Effect of Agronomic Amendments on Growth and Yield of Sunflower

Abstract

Proper planting geometry helps in obtaining optimum plant population and crop yield; while irrigation at right time results in improved higher crop yields and quality of the produce. Two years field experiments were conducted during (2019 and 2020) at Tandojam to examined the effect of sowing methods (Raised bed, Ridge, Drilling and Broadcasting); planting densities (Recommended, high density and ultra-high density) and nutrient management (90+60+60+0, 90+60+60+10 and 90+60+ 60+20 kg ha-1 NPK+FeSO4). The experimental design was randomized complete block design with three replicates. The best result in all parameters on average factors including drilling method, high density planting (66,666 plants ha-1), NPK+FeSO4: 90+60+60+20 kg ha-1 and their interaction resulted in economically superior overall sunflower performance in relation to its growth, seed yield and quality attributes. The drilling method was highly effective to improve seed yield apart from the lower biological yield due to greater harvest index as compared to rest of the sowing methods. Although, recommended plant spacing (55,555 plants ha-1) produced better individual plant based results, but due to lesser plant population, the overall seed yield was greater under high density planting (66,666 plants ha-1).Ultra high density plantation (83,333 plants ha-1) did not prove beneficial due to crowded plant population where harvest index became poor but biological yield increased. Higher FeSO4 improved the grain quality and no effect on foliage; hence 20 kg FeSO4 remained economically most beneficial to achieve desired seed production.