Effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) in coastal region of Karaikal

To study the effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth and yield of groundnut ( Arachis . hypogaea L ) field experiments were conducted during summer (March to June) seasons of 2003 and 2004 at Karaikal, Pondicherry. The 13 treatments consisted of combinations of 3 levels of recommended dose of fertiliz- ers [RDF i.e. 17-34-54 kg N-P-K/ha (75, 100 and 125%)], 4 organic manures (no manure, FYM 12.5 tonne/ha, naturally decomposed coirpith 12.5 tonne/ha and enriched compost (EC) 5 tonne/ha) along with a control receiv- ing no organics or fertilizers. The results revealed that application of 125% RDF + 5 t/ha EC increased growth and yield attributes that led to its significantly higher productivity (2.25 and 5.00 tonne/ha of mean pod and haulm yield), and nutrient uptake of groundnut besides enriching soil available nutrients after harvest of ground- nut. However, due to high cost of manuring, RDF recorded the highest mean net returns (Rs 16,996/ha) and B:C ratio (2.02). If the 75% subsidized cost of EC as given in Pondicherry is taken into consideration combination of 125% RDF + 5 tonne/ha EC was found promising (Rs. 19,364/ha) to that of RDF.