical yield

Where, Economic yield = Seed yield (kg ha -1) Biological yield = seed yield + stover yield (kg ha -1)

~35~

Materials and Methods 3.10

Laboratory studies

3.10.1 Oil content in seed Oil content in seed was estimated by Soxhlet method given by Sankaran (1966). Oil content (%) 

Weight of oil  100 Weight of seed sample

3.10.2 Oil yield (kg ha-1) Oil yield was obtained from oil content multiplied by seed yield and expressed in kg per hectare.

Oil content (%) in seed  seed yield (kg ha -1 ) Oil yield (kg ha )  100 -1

3.10.3 Seed protein content For determination of protein content in seed, chemical analysis for nitrogen content was done as per the method described by Jackson (1973), and the value thus obtained were obtained by multiplying with factor 6.25. 3.10.4 Seed protein yield Protein yield of seed was obtained from seed protein content multiplied by seed yield and expressed in kg per hectare.

Seed protein yield (kg ha -1 ) 

Seed protein content (%)  seed yield (kg ha -1 ) 100

3.10.5 N, P and K contents (%) in plant Plant material for this study was drawn at harvest of linseed and the seed and stover were dried 70˚C for 48 hours, the plant material thus obtained was ground with ~36~

Materials and Methods the help of grinder and passed through mesh sieve and then used for determination of N, P and K contents. The nutrient content of this material were then estimation as following method give in Table 3.8. Table 3.7

Chemical analyses of plant

Analysis

Method

Reference

Total ‘N’

Micro Kjeldahl method

Jackson (1973)

Total ‘P’

Vanadomolybdete phosphoric acid yellow colour method

Jackson (1973)

Total ‘K’

Flame photometer method

Jackson (1973)

3.11

Relative economics The cost of cultivation was worked out by taking into consideration all the

expenses incurred. Gross return was worked out by multiplying seed and stover yield of the crop with their prevailing market prices. Calculations were made as per normal rates prevalent at the Agricultural Research Farm, B.H.U., Varanasi. The cost of fertilizers, plant protection chemicals and seed etc. were taken as per prevailing market prices. Net return (` ha-1) and benefit: cost ratio was calculated with the help of the following formula: Net return (` ha-1) = Gross return (` ha-1) – Cost of cultivation (` ha-1) Net return (` ha-1) Benefit cost ratio = Cost of cultivation (` ha-1)

3.12

Statistical analysis For determining the significance between the treatment means and to draw

valid conclusion, statistical analysis was made. Data obtained from various observations were analysed as per the standard analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedure for randomized block design given by (Gomez and Gomez, 1984). The ~37~

Materials and Methods significance of the treatment effect was judged with the help of ‘F’ test (variance ratio). Standard error of mean was computed in all cases. The difference of the treatments mean was tested using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 5% level of probability where ‘F’ test reported significant differences among mean. If the variance ratio (F test) was found significant at 5% level of significance, the standard error of mean (SEm±) and L.S.D were calculated for further comparison. 2  error sum of square  t (error d.f . 5%) N

CD

=

CD

=

Critical Difference

N

=

Number of replication

Where,

~38~

I0F3

I0F4

I1F4

I1F3

I1F2

I1F1

I2F3

I2F1

I2F4

I2F2

I2F3

I2F2

I2F4

I2F1

I0F1

I0F3

I0F2

I0F4

I1F2

I1F4

I1F1

I1F3

Fig. 3.2 Layout of the experimental field

I1F4

I1F2

I1F1

I1F3

I2F3

I2F4

I2F2

I2F1

I0F1

I0F3

I0F4

I0F2

Field border

I0F2

Field border

I0F1

R3

Replication border cum irrigation channel

R2

Replication border cum irrigation channel

R1

100

12 Rainfall (mm) 10

80 70 8 60 50

6

40 4 30

Evapration, wind speed and sunshine hours

Rainfall, max. and min. Temperature, max. And min. RH

90

Max Temperature

Min. Temperature

Max. RH

Min. RH

Evaporation (mm)

20 2

Wind Speed (km/hr)

10 0

0 52

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Sunshine (hrs/day)

Week no.

Fig. 3.1

Meteorological observation (standard week wise) recorded at Meteorological observatory, B.H.U. during the crop season (2013-2014)

Chapter IV

EXPERIMENTAL FINDINGS An attempt has been made to ascertain the degree of variation exhibited by various irrigation scheduling and nutrient management in the experiment entitled “Effect of irrigation scheduling and nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of utera linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)”. The data collected during the course of investigation has been statistically analyzed and presented in tables. The treatment effect has been described in this chapter in light of statistical interpretation.

4.1

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on growth parameters of utera linseed Data recorded on various observations were tabulated and then subjected to

various statistical analysis for interception of the results. These findings consciously described in this chapter along with data in suitable tables and figures. Some of the most important results are also depicted through the illustrations. The details of the statistical analysis are given below. Progressive crop growth, yield attributes, yield and quality parameters was recorded at different physiological stages of crop. Effect of different treatments on crop growth and development are described here. 4.1.1 Plant height (cm) Data on plant height recorded at 30, 60, 90 DAS and at harvest under different irrigation levels and nutrient management treatments are presented in Table 4.1 and Fig. 4.1.

Experimental Findings Table 4.1 Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on plant height (cm) of utera linseed Treatment

Plant height (cm) 30 DAS

60 DAS

90 DAS

At harvest

I0

7.47

35.11

48.15

48.26

I1

8.00

39.54

50.69

50.71

I2

8.10

39.51

51.98

51.98

SEm±

0.13

0.85

1.16

1.29

CD (P=0.05)

NS

3.34

NS

NS

F1

7.06

33.70

47.39

47.56

F2

7.77

38.31

48.88

48.88

F3

8.42

40.32

53.10

53.10

F4

8.18

39.87

51.73

51.73

SEm±

0.22

0.86

1.67

2.20

CD (P=0.05)

0.66

2.57

4.98

4.90

Irrigation

Fertilizer

~39~

Experimental Findings Data in the table revealed that plant height increased with advancement of crop growth till 90 DAS and thereafter got stabilized. An examination of the data revealed marked effect of irrigation levels and fertilizer management levels on plant height at all the stages of observation. Application of different levels of irrigation had no significant effect on plant height at all the stages of observations. However, at 60 DAS, treatment I 1 (one irrigation) and I2 (two irrigation) recorded significantly higher plant height as compared to treatment I 0 (control). It is indicated from the data in the table that plant height also differs with different fertilizer management levels. Amongst, all the treatments, application of treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter) recorded significantly superior plant height as compared to the treatment F1 (control) at all the stages of observations. However, the treatment F4 (100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering) and F2 (100% RDN) recorded statistically comparable plant height with treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter) at all the stages of observations. 4.1.2 Number of branches plant-1 Data on number of tillers m-2 was recorded at 30, 60, 90 DAS and at harvest stage. Data obtained on number of tillers m-2 as influenced by different irrigation levels and fertilizer management treatments are given in table 4.2 and fig 4.2. It is very imperative to note from the data that amongst irrigation levels, the treatment. I2 (two irrigation) recorded higher number of branches plant -1 at all the stages of observations and that was significantly superior over the remaining treatments except I2 at 30 DAS and at harvest stage. The treatment I2 (two irrigation) recorded significantly higher number of branches plant -1 as compared to the treatment I0 (control) at all the stages of observations. However, at harvest stage the treatment I 1 (one irrigation) fails to reach the level of significance with treatment I 0 (control). ~40~

Experimental Findings Table 4.2 Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on number of branches plant-1 of utera linseed Number of branches plant-1

Treatment 30 DAS

60 DAS

90 DAS

At harvest

I0

2.36

2.95

3.70

3.72

I1

2.69

3.54

4.44

4.23

I2

2.78

3.82

4.75

4.85

SEm±

0.051

0.060

0.078

0.18

CD (P=0.05)

