Nitrogen management in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecumL.) under organic farming

A field experiment was conducted during winter seasons of 2007–08 to 2010–11 (except 2008–09) at Sardarkrushinagar (Gujarat) on loamy sand soil to evaluate the effect of different organic manures and biofertilizers on yield, nutrient uptake and economics of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) under organic farming. Results revealed that combined application of 50% RDN through castor cake along with rhizobium+PSB seed inoculation recorded significant improvement in yield attributes viz., number of pods/plant, seeds/pod and test weight as well as seed and stover yields of fenugreek in pooled results. It also proved its superiority with respect to N, P and K content (%) in seed as well as in straw and total N, P and K uptake. Conjuctive use of 50% RDN through castor cake+rhizobium and PSB seed inoculation, remarkably improved soil fertility viz., organic carbon, available N, P and K after harvest of fenugreek crop as compared to RDF through inorganic fertilizers and sole application of either organic manures or biofertilizers. It recorded maximum net returns (Rs. 22,859) and benefit: cost ratio (1.65).