Effect of integrated nutrient management on yield and yield attributes of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield attributes and productivity of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.). The experiment comprised eight treatments including control, 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), and combinations of RDF with biofertilizers (PSB and Rhizobium) and vermicompost. The results revealed that integrated application of 100% RDF along with PSB and Rhizobium (T₅) significantly improved growth parameters, yield attributes and yield of linseed. The maximum plant height (56.83 cm), number of branches plant⁻¹ (7.11) and dry weight (8.27 g plant⁻¹) were recorded under T₅ at harvest. Yield attributes such as number of capsules plant⁻¹ (79.81), seeds capsule⁻¹ (8.80) and test weight (7.80 g) were also highest under the same treatment. Consequently, T₅ produced the highest seed yield (1350 kg ha⁻¹), straw yield (2697 kg ha⁻¹) and harvest index (33.36%), showing substantial improvement over control (903 kg ha⁻¹ seed yield). Among reduced fertilizer treatments, 75% RDF combined with vermicompost, PSB and Rhizobium (T₈) also recorded comparatively higher yield (1290 kg ha⁻¹), indicating partial substitution of chemical fertilizers through organic and biological sources. The study concluded that integration of RDF with dual biofertilizer inoculation significantly enhances growth, yield attributes and productivity of linseed under the prevailing agro-climatic conditions.