0.19

0.237

0.310

0.71

F1

2.17

2.72

3.47

3.51

F2

2.59

3.30

4.11

4.19

F3

2.93

4.04

5.02

4.87

F4

2.76

3.68

4.59

4.50

SEm±

0.083

0.10

0.098

0.19

CD (P=0.05)

0.24

0.29

0.29

0.58

Irrigation

Fertilizer

~41~

Experimental Findings Data in the table indicated that number of branches also significantly influenced by different fertilizer management treatment. Amongst the treatments, the treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter) recorded higher number of branches plant -1 at all the stages of observations and that was significantly superior over the remaining fertilizer management treatments except F 4 (100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering) at 30 DAS and at harvest stage. 4.1.3 Number of green leaves plant-1 Data pertaining on number of green leaves plant -1 was recorded at 30, 60 and 90 DAS under different irrigation levels and fertilizer management treatments are presented in table 4.3 and fig 4.3. A perusal of the date given in table showed that the treatment I2 (two irrigation) recorded significantly higher number of green leaves plant -1 as compared to the treatment I0 (control) while the treatment I1 (one irrigation) had statistically comparable number of green leaves plant -1 with treatment I2 at all the stages of observations. It is clear from the data that the fertilizer management treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter) had significantly more number of green leaves plant -1 than the treatment F1 No fertilizer (control) and F2 (100% RDN) at all the stages of observations. However, the treatment F4 (100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering) had statistically comparable number of green leaves plant-1 with the treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter) at all the stages of observations. The treatment F4 recorded significantly higher number of green leaves plant -1 than the treatment F1 and F2 at all the stages of observations except treatment F2 at 30 DAS. The treatment F2 was at par with the treatment F4 in the production of number of green leaves plant -1 at 30 DAS.

~42~

Experimental Findings Table 4.3

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on number of green leaves plant-1 of utera linseed Number of green leaves plant-1

Treatment 30 DAS

60 DAS

90 DAS

I0

18.83

218.33

301.08

I1

20.25

234.08

329.08

I2

21.08

239.33

336.25

SEm±

0.47

1.90

3.62

CD (P=0.05)

1.86

7.48

14.22

F1

18.22

211.11

291.67

F2

19.44

229.89

322.22

F3

21.67

243.33

340.67

F4

20.89

238.00

334.00

SEm±

0.74

2.55

2.94

CD (P=0.05)

2.21

7.58

8.75

I×F

NS

NS

S

Irrigation

Fertilizer

~43~

Experimental Findings Variation in number of green leaves plant -1 was also significant due to interaction effect of irrigation levels and fertilizer management at 90 DAS (Table 4.3a). Amongst all the treatment combinations, the production of the number of green leaves plant-1 was significantly higher in I2F4 (Two irrigations × 100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering) as compared to the remaining treatment combinations. However, the treatment combination of I1F3 (One irrigation × 100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter) and I2F4 (Two irrigations × 100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering) recorded statistically comparable number of green leaves plant -1 with I2F4 at 90 DAS. Table 4.3a

Interaction effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on number of green leaves plant -1 at 90 DAS of utera linseed Treatment

I0

I1

I2

F1

283.67

288.00

303.33

F2

293.33

334.00

339.33

F3

318.00

351.00

353.00

F4

309.33

343.33

349.33

Two fertilizer management at the same irrigation level Two irrigation level at the same or different fertilizer management

~44~

SEm±

CD (P=0.05)

15.16

5.10

19.17

5.71

Experimental Findings 4.1.4 Dry matter accumulation (g) plant-1 Data on dry matter accumulation recorded at 30, 60, 90 DAS and at harvest under different irrigation levels and nutrient management treatments are presented in Table 4.4.and Fig. 4.4. It is clear from the data in the table that dry matter accumulation was significantly influenced by irrigation levels, fertilizer management as well as interaction of irrigation levels and fertilizer management. Amongst the irrigation levels, the treatment I2 recorded significantly higher dry matter accumulation at 60 DAS and at harvest stages as compared to other treatments. At 90 DAS, the treatment I1 (one irrigation) obtained significantly superior dry matter accumulation as compared to the treatment I0 (control). At 30 DAS, all the irrigation levels failed to reach the level of significance (Table 4.4). A perusal of the date given in table showed that dry matter accumulation significantly varied with fertilizer management treatment all the stages of observations except at 30 DAS. Amongst all the treatments, the treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter) obtained significantly higher dry matter accumulation as compared to remaining treatments at 60, 90 DAS and at harvest stages. However, the treatment F3 recorded dry matter accumulation at par with F4 (100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering) at 60 and 90 DAS (Table 4.4). Variation in dry matter accumulation was also significant due to interaction effect of irrigation levels and fertilizer management at 60 DAS and at harvest stage. At 60 DAS, amongst different fertilizer management treatments, the treatment F 2 had comparatively superior dry matter accumulation than the remaining fertilizer management treatments at I0 and I2 levels and the treatment F4 found at par with I0 and I2. However, the treatment F4 recorded significantly higher dry matter accumulation as compared to remaining treatments except F3 at I1 level.

~45~

Experimental Findings Table 4.4

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on dry matter accumulation (g) plant-1 of utera linseed Dry matter accumulation (g) plant-1

Treatment 30 DAS

60 DAS

90 DAS

At harvest

I0

0.133

3.05

6.27

6.55

I1

0.144

3.24

6.55

6.82

I2

0.146

3.33

6.51

7.07

SEm±

0.002

0.018

0.042

0.035

NS

0.069

0.168

0.137

F1

0.131

2.94

6.07

6.47

F2

0.138

3.18

6.28

6.66

F3

0.149

3.37

6.81

7.26

F4

0.146

3.34

6.61

6.87

SEm±

0.0071

0.16

0.28

0.29

CD (P=0.05)

NS

0.082

0.341

0.204

I×F

NS

S

NS

S

Irrigation

CD (P=0.05) Fertilizer

~46~

Experimental Findings Table 4.4a

Interaction effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on dry matter accumulation (g) plant -1 at 60 DAS of utera linseed

Treatment

I0

I1

I2

F1

2.90

2.93

2.98

F2

2.97

3.25

3.32

F3

3.20

3.33

3.57

F4

3.11

3.46

3.43

SEm±

CD (P=0.05)

Two fertilizer management at the same irrigation level

0.047

0.142

Two irrigation level at the same or different fertilizer management

0.045

0.140

Table 4.4b

Interaction effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on dry matter accumulation (g) plant-1 at harvest stage of utera linseed

Treatment

I0

I1

I2

F1

6.33

6.45

6.63

F2

6.52

6.57

6.90

F3

6.69

7.33

7.77

F4

6.67

6.93

7.00

Two fertilizer management at the same irrigation level Two irrigation level at the same or different fertilizer management

SEm±

CD (P=0.05)

0.119

0.353

0.108

0.334

~47~

Experimental Findings Amongst the irrigation levels, the treatment I 2 recorded higher dry matter accumulation at F1, F2 and F3 as compared to remaining irrigation levels and the treatment I0 at F2 and F3 and I1 at F3 was at par with I2. However, the treatment I1 was higher dry matter accumulation at F4 and was at par with I2. Amongst all the irrigation level and fertilizer combinations, the combination of I 2F3 (Two irrigations × 100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter) recorded significantly higher dry matter accumulation as compared to the remaining treatment combinations at 60 DAS and at harvest stage and it was at par with I 1F4 (One irrigation × 100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering) and I2F4 (Two irrigations × 100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering) at 60 DAS.

4.2

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on yield attributing characters of utera linseed

4.2.1 Number of seeds capsule -1 Data recorded on number of seeds capsule

-1

as influenced by irrigation levels

and fertilizer management are presented in table 4.5. It is obvious from the data in the table that irrigation levels significantly influenced the number of seeds capsule

-1

production. Amongst the treatments, the

treatment I1 (one irrigation) recorded higher number of seeds capsule

-1

as compared

to the remaining treatments. The treatment I1 (one irrigation) and I2 (two irrigation)had significantly superior number of seeds capsule

-1

than the treatment I0.

