Effect of tillage and nutrient management on groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Introduction

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), often referred to as the "poor man's almond", is the world's fourth most important source of edible oil and the third most important source of vegetable protein. The seeds contain approximately 40-45% oil, 25% protein, and 18% carbohydrates, along with essential minerals and vitamins. India plays a leading role in the global oilseed sector, cultivating groundnut across 5.75 million hectares, with a total production of 10.30 million tonnes and an average productivity of 1.75 tonnes/ha (Anonymous, 2023-24) [1] . In Rajasthan, groundnut is grown on 0.80 million hectares, producing 1.70 million tonnes, which accounts for 16.81% of the national output (Anonymous, 2023-24). [1] Tillage plays a vital role in crop establishment, growth, and yield. Effective soil management not only minimizes erosion caused by water and wind but also ensures a weed-free seedbed, breaks compacted soil layers (hardpans) that restrict root growth, and helps maintain or improve soil organic matter content (Wright et al., 2008) [12] . Groundnut is a nutrient-exhaustive crop, extracting significant amounts of both macro-and micronutrients from the soil. This nutrient demand cannot be fulfilled by a single source. Therefore, the integrated application of biofertilizers, organic sources (like vermicompost), and inorganic fertilizers is considered the most effective approach to enhance productivity and sustain soil health. While chemical fertilizers continue to play an important role, integrated nutrient management (INM) offers a balanced and sustainable solution for maintaining optimal crop productivity (Tiwari, 2002) [11] .

Methods and Materials

The experiment was carried out during the Kharif season of 2024 at the Agronomy Farm, School of Agriculture, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur. The experimental site is geographically situated at 75°48′84″ E longitude and 26°82′47″ N latitude, falling under the Agro-Climatic Zone III A (Semi-Arid Eastern Plain Zone) of Rajasthan. The eighteen treatment combinations consisting of main plot (moderate, deep and conventional tillage) and nutrient management (control, 100% RDF, 75% RDF + 2.5 t/vermicompost, 50% RDF + 5 t/vermicompost, 50% RDF + 2.5 t/vermicompost + PSB and 75% RDF + 2.5 t/vermicompost + PSB) were tested in split plot design with three replications.

Results and Discussion

Effect of tillage

The highest mean number of pods per plant (28.06) was recorded under conventional tillage, which was significantly superior to moderate tillage (23.96) and statistically at par with deep tillage (26.96). Conventional tillage also resulted in a higher seed index compared to deep and moderate tillage. Increased branching observed under this treatment likely contributed to the higher number of pods per plant, aligning with the findings reported by Kumar et al. (2006) [5] . The significant improvement in pod and haulm yield under conventional tillage can be attributed to enhanced dry matter accumulation per plant, which may be due to a more favorable soil and plant environment. This, in turn, likely improved photosynthetic efficiency, leading to better overall plant performance-a result also supported by Poonia et al. (2022) [8] . In terms of economics, the highest net returns (₹1,70,625 ha⁻¹) were obtained under conventional tillage, followed by deep tillage (₹1,60,137 ha⁻¹), while moderate tillage recorded the lowest returns (₹1,33,373 ha⁻¹). These results are consistent with the findings of Dixit et al. (2014) [2] and Mishra et al. (2014) [7] .

Effect of Nutrient management

The number of pods per plant increased by 42.63%, 40.31%, and 27.27% with the application of 50% RDF + 2.5 t/ha vermicompost (VC) + PSB, 75% RDF + 2.5 t/ha VC + PSB, and 50% RDF + 5 t/ha VC, respectively, compared to the control. This enhancement in pod formation can be attributed to improved root development, increased nodulation, and greater nutrient availability, particularly available phosphorus, which contributed to vigorous plant growth, enhanced flowering, and ultimately, increased pod formation. These results are consistent with the findings of Singh et al. (2010) [10] and Dutta and Bandyopadhyay (2009) [3] . The highest pod yield (2947 kg/ha) was recorded with 75% RDF + 2.5 t/ha VC + PSB, which was statistically at par with 50% RDF + 2.5 t/ha VC + PSB (2884 kg/ha). In contrast, the lowest pod yield (2041 kg/ha) was obtained under the control treatment. The yield improvement may be due to vigorous root growth, enhanced nitrogen fixation, and better overall plant development, which together contributed to greater photosynthetic efficiency and efficient translocation of assimilates to reproductive parts, resulting in improved yield attributes and ultimately higher pod yield. Similar observations were reported by Meghvansi et al. (2008) [6] . Economically, the highest net return (₹178,139/ha) was achieved under 75% RDF + 2.5 t/ha VC + PSB, which was statistically at par with 50% RDF + 2.5 t/ha VC + PSB (₹172,766/ha). The lowest net return (₹116,685/ha) was observed under the control treatment. The superior economic returns under integrated nutrient management practices can be attributed to enhanced nutrient availability, improved soil health, and increased crop productivity, which collectively resulted in higher marketable yields and better input-use efficiency, as also reported by Kumar et al. (2018) [4] and Ramesh et al. (2020) [9] .

References

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