Yield and Economics of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) as affected by Integrated Nutrient Management Practices

Abstract:

A field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during rabi 2016-17 to study the Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management on growth and yield of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa willd.). The experiment was conducted in a split plot design with four main plot treatments of inorganic fertilizers, the treatments comprised of M1 – 75 % RDF (60:37.5:37.5 kg N, P2O5 and K2O kg ha-1), M2 – 100% RDF (80:50:50: kg N, P2O5 and K2O kg ha-1), M3- 125% RDF (100:62.5:62.5 kg N, P2O5 and K2O kg ha-1) and M4-100 % RDF + Bio fertilizers (Azospirillum/ Azatobacter + Phosphorous Solubulising Bacteria @ 5 kg ha-1. Three sub plot treatments of organic fertilizers were S1: 25 % N through Vermicompost (134 kg ha-1) S2: 25 % N through Farm yard manure (3050 kg ha-1) and S3: 25 % N through Poultry manure (500 kg ha-1). The experimental soil was sandy loam, alkaline, non-saline and moderately slow in infiltration. The fertility status of the experimental soil was low in organic carbon, (0.43%) medium in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorous and high in available potassium. Among integrated nutrient management practices, seed and stalk yield of quinoa was significantly higher (2136 kg ha-1) with 100% RDF+ Biofertilizers than rest of the treatments and was on par with the 125% RDF (2085 kg ha-1). From economics point of view 100% RDF+ Biofertilizers found to be more remunerative.