The treatment I1 was at par with I2. Variation in number of seeds capsule

-1

due to fertilizer management

treatments was also observed. The treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter) recorded significantly higher number of seeds capsule

-1

as

compared to the treatment F1 (No fertilizer) and F2 (100% RDN). The treatment F4 (100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering) had statistically comparable number of seeds capsule -1 with F3.

~48~

Experimental Findings Table 4.5

Treatment

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on yield attributing characters of utera linseed No. of capsule plant -1

No. of seeds capsules -1

Test weight (g)

I0

36.5

8.29

7.56

I1

38.67

8.92

7.89

I2

39.20

9.29

7.97

SEm±

0.46

0.14

0.07

CD (P=0.05)

1.81

0.56

0.31

F1

35.82

8.23

7.42

F2

37.89

8.50

7.82

F3

39.78

9.62

8.05

F4

39.00

8.99

7.93

SEm±

0.87

0.24

0.13

CD (P=0.05)

2.60

0.73

0.41

Irrigation

Fertilizer

~49~

Experimental Findings 4.2.2 Number of capsule plant -1 Data recorded on number of capsule plant

-1

as influenced by irrigation levels

and fertilizer management are given in table 4.5. It is obvious from the data in the table that number of capsule plant

-1

significantly varied due to irrigation levels. Amongst all the irrigation treatments, the significantly maximum number of capsule plant

-1

was recorded under I2 (two

irrigation) as compared to the treatment I0 (control). However, I2 was at par with treatment I1 (one irrigation) Variations number of capsule plant

-1

due to fertilizer treatment was

significant. Amongst the fertilizer treatments, the treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter) obtained superior number of capsule plant

-1

as compared to the remaining treatments. However, the treatment F4 (100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering) and F2 (100% RDN) found statistically comparable with the treatment F3, respectively. 4.2.3 Test weight (g) Data recorded on test weight of utera linseed under different treatments are presented in table 4.5. It is clear from the data in the table that test weight of linseed varied significantly due to irrigation levels. Amongst all the treatments, the maximum test weight was recorded under I2 (two irrigation) followed by I1 (one irrigation) and I0 (control). The test weight of I2 was significantly higher than I0 and statistically at par with I1. The variations in test weight due to fertilizer management treatment were also observed. The maximum test weight was observed in treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter) that was significantly higher than the treatment F1 (No fertilizer) and statically comparable with treatment F4 (100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering) and F2 (100% RDN), respectively. ~50~

Experimental Findings Data pertaining to different yield attributing characters viz., no. of capsule plant -1, number of seeds capsules

-1

and test weight (g) in utera linseed are presented

in table 4.5.

4.3

Biological yield The data pertaining to seed yield, stover yield and harvest index in utera

linseed are given in table 4.6. 4.3.1 Seed yield (q ha-1) It is evident from the data given in table 4.6 that the seed yield significantly varied with irrigation treatments. The maximum seed yield was recorded in treatment I2 (two irrigation) followed by I1 (one irrigation) and I0 (control), respectively. The treatment I2 had significantly higher seed yield as compared to the treatment I 0. Although, seed yield of treatment I1 failed to reach the level of significance with treatment I2. It is clear from the results in the table that seed yield significantly influenced due to the fertilizer treatments. Amongst all the fertilizer treatments, the treatment F 3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter) obtained significantly higher seed yield as compared to the treatments F2 (100% RDN) and F1 (No fertilizer) However, seed yield in treatment F4 (100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering) was statistically at par with treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter). 4.3.2 Stover yield (q ha-1) It is evident from the table 4.6 that the stover yield significantly differed with irrigation treatments. The stover yield increased with increase in level of irrigations. The maximum stover yield was recorded in treatment I 2 (two irrigation) followed by I1 (one irrigation) and I0 (control), respectively. The treatment I2 had significantly higher stover yield as compared to the treatment I0. Although, stover yield of treatment I1 failed to reach the level of significance with treatment I 2. ~51~

Experimental Findings Table 4.6

Treatment

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on seed yield, stover yield and harvest index of utera linseed Seed yield (q ha-1)

Stover yield (q ha-1)

Harvest index (%)

I0

10.84

21.9

32.96

I1

12.44

24.37

33.75

I2

12.86

25.28

33.64

SEm±

0.29

0.239

0.35

CD (P=0.05)

1.16

0.938

NS

F1

9.97

20.80

32.29

F2

12.12

23.69

33.81

F3

13.45

26.11

33.97

F4

12.63

24.79

33.72

SEm±

0.35

0.491

0.37

CD (P=0.05)

1.06

1.45

1.10

Irrigation

Fertilizer

~52~

Experimental Findings It is evident from the results in the table that stover yield significantly varied with the fertilizer treatments. The treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter) obtained significantly higher stover yield as compared to the treatments F2 (100% RDN) and F1 (No fertilizer). However, stover yield in treatment F4 (100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering) was statistically comparable with treatment F3. 4.3.3 Harvest index (%) The data pertaining to harvest index have been summarized in table 4.6. It is clear from the data that none of the irrigation treatment obtained significant variations in harvest index. Although, maximum value of harvest index was recorded in treatment I1 (one irrigation) followed by I2 (two irrigation)and I0 (control) respectively. A perusal of the data in this table showed that the difference in harvest index was found significant between the fertilizer treatments. The treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter) obtained significantly higher harvest index over the treatment F1 (No fertilizer). However the treatment F2 (100% RDN) and F4 (100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering) found statistically at par with treatment F3.

4.4

Quality parameters

4.4.1 Oil content (%) It is evident from the results in the table 4.7 that oil content in seed significantly varied with irrigation levels which increased with increase in irrigation levels. The maximum oil content was recorded with treatment I 2 (two irrigation) followed by I1 (one irrigation) and I0 (control), respectively. The treatment I2 recorded significantly higher oil content as compared to the treatment I 0. However, treatment I1 obtained statistically comparable oil content with I 2.

~53~

Experimental Findings Table 4.7

Treatment

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on quality parameters of utera linseed Oil content (%)

Oil yield (q ha-1)

Protein content (%)

Protein yield (q ha-1)

I0

39.6

4.30

19.38

2.10

I1

39.94

4.97

19.58

2.44

I2

40.37

5.19

19.88

2.57

SEm±

0.14

0.11

0.053

0.06

CD (P=0.05)

0.56

0.43

0.20

0.23

F1

39.57

3.95

19.09

1.90

F2

39.71

4.81

19.17

2.33

F3

40.61

5.47

20.50

2.75

F4

39.99

5.05

19.69

2.49

SEm±

0.18

0.14

0.06

0.07

CD (P=0.05)

0.53

0.42

0.19

0.21

Irrigation

Fertilizer

~54~

Experimental Findings Variations in oil content due to the fertilizer treatment were also found significant. The significantly higher oil content was recorded in treatment F 3 as compared to remaining treatments. However, the decrease in oil content was in order of F3 > F4 > F2 and F1, respectively. 4.4.2 Oil yield (q ha-1) A perusal of the data in table 4.7 showed that the variation in oil yield in linseed was significant due to irrigation treatment. The irrigation level I 2 (two irrigation) obtained significantly higher oil yield as compared to treatment I 0 (control) However, the treatment I1 (one irrigation) had no significant difference in oil yield with treatment I2. There were also significant variations in oil yield obtained due to treatment I0 and I1 in favor of I1. Variations in oil yield due to the fertilizer management treatment also varied. Application of treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter) recorded significantly higher oil yield over the remaining treatments. The decrease in oil yield was in order of F3 > F4 > F2 and F1, respectively. 4.4.3 Protein content (%) A close examination of the data reveals that protein content was significantly affected by different irrigation levels and fertilizer management (Table 4.7). The treatment I2

(two irrigation) recorded maximum protein content which was

significantly higher protein content than I 1 (one irrigation) and I0 (control). However, the treatments I1 and I0 stood at par with each other. Various fertilizer management exerted significant effect on protein content. The treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter) recorded maximum protein content which was significantly higher than rest of the treatments tested. The treatments F4 (100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering) recorded significantly higher protein content than F2 (100% RDN) and F1 (No fertilizer) which were observed at par with each other.

