Differential response of castor (Ricinus communis) genotypes to agronomic interventions on salt-affected sodic soils in semi-arid tropical region

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during rainy season 2001-02 and 2002-03 to find out the effect of genotypes and ll1anagement practices on castor (Ricinus communis L.) productivity in salt-affected soils on farmers fields in Mahaboobnagar district of Andhra Pradesh. The treatments comprised 3 castor genotypes ('48-1 ','Kranti' and 'Jyoti') under different agronoluic practices (sowing on the side ofthe ridge, seed priming with 1%NaCl solution and spot application of2 tonnesl ha fatmyard manure) and compared with fanners practice in a split-plot design with 6 replications.!t was found that the '48-1' (937 kg/ha) surpassed 'Kranti' (785 kg/ha) and 'Jyoti' (806 kglha) genotypes in yield. The enhancement in productivity of '48-1' over the 'Kranti' and 'Jyoti' was to the tune of 19% signifying its tolerance to sodicity. Improved n1anagement practices resulted in significant enhancement in castor bean yield (929 kglha) over farmers practice ofsowing on flat bed without addition offarmyard manure and no seed priming prior to seeding (756 kg/ha). The increase in yield due to improved management during 2001 and 2002 has been 32.4 and 22.5% respectively. There was also distinct increase in oil yield (477kg/ha) over the farmers practice (384 kg/ha). Among the genotypes '48-1 ' offered 19.9 and 22.90/0 higher oil yield over 'Kranti' and'Iyoti' primarily due to more oil content and superior bean yield .Economic analysis showed higher net returns (Rs 6718/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.07) with improved management over farmers practice (Rs 5 096/ha).The salt tolerant '48-1' accrued more net return (Rs 6 830/ha) than 'Kranti' (Rs 4 702/ha) and 'Jyoti' (Rs 4 996/ha).