Growth and Yield Responses of Kasuri Methi to Different Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Sources

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during the rabi season (Octocber, 2021 to April, 2022) at the Horticulture Research Farm, DAV University, Jalandhar, Punjab, India to study the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of Kasuri methi (Trigonella corniculata L.)”. The trial was laid out in a RBD with 12 treatments replicated thrice. Treatments included combinations of nitrogen sourced from FYM, poultry manure, vermicompost, and urea applied in varying proportions. Observations across treatments revealed that the treatment T₁₂ significantly enhanced growth, yield, and phenological parameters, including plant height, number of branches plant^-1, pod length, fresh and dry weights, vegetative yield ha^-1, number of pods plant^-1, number of seeds pod^-1, test weight, seed yield ha^-1. While T₅ recorded the highest fresh weight plot^-1 and dry weight plant^-1, and T₁₀ exhibited the maximum chlorophyll content, reflecting superior quality. The highest net returns and benefit-cost ratio were achieved with T₁₂, highlighting its economic feasibility. Alternatively, the treatment T₁ showed the lowest performance across all parameters. This study underscores the significance of INM in enhancing growth, yield, and quality while sustaining soil health and promoting an eco-friendly environment. The combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers proved agronomically beneficial and also economically viable, offering a sustainable approach to crop production. These findings highlighted the practical feasibility of INM for achieving optimal productivity and maintaining long-term agricultural sustainability.