~55~

Experimental Findings 4.4.4 Protein yield (q ha-1) Data reveals that various irrigation and fertilizer management exerted significant on protein yield of utera linseed (Table 4.7). Among the irrigation levels, lowest protein yield was obtained with control treatment. Application of one irrigation to utera linseed significantly increased the protein yield but further application of second irrigation could not increase the protein yield up to the level of significance. Data revealed different fertilizer management had a significant effect on protein yield. Different fertilizer management practices differed significantly among themselves except F2 (100% RDN) and F4 (100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering). The maximum protein yield was found under the treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobacter) which significantly superior over other treatments (F4, F2 and F1). The treatment F1 (No fertilizer) registered lowest protein yield. 4.5

Nutrient content

4.5.1 Nitrogen content (%) in seed and stover Summary of data on nitrogen content in seed and stover as influenced by various treatments are presented in Table 4.8. A critical study of the data on nitrogen content in seed and stover revealed significant variation due to irrigation scheduling. Nitrogen content in seed increased progressively with irrigation levels. Different irrigation levels differed significantly among themselves with respect to nitrogen content in seed. With regard to nitrogen content in stover, the control treatment recorded significantly lowest value. Application of one irrigation to this treatment increased the nitrogen content significantly over control but further application (I 2) was found at par with I1 regarding nitrogen content in stover.

~56~

Experimental Findings Table 4.8

Treatment

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on NPK content in seed and stover of utera linseed. Nitrogen content (%)

Phosphorus content (%)

Potassium content (%)

Seed

Stover

Seed

Stover

Seed

Stover

I0

3.170

0.666

0.7373

0.1018

0.6654

0.8644

I1

3.190

0.672

0.7426

0.1029

0.6728

0.8703

I2

3.201

0.675

0.7447

0.1036

0.6751

0.8726

SEm±

0.001

0.001

0.00095

0.0003

0.0006

0.0003

CD (P=0.05)

0.005

0.005

0.0037

0.0013

0.0023

0.0013

F1

3.160

0.663

0.7349

0.1014

0.6624

0.8609

F2

3.180

0.671

0.7404

0.1024

0.6704

0.8690

F3

3.200

0.676

0.7469

0.1040

0.6779

0.8739

F4

3.190

0.674

0.7439

0.1032

0.6737

0.8727

SEm±

0.0016

0.0011

0.00242

0.0005

0.0009

0.0007

CD (P=0.05)

0.0049

0.0032

0.0072

0.0014

0.0027

0.0020

S

NS

NS

NS

NS

NS

Irrigation

Fertilizer

I×F

~57~

Experimental Findings Table 4.8a

Interaction effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on nitrogen content in seed of utera linseed Treatment

I0

I1

I2

F1

3.152

3.160

3.167

F2

3.163

3.188

3.194

F3

3.184

3.208

3.216

F4

3.176

3.195

3.207

SEm±

CD (P=0.05)

Two fertilizer management at the same irrigation level

0.008

0.00283

Two irrigation level at the same or different fertilizer management

0.009

0.0028

Significant differences were observed by different fertilizer management practices with respect to seed and stover nitrogen content. All the fertilizer management practices differed significantly among themselves regarding grain nitrogen content. The maximum seed nitrogen content was found associated with treatment F3 which produced significantly higher nitrogen content than other fertilizer management practices. With regard to nitrogen content in stover, the treatment F 3 recorded the highest value which was significantly higher than F2 and F1 but observed at par with F4. The treatment F4 and F2 remained at with each other but both were significantly higher than F1 which produced significantly lowest value for stover nitrogen content. Variation in nitrogen content in seed was also significant due to interaction effect of irrigation levels and fertilizer management (Table 4.8a). Amongst all the treatment combinations, nitrogen content in seed was significantly higher in I 2F3 as compared to other treatment combinations except I1F3.

~58~

Experimental Findings 4.5.2 Phosphorus content (%) in seed and stover Data pertaining to phosphorus content in seed and stover are summarized in Table 4.8. A keen examination of the data revealed that various irrigation levels significantly influenced phosphorus content in seed and stover. The highest phosphorus content in seed as well as stover was recorded with the application of two irrigations which remained significantly superior over control treatment but found at par with application of one irrigation. The application of one irrigation significantly increased the phosphorus content in seed than without irrigation but for stover phosphorus content it remained statistically at par. Marked effect of fertilizer management was observed on seed as well as stover phosphorus content. Application of 100% RDN in combination with Azotobacter + PSB recorded maximum phosphorus content in seed and stover. This treatment was significantly superior over control treatment with respect to seed phosphorus content but was significantly higher than application of 100% RDN and control. 4.5.3 Potassium content (%) in seed and stover Data on potassium content in seed and stover (Table 4.8) indicated that there was a gradual change in potassium content with increasing levels of irrigation. The K content in seed as well as stover was found highest with application of two irrigations. This treatment was significantly higher than control treatment only with respect to seed potassium content but in case of stover, increasing irrigation levels increased the potassium content significantly. Fertilizer management caused significant variation in potassium content in seed and stover of linseed. Dual inoculation of Azotobacter + PSB in conjuction with 100% RDN recorded maximum potassium content in seed and stover which was significantly superior over all other treatments in case of seed and observed at par with application of foliar spray of 2% urea with respect of stover potassium content. ~59~

Experimental Findings 4.6

Economics The data on economics of utera linseed cultivation has affected by different

treatments is presented in table 4.9. Irrigation scheduling exerted difference in their economics.It is evident from the data that highest cost of cultivation ( net return (

21166.65), gross return (

61589.25) and

53896.80) was obtained from application of two irrigations but the

highest B:C ratio (1.96)was obtained with application of one irrigation. Fertilizer management exhibited difference in their economics. The cost of cultivation (

20190.15), gross return (

64342), net return (

44151.85) and B:C

ratio (2.19) was obtained with application of 100% RDN in combination with Azotobacter + PSB. The data pertaining to the economics of the various treatment presented in Table 4.10 revealed that the maximum cost of cultivation (

21659.15) was observed

under application of two irrigations in combination with 100% RDN + foliar spray of 2% urea. The gross return (

66966) was found maximum under application of two

irrigations in combination with 100% RDN + Azotobacter + PSB. However, maximum net return (

46399.85) and B:C ratio ( 2.30) was registered with

application of one irrigation in combination with 100% RDN + Azotobacter + PSB

~60~

Experimental Findings Table 4.9

Treatment

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on the economics of utera linseed Cost of cultivation ( ha-1)

Gross return ( ha-1)

Net return ( ha-1)

B:C ratio

I0

19024.65

52084.00

44079.13

1.73

I1

20095.65

59540.50

52593.13

1.96

I2

21166.65

61589.25

53896.80

1.91

F1

19594.15

48111.67

28517.52

1.45

F2

20010.15

57996.67

37986.52

1.90

F3

20190.15

64342

44151.85

2.19

F4

20588.15

60501.33

39913.18

1.94

Irrigation

Fertilizer

~61~

Experimental Findings Table 4.10 Treatment

Effect of treatments on economics of utera linseed Cost of cultivation ( ha-1)

Gross return ( ha-1)

Net return ( ha-1)

