Effect of different levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and split applicaton of N on growth and yield of turmeric (Curcuma longa)

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, K. Digraj. Sangli, in western Maharashtra, on medium deep black soils during 1988 89 to 1992 93, to study the nutritional requirement of major nutrients (NPK) and time of split application of nitrogen fertilizer to turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) crop. Application of different levels of NPK recorded significant increase in the rhizome yield compared with the control. Among the various levels of major nutrients, a plication of 200, 100 and 100 kg N, P,O, and K,O/ha recorded the maximum plant height (109 cm), number of leaves (9.8lplant), length of leaf (62.8 cm), yield of green rhizome (0.53 glplant) and (41 tonneslha). The same treatment recorded highest net returns (Rs 30,227 /ha) and benefit : cost ratio (1.62). Split application of N at at different growth stages was significantly superior to single application of N. Application of N in 3 splits at 6, 12 and 18 weeks after planting recorded highest rhizome yield (38.5 tonnestha), maximum net returns and benefit : cost ratio.