Effect of higher fertility levels combined with farmyard manure and row spacing on seed yield, oil yield and economics of sunflower, Helianthus annuus L

摘要

Sunflower is a newly introduced oilseed crop in Chattisgarh and became popular due to short duration, photo-insensitivity and suitability for agro-climatic condition. Sunflower production rose markedly from just 76 thousand tones in 1970-71 to 733 thousand tones during 2000-01 in response to increasing government support (Damodaram and Hegde, 2002). Price received from sunflower seed and quality oil is substantially higher than other oilseed crops. Sunflower performs well under higher fertility levels and produces better yield. Under field condition, application of N increases seed yield by increasing the size of flower heads. Further, increase in seed yield obtained through phosphorus application, which has invariably occurred in the presence of adequate potassium supply. However, to avoid the detrimental effects of chemical fertilizers on soil properties and to maintain soil fertility for long, using organic manures is also essential. Keeping these facts in view, an experiment was carried out toinvestigate the effect of higher fertility levels combined with organic manure and plant population on seed yield of sunflower, net return and available nutrient status of soil.