B:C ratio

I0F1

18523.15

40080

21556.85

1.16

I0F2

18939.15

53240

34300.85

1.81

I0F3

19119.15

59470

40350.85

2.11

I0F4

19517.15

55546

36028.85

1.85

I1F1

19594.15

49332

29737.85

1.52

I1F2

20010.15

59940

39929.85

2.00

I1F3

20190.15

66590

46399.85

2.30

I1F4

20588.15

62300

41711.85

2.03

I2F1

20665.15

54923

34257.85

1.66

I2F2

21081.15

60810

39728.85

1.88

I2F3

21261.15

66966

45704.85

2.15

I2F4

21659.15

63658

41998.85

1.94

~62~

60

Plant height (cm)

50

40 30 DAS 30

60 DAS 90 DAS

20

At harvest

10

0 I0

I1 Irrigation

I2

F1

F2

F3

F4

Fertilizer

Fig. 4.1 Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on plant height (cm) of utera linseed

6

Number of branches plant-1

5

4 30 DAS 3

60 DAS 90 DAS

2

At harvest

1

0 I0

I1 Irrigation

I2

F1

F2

F3

F4

Fertilizer

Fig. 4.2 Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on number of branches plant -1 of utera linseed

400

Number of green leaves plant-1

350 300 250

30 DAS

200

60 DAS 150

90 DAS

100 50 0 I0

I1 Irrigation

I2

F1

F2

F3

F4

Fertilizer

Fig. 4.3 Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on number of green leaves plant -1 of utera linseed

8

Dry matter accumulation (g) plant-1

7 6 5 30 DAS 4

60 DAS 90 DAS

3

At harvest

2 1 0 I0

I1 Irrigation

I2

F1

F2

F3

F4

Fertilizer

Fig. 4.4 Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on dry matter accumulation (g) plant-1 of utera linseed

No. of seeds/capsules

Test weight (g)

45

8.1

40

8

35

7.9 7.8

30

7.7 25 7.6 20 7.5 15

7.4

10

7.3

5

7.2

0

7.1 I0

I1 Irrigation

I2

F1

F2

F3

F4

Fertilizer

Fig. 4.5 Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on yield attributing characters of utera linseed

Test weight (g)

No. of capsule/plant and No. of seeds/capsules

No. of capsule/plant

Stover yield (q/ha)

Harvest index (%)

30

34.5

25

34

33.5

20

33 15 32.5 10

32

5

Harvest index (%)

Seed amd stover yield

Seed yield (q/ha)

31.5

0

31

I0

I1 Irrigation

I2

F1

F2

F3

F4

Fertilizer

Fig. 4.6 Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on seed yield, stover yield and harvest index of utera linseed

Oil content (%)

Oil yield (q/ha)

40.8

6

40.6

4

40

3

39.8 39.6

2

39.4

1

39.2 39

0 I0

I1

I2

F1

F2

Irrigation

F4

Fertilizer

Protein content (%)

Protein content (%)

F3

Protein yield (q/ha)

25

3

20

2.5 2

15 1.5 10 1 5

0.5

0

0 I0

I1 Irrigation

Fig. 4.7

Protein Oil yield (q/ha)

Oil content (%)

40.2

Oil yield (q/ha)

5

40.4

I2

F1

F2

F3

F4

Fertilizer

Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on quality parameters of utera linseed

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Content (%)

Nitrogen content (%) Seed

Nitrogen content (%) Stover

Potassium content (%) Seed

Potassium content (%) Stover

Phosphorus content (%) Seed

Phosphorus content (%) Stover

3.5

0.8

3

0.7

0.6

2.5

0.5 2 0.4 1.5 0.3 1

0.2

0.5

0.1

0

0

I0

I1 Irrigation

I2

F1

F2

F3

F4

Fertilizer

Fig. 4.8 Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on NPK content in seed and stover of utera linseed.

Net return (Rs./ha)

B:C ratio

60000

2.5

2

40000 1.5 30000 1 20000 0.5

10000

0

0 I0

I1 Irrigation

I2

F1

F2

F3

F4

Fertilizer

Fig. 4.9 Effect of irrigation scheduling and fertilizer management on the economics of utera linseed

B:C ratio

Net return (Rs./ha)

50000

Chapter V

DISCUSSION The present investigation entitled “Effect of irrigation scheduling and nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of utera linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)” was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm of Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi during the rabi season of 2013-14. The results of the experiment presented in the preceding chapter has been discussed and elucidated in this chapter with the help of suitable reasons and evidences based on the principle of agronomy, related branches and literature available on the topic of investigation. In order to make the findings more illustrative, the factors and possible reasons of variation obtained due to treatment differences have been discussed in this chapter according to the objectives of the present investigation.

5.1

Effect of weather conditions on crop The effect of weather conditions during the crop season is one of the most

important factors which determine the extent of the crop growth, development and overall performance of the crop. Each crop requires an optimum range of weather conditions for its successful growth and development. If the fluctuations are wide from optimum range, plants may fail to adjust their rhythm of growth and finally results poor yield. The meteorological data as well as regular field observations show that crop remained almost unaffected by weather variations. The detail of rainfall, temperature and relative humidity during the course of investigation are presented in Table 3.1. The variations in weather parameters have pronounced effect on growth and development of the crop. For achieving the yield potential every crop has its own cardinal point of air temperature, relative humidity, and vapor pressure and sunshine hours. If the fluctuation becomes too wide from

Discussion optimum, the plants suffer leading to poor growth, development and yield. This effect is more pronounced in crops which are grown in diverse climate and edaphic conditions. Except few dry spells, the overall weather conditions were satisfactory but timely intercultural operations, irrigation and proper management practices minimized the adverse effect of drought on crop growth and development and finally yield of the crop.

5.2

Effect of irrigation levels

5.2.1 Growth attributes There was no significant variation in plant height due to different irrigation levels. However, at 60 DAS, treatment I1 (one irrigation l) and I2 (two irrigations) recorded significantly higher plant height as compared to treatment I 0 (control) (Table 4.1). The treatment I2 recorded significantly higher dry matter accumulation at 60 DAS and at harvest stages as compared to other treatments. At 90 DAS, the treatment I1 obtained significantly superior dry matter accumulation as compared to the treatment I0. At 30 DAS, all the irrigation levels failed to reach the level of significance (Table 4.4). Patil et al. (2011); Patil et al. (2012); Bassegio et al. (2013); Ahlawat and Gangaiah (2010) reported the similar results. The treatment I2 (two irrigation) recorded higher number of branches plant -1 at all the stages of observations and that was significantly superior over the remaining treatments except I2 at 30 DAS and at harvest stage. However, at harvest stage the treatment I1 failed to reach the level of significance with treatment I 0. The irrigation level I2 recorded significantly higher number of green leaves plant -1 as compared to the treatment I0 while the treatment I1 had statistically comparable number of green leaves plant-1 with treatment I2 at all the stages of observations. The higher number of branches plant-1, number of green leaves plant -1 as well might be due to the fact of higher population as influenced by moisture availability associated in dual irrigation (I2).he result in accordance to the finding of Gabiana et al. (2005); Yenpreddiwar et al. (2007); Yenpreddiwar et al. (2007a).

