Effect of Balanced Fertilizer and Planting Techniques on Growth and Yield of Garlic (Allium Sativum L. )

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut-25011 O,U.P. during Rabi 201 0-ll &_ 2011-12 to study the "Effect of_ balanced fertilizer and planting techniques on growth and yield of garlic (Allium sativum L.)". The experiment consisted of three main plot treatments (Planting Techniques) (PI -Narrow raised beds, P2 _Wide. raised beds and P3 -Flat beds) and five sub plot treatments (Fertilizer levels F1-100% RDF N through inorganic, F2-lOO% RDF N through FYM, F3 -50% RDF N through FYM+50% RDF N through inorganic, F4 -25% RDF N through FYM+ 75% RDF N through inorganic and F5-Control (No fertilizer).The experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design with three replications. A significant increase in bulb yield with nutrient management involving organic manures and inorganic fertilizers over "nutrient management through inorganic manures and nutrient management thn~ugh organic fertilizers. The yield components such as number of cloves planf1 and bulb weight were higher in balanced fertilizer practices as compared to organic nutrient management. Higher nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium uptake were observed in balanced fertilizer practices as compared to organic nutrient management and inorganic nutrient management. Morphological characters were lower in flat bed method of planting as compare to natTow raised beds method and wid~ raised beds method indicating that individual plant perfom1ance was better in wide raised beds method over flat bed method of planting. With respect to economics. highest gross returns and net returns was registered when garlic plants were nourished with 25% RDF N through f'YM + 75% RD~~ t1~~~)norganic.