Yield, nutrient uptake and economics of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) genotypes under nutrient supply levels in dryland Alfisols of Karnataka

A field experiment was conducted at Bengaluru to study the impact of graded levels of nutrients on yield, yield attributes, nutrient uptake and economic returns of pigeonpea { Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.} genotypes during kharif 2006 and 2007. Experiment was laid out in factorial RCBD design in which fifteen NPK combinations along with or without zinc and sulphur were tested on TTB 7 and BRG 2 pigeonpea genotypes. Significant increase in grain (1.76t/ha) and stalk yields (5.86 t/ha) of pigeonpea was recorded after application of 50, 75 and 100 kg NPK/ha along with common dose of Zn (12.5 kg/ha) and S (10 kg/ha). The increase in grain yield was attributed to im- provement in number of pods/plant, test weight and grain yield/plant. Combined nutrient uptake by grain and stalk was significantly higher in 50, 100 and 75 kg NPK along with Zn and S as compared to individual application. In- teraction effect of pigeonpea genotypes and fertilizer levels was significant on seed yield and nutrient uptake. Higher yield has resulted in higher net income (25.52 103 /ha) and B: C ratio (3.21) over other treatment combi- nations. The results showed that application of 50:100:75:10:12.5 kg N:P:K:S:Zn /ha is essential for obtaining high grain yield as well as net returns of pigeonpea variety BRG 2.