~64~

Discussion

~65~

Discussion 5.2.2 Yield attributes The higher number of seeds capsule -1 was recorded in treatment I2 (Two irrigations) as compared to the remaining treatments. The treatment I 1 (one irrigation) and I2 had significantly superior number of seeds capsule

-1

than the treatment I0

(control). The treatment I1 was at par with I2. The significantly maxi Maximum number of capsule plant -1 was recorded under I2 as compared to the treatment I0. However, I2 was at par with treatment I1. The maximum test weight was recorded under I2 followed by I1 and I0. The test weight of I2 was significantly higher than I0 and statistically at par with I1. It might be associated to the more influenced of irrigation water availability in treatment (I 2) and this effect is more pronounced in irrigated conditions as compared to the dryland conditions. Omidbaigi et al. (2001); Dubey and srivastava (2000); Yenpreddiwar et al. (2007) found the similar trend. 5.2.3 Biological yield The seed and stover yield was recorded higher in treatment I 2 (Two irrigations) followed by I1 (one irrigation) and I0 (control), respectively. The treatment I2 had significantly higher seed and stover yield as compared to the treatment I 0. Although, seed yield of treatment I1 failed to reach the level of significance with treatment I2. None of the irrigation treatment obtained significant variations in harvest index. Although, maximum value of harvest index was recorded in treatment I 1 followed by I2 and I0, respectively. Omidbaigi et al. (2001); Dubey and srivastava (2000); Rana et al. (2000) reported the similar result in biological yield. 5.2.4 Quality parameters The higher oil content was recorded with treatment I 2 (two irrigation) followed by I1 (one irrigation) and I0 (control), respectively. The treatment I2 recorded significantly higher oil content as compared to the treatment I 0. However, treatment I1 obtained statistically comparable oil content with I 2. The irrigation level I2 obtained significantly higher oil yield as compared to treatment I 0. However, the treatment I1 had no significant difference in oil yield with treatment I 2. There were also significant variations in oil yield obtained due to treatment I0 and I1 in favor of I1. The ~66~

Discussion significantly higher protein content was recorded in treatment I 2 than I1 and I0. However, the treatments I1 and I0 stood at par with each other. Application of one irrigation to utera linseed significantly increased the protein yield but further application of second irrigation could not increase the protein yield up to the level of significance. The result of experiment might be due to the increasing the water supply with increasing the irrigation level as in I 2. The findings of the present investigation are similar to those reported earlier and fall in line with the general response elsewhere (Patil et al., 2012; Omidbaigi et al., 2001). 5.2.5 NPK content in seed and stover Nitrogen content in seed increased significantly with irrigation levels. With regard to nitrogen content in stover, the control treatment recorded significantly lowest value. Application of one irrigation to this treatment increased the nitrogen content significantly over control but further application I2 (two irrigations) was found at par with I1 (one irrigation) regarding nitrogen content in stover. The highest phosphorus content in seed as well as stover was recorded with the application of two irrigations which remained significantly superior over control treatment but found at par with application of one irrigation. The application of one irrigation significantly increased the phosphorus content in seed than without irrigation but for stover phosphorus content it remained statistically at par. The K content in seed as well as stover was found highest with application of two irrigations. This treatment was significantly higher than control treatment only with respect to seed potassium content but in case of stover, increasing irrigation levels increased the potassium content significantly.

5.3

Effect of fertilizer management The treatment F3 recorded significantly superior plant height as compared to

F1 (control). However, the treatment F4 (100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea 2% at pre flowering) and F2 (100% RDN) recorded statistically comparable plant height with treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobactor) at all the stages of observations (Table 4.1). Adequate availability of nitrogen and phosphorus coupled with satisfactory moisture conditions owing to pre sowing rains as well as ~67~

Discussion rainfall during the crop period accompanied with dual irrigation might have improved nutrient supplying capacity of soil. Good start and better plant vigor in plots treated with medium level of NPK indicates proper and balanced utilization of these nutrients by the crop. Increased availability of nitrogen in soil brought about vigorous vegetative growth of plants that developed to their full potential in the plant height. The result was in accordance the finding of Baldev and Pareek, 1999; Gudadhe et al., 2005; Sahoo et al., 2010. The significantly higher dry matter accumulation was recorded in treatment F 3 as compared to remaining treatments at 60, 90 DAS and at harvest stages. However, the treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobactor) recorded dry matter accumulation at par with F4 (100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea 2% at pre flowering) at 60 and 90 DAS (Table 4.4). Nitrogen being constituent of amino acids, proteins, nucleic acid, porphyrins, flavins, purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, enzymes, co-enzymes and alkaloids and phosphorus of maleic acid, phytin and phospholipids when supplied in adequate amounts are expected to favor the production of protein to the maximum extent resulting into a vigorous plant growth. Thus plants supplied adequately with nitrogen and phosphorus brought about greater accumulation of photosynthates and thus dry matter accumulation. The result conforms the finding of Kantwa and Meena, 2002; Gudadhe et al., 2005. The higher number of branches plant -1 was obtained in treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobactor) at all the stages of observations and that was significantly superior over the remaining fertilizer management treatments except F4 (100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea 2% at pre flowering) at 30 DAS and at harvest stage. Formation of auxiliary and lateral branches is physiologically a case of tissue differentiation, which is the main role of nitrogen. In the present experiment also, number of branches plant -1 improved with increasing rates of nitrogen and phosphorus levels. Nitrogen helps in the development of auxin, which promotes growth of lateral buds which ultimately develop as branches (Gregory and Veal, 1957; Sahoo et al., 2010). The treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobactor) had significantly more number of green leaves plant -1 than the treatment F1 (No ~68~

Discussion fertilizer) and F2 (100% RDN) at all the stages of observations. However, the treatment F4 (100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea 2% at pre flowering) had statistically comparable number of green leaves plant -1 with the treatment F3 at all the stages of observations. Application of nitrogen along with phosphorus up to an adequate level promotes differentiation and expansion of tissues resulting in production of more number of green leaves plant-1. In the present study it was also possible that taller plants and increased branching at medium levels of nitrogen helps the linseed plant in producing more number of green leaves plant -1. The increased foliage, in turn might have accelerated the photosynthetic activity in plants producing more plant food material leading thereby to healthy growth. The findings of the present investigation are similar to those reported earlier and fall in line with the general response elsewhere (Kalita et al., 2005; Singh et al., 2013). 5.3.2 Yield attributes In the present investigation yield attributing characters of linseed viz., number of seeds capsule-1, number of capsules plant -1and 1000-seed weight were studied. The higher number of seeds capsule -1, number of capsule plant -1 and test weight was recorded in treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobactor) as compared to the remaining treatments. The number of capsule plant -1 and test weight in treatment F4 (100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea 2% at pre flowering) and F2 (100% RDN) and number of seeds capsule-1 was found statistically comparable with F3. Distinct positive effect of nitrogen and phosphorus levels were noticed on these yield attributes. All these characters attained higher values with increasing levels of nitrogen as in F3. The results are in accordance with the findings of Karwasra et al. (2006); Kushuwaha et al. (2006); Sune et al. (2006); Singh et al. (2013). As described earlier, increasing levels of nitrogen and phosphorus application enhanced the growth characters such as, plant height and branches plant -1 correspondingly. Moreover, levels of nitrogen and phosphorus has been found to enhance the process of tissue differentiation i.e. from somatic to reproductive phase, meristematic activity and development of floral primordial, leading thereby to increased flowering and fruit setting. Consequently, significantly higher number of capsules plant-1 was recorded with higher level of nitrogen and phosphorus ~69~

Discussion application. Hocking (1995) reported that in short supply of nitrogen, the flowering and fruit settings were adversely affected, floral buds often turn pale and shed prematurely. The increase in the capsules plant-1 might be explained due to increase in number of branches plant under F3. The tissue differentiation caused by nitrogen application resulted into greater production of flowers which later develops into capsules. 5.3.3 Biological yield The treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobactor) obtained significantly higher seed yield, stover yield and harvest index as compared to the treatment F2 (100% RDN) and F1 (no fertilizer).However, seed yield stover yield and HI in treatment F4 (100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea 2% at pre flowering) was statistically at par with treatment F3. Straw yield is a function of vegetative growth. Increasing levels of nitrogen and phosphorus up to treatment F3 augmented plant height, green leaves plant -1, branches plant-1 and dry matter production which finally resulted in higher stover yield. This finding is in conformity with the results of Samui et al. (1995); Agrawal et al. (1997); Dwivediet al. (2000) and Singh et al. (2013). This could be attributed to the higher seed yield obtained at adequate nitrogen levels. The similar result was also reported by Yadav et al., 2010; Shrivastva et al., 2000; Singh et al., 2006; Dar and Bali, 2007; Nagdiv et al., 2007; Subashini et al., 2007. 5.3.4 Quality parameters Data presented in preceding chapter on oil content, oil yield, protein content and protein yield showed marked influence of fertility management levels on all quality parameter. The significantly higher oil content, oil yield, protein content and protein yield was recorded in treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobactor) as compared to remaining treatments. However, the decrease in oil content was in order of F3 > F4 > F2 and F1, respectively. It is an established fact that nitrogen has an adverse effect on oil content of linseed. In the present investigation seed oil percentage was also declined with increasing levels of fertility levels from treatment F3. The reduction in oil content at ~70~

