Growth, yield and economics of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) influenced by integrated nutrient management in semi-arid regions of India

Abstract

Integrated nutrient management (INM) includes wide range of applications for improving plant productivity and resource optimisation whilst still facilitating for environmental and resource protection. The effects of integration of nutrient sources on coriander growth, yield, and economics were investigated during two consecutive rabi seasons (2016-2017 and 2017-18) at the vegetable research farm, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana. The experiment used an eighteen treatment combination of organic manures (Farm yard manure and vermicompost), bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter and Phosphate solubilising bacteria), and inorganic fertilisers in a randomised block design that was duplicated three times. Experimental results showed that the application of 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN- 60 kg/ha) through inorganic sources along with biofertilizers (Azotobacter and Phosphate solubilising bacteria) showed better performance over other treatment combinations, recorded significantly higher values for all the growth and yield traits viz. Height of plant, number of primary and secondary branches per plant, number of umbelets per umbel, number of seeds per umbel, seeds per umbelet, seed yield per plant (g), seed yield (q/ha), biological yield (q/ha) and harvest index (%). Also, the net returns (Rs. 76895 and 76232) and benefit cost ratio (2.08 and 2.06) were found highest in the same treatment during both the years of experimentation i.e., 2016-17 and 2017-18, respectively.