Journal of FARM SCIENCES, Vol 29, No 2 (2016)

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Effect of fertigation on yield and economics of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

Sanjeevraddi D. Reddi, H.P. Maheswarappa, B. Chandravathi, D.R. Patil

Abstract


A field experiment was conducted at AICRP on Palms (Oil Palm), ARS Campus, Gangavathi, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot during 2012 and 2013 to study the effect of fertigation on oil palm through micro-irrigation under medium black soils of Tungabhadra Command area of Karnataka. Oil palm being a heavy feeder requires balanced and adequate supply of fertilizers for good growth and yield. The method of application of fertilizers through drippers has to be cost effective and less dependent on labour. Randomized complete block design was followed with seven different fertigation doses in three replications. The two years data indicated that, bunch weight was significantly higher (19.11 kg/bunch) in the treatment receiving fertigation of 1200:600:1200 g NPK/palm/year as compared to 300:150:300 kg NPK/palm/year through fertigation. The pooled data of FFB yield recorded significantly higher (8.36 t/ha) with the application of 1200:600:1200 g NPK/palm/year through fertigation over all other fertigation and soil application treatments. The treatment T4: 1200:600:1200 g NPK/Palm/year through fertigation with 6 equal splits at bi-monthly interval recorded higher FFB yield, higher gross return and net returns and have better prospects for adaptation under Tungabhadra command area and can be recommended on farmers fields.


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