Discussion higher supply on nitrogen appears, due to conversion of more carbohydrates into protein and thus the amount of synthesized carbohydrates, left for conversion into fats are relatively low as compared to other low nitrogen treated plants. Many workers in the past have reported similar results (Patidar and Lal, 1992; Reddiah et al., 1993; Singh et al., 2010). Increasing levels of fertilizer application up to treatment F3 significantly enhanced the crude protein content in seed. This could be attributed to the more accumulation of nitrogen in seeds under higher supplies. The higher seed yield and higher protein content in seed with increasing fertilizer management levels finally resulted in increased protein yield. Similar trend in protein content and yield was reported by Rajput and Gautam (1993); Tomar et al. (1999); Saxena et al. (2005) and Suneeta (2006). Sune et al. (2006) also obtained higher oil recovery with increasing levels of fertilizer application up to an extent. 5.3.5 NPK content in seed and stover The maximum nitrogen and phosphorus content in seed and stover was found associated with treatment F3 (100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobactor) which produced significantly higher nitrogen and phosphorus content than other fertilizer management practices. However, stover nitrogen content in F3 was at par with treatment F4 (100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea 2% at pre flowering). Similarly, higher potassium content in seed was observed in treatment F3 whereas, F4 recorded potassium content in stover at par with F 3. Maximum N, P and K content in seed and stover and their removal by linseed was observed with increasing levels of fertilizer management practices up to F3. Increase in N, P and K in seed and stover is quite obvious with increased supply of these nutrients but due to dilution factor of corresponding increase in yield, the difference between any of the two successive levels was significant. Increase in seed and stover yield with the level of treatment F3 in corresponding increase in removal of all the nutrients. The result was in accordance to the finding of Power et al., 1990; Jaggi et al., 1995; Sharma and Dayal, 2005.

5.4

Interaction effect of irrigation level and fertilizer management The combination of I2F3 (Two irrigations × 100% RDN+ seed inoculation with

PSB and Azotobactor) recorded significantly higher dry matter accumulation as ~71~

Discussion compared to the remaining treatment combinations at 60 DAS and at harvest stage and it was at par with I1F4 (One irrigation × 100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering) and I2F4 (Two irrigations × 100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering) at 60 DAS. The production of the number of green leaves plant-1 was significantly higher in I2F4 as compared to the remaining treatment combinations. However, the treatment combination of I1F3 and I2F4 recorded statistically comparable number of green leaves plant -1 with I2F4 at 90 DAS. Amongst all the treatment combinations, nitrogen content in seed was significantly higher in I 2F3 as compared to other treatment combinations except I1F3 (One irrigation × 100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and Azotobactor).

5.5

Effect on economics The highest cost of cultivation (

net return (

21166.65), gross return (

61589.25) and

53896.80) was obtained from application of two irrigations (I2) but the

highest B:C ratio (1.96) was obtained with application of one irrigation (I1). Fertilizer management exhibited difference in their economics. The cost of cultivation ( 20190.15), gross return (

64342), net return (

44151.85) and B: C ratio (2.19) was

obtained with application of 100% RDN in combination with Azotobacter + PSB (F3). The maximum cost of cultivation (

21659.15) was observed under application of

two irrigations in combination with 100% RDN + foliar spray of 2% urea. The gross return (

66966) was found maximum under application of two irrigations in

combination with 100% RDN + Azotobacter + PSB. However, maximum net return (

46399.85) and B:C ratio (2.30) was registered with application of one irrigation in

combination with 100% RDN + Azotobacter + PSB.

~72~

Chapter VI

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION A field experiment was carried out during winter (rabi) season of 2013-14 to study the “Effect of irrigation scheduling and nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of utera linseed” at Agricultural Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications. The treatments involved three irrigation levels (control, one irrigation at 55 days after germination and two irrigation at 25 days after paddy harvest and 25-30 days after 1st irrigation) in main plots and four fertilizer management practices (control, 100% RDN, 100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and azotobactor and 100% RDN+ foliar spray of urea (2%) at pre flowering) in sub plots. In order to assess the effect of irrigation levels and fertilizer management practices as well on crop growth, yield attributes, yield, quality and NPK uptake of linseed, periodical observations were taken on plant height, number of leaves plant -1, number of branches plant -1, dry weight accumulation plant -1, number of capsules plant-1, number of seeds capsule -1, 1000-seed weight, seed and stover yields. Oil content, oil yield, protein contents and protein yield were estimated to assess the effect of treatments on qualitative aspects. These were determined by simple calculations. Nutrient contents (NPK) in seed and stover were also estimated. The data collected during the course of experimentation were subjected to statistical analysis to draw valid conclusions. Finally the different treatments were assessed for their gross return, net return and benefit: cost ratio. The important findings and broad conclusions emerging from the investigation are summarized hereunder.

Summary and Conclusion 6.1

Effect of irrigation levels

1.

No significant variation was found in plant height due to different treatments except at 60 DAS, where I1 and I2 recorded significantly higher plant height as compared to treatment I0.

2.

The treatment I2 recorded significantly higher dry matter accumulation at 60 and at harvest stages over remaining treatments while treatment I1 at 90 DAS over I0.

3.

The treatment I3 recorded significantly higher number of branches plant -1 at all the stages of observations over remaining treatments except I 2 at 30 and at harvest stage.

4.

The irrigation level I2 recorded significantly higher number of green leaves plant-1 as compared to the treatment I0 while it was at par with I1 at all the stages of observations.

5.

The significantly higher number of seeds capsule -1, number of capsule plant -1 and test weight was recorded in treatment I2 as compared to treatment I0 while the treatment I1 and I2 were at par in all these parameters.

6.

The treatment I2 had significantly higher seed and stover yield as compared to the treatment I0. Although, seed yield of treatment I1 was at par with the treatment I2.

7.

None of the irrigation treatment obtained significant variations in harvest index.

8.

The treatment I2 recorded significantly higher oil content, oil yield, protein content and protein yield as compared to the treatment I 0. However, oil content, oil yield and protein yield in treatment I1 recorded significantly comparable with treatment I2.

9.

The treatment I2 recorded superior NPK content in seed and stover over the remaining treatments. Although, the treatment I 1 found statistically at par N content in stover, P content in seed and stover with treatment I 2 and I0 with treatment I2 in K content in stover. ~73~

Summary and Conclusion 6.2

Effect of fertilizer management

1.

The treatment F3 recorded significantly superior plant height as compared to F1 whereas; the treatment F4 and F2 was at par with treatment F3.

2.

Like this, treatment F3 obtained higher dry matter accumulation plant -1 whereas; treatment F4 at 30, 60 and 90 DAS, F1 and F2 at 30 DAS obtained statistically at par dry matter accumulation plant -1 with treatment F3. The combination of I2F3 recorded significantly higher dry matter accumulation as compared to the remaining treatment combinations at 60 DAS and at harvest stage and it was at par with I1F4 and I2F4 at 60 DAS.

3.

The significantly higher number of branches plant -1 were recorded due to the treatment F3 at all the stages of observations except the treatment F4 at 30 and at harvest stage.

4.

The treatment F3 recorded significantly higher number of green leaves plant -1 whereas; F4 found at par with F3 at all the stages of observations. The production of the number of green leaves plant -1 was significantly higher in I2F4 as compared to the remaining treatment combinations. However, the treatment combination of I1F3 and I2F4 recorded statistically comparable number of green leaves plant -1 with I2F4 at 90 DAS.

