Effect of source and rate of organic manures on yield attributes, pod yield and economics of organic garden pea (Pisum sativum subsp hortense) in north west Himalaya

A field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 at Almora, Uttaranchal to find out the effect of different sources and rates of organic manures (farmyard manure, vermicompost and and poultry manure) on yield of organically grown garden pea (Pisum sativum subsp hortense(Neilr.) Asch & Graebn) along with changes in the physico-chemical properties of soil. On pooled data basis, all the treatments except vermi-compost 1.5 tonnes/ha recorded significantly higher green pod yield of garden pea (39-18105%) compared with the control. The highest increase in pod yield (181.5%) over the control was recorded with the application of farmyard manyure 20 tonnes/ha followed by 15 tonnes/ha (166.2%). These 2 treatments being statistically similar to each other gave significantly higher green pod yields (8.65-9.15 tonnes/ha) compared to other treatments. Application of organic manures, irrespective of sources and rates, recorded significant improvement in physicochemical properties of soil. All the treatments except vermi-compost alone or in combination with chemical fertilizer recorded higher economic returns over control. Application of farmyard manure 20 tonnes/ha gave the highest nest returns (Rs 74 202/ha) followed by 15 tonnes/ha (Rs 70 712/ha). The net benefit-cost ratio was, however, the highest with poultry manure 3 tonnes/ha (9.1) followed by 6 tonnes/ha (7.1). In general, no major insect-pests and diseases were recorded. However, application of organic manures, irrespective of sources and rates, recorded significant reduction in the incidence of wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f sp pisi) compared to control.