Improvement in Productivity, Water-Use Efficiency, and Soil Nutrient Dynamics of Summer Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) through Use of Polythene Mulch, Hydrogel, and Nutrient Management
Jain, N. K.; Meena, H. N.; Bhaduri, D.
Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 48(5): 549-564
2017
ISSN/ISBN: 0010-3624 DOI: 10.1080/00103624.2016.1269792
Accession: 066333060
Agronomic management through better use of inputs benefits farmers both by enhancing productivity and profitability. A field experiment was conducted in consecutive summer seasons (2011-2013) consisting of two mulching (no mulch, polythene mulch), three hydrogel (0, 2.5, 5.0 kg ha(-1)), and three nutrient management treatments (organic, inorganic, and integrated) in a split-split plot design. Use of mulching and 2.5 kg hydrogel ha(-1) and integrated nutrient management enhanced pod, haulm, kernel and oil yields, and net economic returns. Partial factor productivity and water-use efficiency were higher under polythene mulch and 5.0 kg hydrogel ha(-1). Higher nutrient uptakes were obtained under both mulching and integrated nutrient management. Use of 2.5 kg hydrogel ha(-1) resulted in more removal of N; P and K uptakes were higher in 5.0 kg hydrogel ha(-1). Combination of three managements had a consequence of actual soil N loss, but gains in soil P and K after three cropping cycles.