5.

The yield attributing characters viz. no. of capsule plant -1, no. of seeds capsules-1, test weight etc. and seed yield, stover yield and harvest index were recorded higher in plots treated with F3. However, all these parameters in treatment F4 found at par with treatment F3. The treatment F2 also found at par with F3 in no. of capsule plant -1, test weight and harvest index as well.

6.

The quality parameters like oil content, oil yield, protein content, protein yield etc. were found significantly higher in treatment F3 as compared to the remaining treatments.

7.

The NPK content in seed and stover was superior in treatment F3 as compared to the remaining treatments. However, NPK content in stover and P content in seed in treatment F4 found at par with treatment F3. Amongst all the treatment combinations, nitrogen content in seed was significantly higher in I 2 F3 as compared to other treatment combinations except I1F3. ~74~

Summary and Conclusion 6.3

Economics

1.

The higher gross return (` 61589.25) and net return (` 53896.80) was obtained from application of two irrigations (I 2) but the highest B:C ratio (1.96) was obtained with application of one irrigation (I 1).

2.

The higher gross return (` 64342), net return (` 44151.85) and B:C ratio (2.19) was obtained with application of 100% RDN in combination with Azotobacter + PSB (F3).

3.

The gross return (` 66966) was found maximum under application of two irrigations in combination with 100% RDN + Azotobacter + PSB. However, maximum net return (` 46399.85) and B:C ratio (2.30) was registered with application of one irrigation in combination with 100% RDN + Azotobacter + PSB.

Recommendation Thus, it may be recommended that for achieving maximum yield and net return under irrigated condition from linseed variety ‘Neelam’ should be supplemented with one irrigation and 100% RDN+ seed inoculation with PSB and azotobactor. However, to ascertain the findings field trial may be conducted for one more year.

~75~

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Bibliography Lawlor, DW, Carbon and nitrogen assimilation in relation to yield, mechanisms are the key to understanding production systems, Journal of Experimental Botany, 53,773-787, 2002. Mahal, SS, Gill, MS and Singh, P, Response of torai (Brassica campestris subsp. Oleiferavar. toria) to irrigation, nitrogen and sulphur, Indian Journal of Agronomy, 42, (4), 670-674, 1996. Mandal, KG, Ghosh, PK, Wanjari, RH, Hati, KM and Bandyopadhyay, K K, Interaction among nutrients and nutrients with irrigation for sustainable oilseed production, Agricultural Review, 22,(3/4),194-204,2001. Meena, BS, Sharma, BS and Sharma, RP, Effect of nitrogen, irrigation and interculture on yield attributes and yield of mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson], Research on Crops, 3, (1), 37-39, 2002. Meena, NL, Effect of nitrogen and sulphur on growth, yield attributes and seed yield of mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson], in eastern plains of Rajasthan, Indian Journal of Agronomy, 49, (3), 186-188, 2004. Meena, RL, Singh, TK, Kumar, Rakesh, Roy, Aniruddha and Hari Om, Production potential and economics of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) as influenced by fertility levels and seed rates in dryland conditions, Environment and Ecology, 29 (1A), 456- 458, 2011. Nagdive, SJ, Bhalerao, PD and Dongarwar, UR, Effect of irrigation and intergrated nutrient management on growth and yield of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson], Annals of Plant Physiology, 21, (2), 182-185, 2007. Nandanwar, SB, Chaphale, SD, Badole, WP and Badole, RB, Effect of sulphur and zinc on growth and yield of linseed, Journal of Soils and Crops, 10, (2), 301302, 2000. Nandhogopal, A, KS, Subramanian and Ali, AM, Response of sunflower genotypes for nitrogen application, New Botanist, 20, 87-92, 1993. Narula, N, Gupta, PP and Lakshminarayana, K, Field response of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson], to inoculation of soil isolated and analogue resistant mutant of Azotobacter chroococcum, Annals of Biology, 9, (1) 144-148, 1993. Omidbaigi, R, Tabatabaei, SMF and Akbari, T, Effects of N-fertilizers and irrigation on the productivity (growth, seed yield, and active substances) of linseed, Iranian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 32,(1),53-64,2001. Olsen, SRCV, Watanabe, FS and Dean, LA, Estimation of available phosphorus in soil by extraction with sodium bicarbonate USDA Circular 939, pp. 1923.Fine Method of Soil Analysis, Agron. No. 9; Black, C.A. (ed.), American Society of Agronomy, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin, 1954. ~vi~

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APPENDICES Appendix I

Common cost of cultivation of utera linseed on per hectare basis

S.No.

Operations

Input

Rate (`)

Cost (` ha-1)

1.

Layout

10 man days

257/man day

2570.00

2.

Seed

40 kg

45/kg

1800.00

3.

Seed sowing

5 man days

257/man day

1285.00

4.

Fertilizer a.

SSP

125 kg

5.25/kg

656.25

b.

MOP

33.3 kg

16.80/kg

560.00

2 man days

257/man day

514.00

5.

Fertilizer application

6.

Inter culture operation a.

Manual weeding

10 man days

257/man day

2570.00

b.

Mechanical weeding

4 man days

257/man day

1028.00

7.

Harvesting and bundle making

15 man days

257/man day

3855.00

8.

Threshing and winnowing

10 man days

257/man day

2570.00

9.

Interest on working capital

6 month

14%/ annum

1054.90

10.

Land revenue

6 month

120/ annum

60.00

Total

18523.15

Appendix II Variable cost of cultivation of irrigation of utera linseed on per hectare basis Treatment I1F1 I1F2 I1F3 I1F4 I2F1 I2F2 I2F3 I2F4

Operation

Input

Rate (`)

Water charge

1 irrigation

300/irrigation

Labor charge

3 man days

257/man day

Water charge

1 irrigation

300/irrigation

Labor charge

3 man days

257/man day

Water charge

1 irrigation

300/irrigation

Labor charge

3 man days

257/man day

Water charge

1 irrigation

300/irrigation

Labor charge

3 man days

257/man day

Water charge

2 irrigation

300/irrigation

Labor charge

3 man days

257/man day

Water charge

2 irrigation

300/irrigation

Labor charge

3 man days

257/man day

Water charge

2 irrigation

300/irrigation

Labor charge

3 man days

257/man day

Water charge

2 irrigation

300/irrigation

Labor charge

3 man days

257/man day

Cost (` ha-1) 1071.00 1071.00 1071.00 1071.00 2142.00 2142.00 2142.00 2142.00

Appendices Appendix III Variable cost of cultivation of fertilizer of utera linseed on per hectare basis Treatment

Input

Rate (`)

Cost (` ha-1)

I0F1

-

-

I0F2

65 kg urea

6.40/kg

416.00

I0F3

65 kg urea

6.40/kg

596.00

PSB (4 packet)

25/packet

Azotobactor (4 packet)

20/packet

65 kg urea

6.40/kg

2% foliar spray of urea (10 kg urea)

6.40/kg

Labor for foliar application (2 man days)

257/man

I1F1

-

-

I1F2

65 kg urea

6.40/kg

416.00

I1F3

65 kg urea

6.40/kg

596.00

PSB (4 packet)

25/packet

Azotobactor (4 packet)

20/packet

65 kg urea

6.40/kg

2% foliar spray of urea (10 kg urea)

6.40/kg

Labor for foliar application (2 man days)

257/man

I2F1

-

-

I2F2

65 kg urea

6.40/kg

416.00

I2F3

65 kg urea

6.40/kg

596.00

PSB (4 packet)

25/packet

Azotobactor (4 packet)

20/packet

65 kg urea

6.40/kg

2% foliar spray of urea (10 kg urea)

6.40/kg

Labor for foliar application (2 man days)

257/man

I0F4

I1F4

I2F4

~ii~

-

994.00

-

994.00

-

994.00