Efficacy of boron sources on productivity, profitability and energy use efficiency of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) under North East Hill Regions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Langol Farm, Imphal during 2010-11 to 2011-12 to study the efficacy of boron sources on productivity, profitability and energy use efficiency of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under North East Hill regions. There were 10 treatments comprising various sources of boron. The treatments were replicated thrice in randomized block design. Growth, yield parameters and yield were significantly influenced with the application of various kinds of boron sources as compared to control. Application of boron reduced days to 50% flowering by 4-5 days over control. The 50% days of flowering and number of pods/plant were found linearly (R²=0.71 and 0.67, respectively) related with dry pod yield of groundnut. However, significantly higher dry pod yield and haulm yield were recorded with solubor (Soil application) (3.5 and 4.72 tonnes/ha), which was 29 and 24% higher than control (2.71 and 3.82 tonnes/ha), respectively. 3% more shelling percent was found in solubor (Soil application) than control. The groundnut productivity (Rupees 570.4 ha/day), net returns (Rupees 79.8 × 103/ha) and B: C ratio (5.45) as well as energy use efficiency (11.3) and energy productivity (0.36 kg/Mj) were recorded maximum with solubor (soil application) followed by borosol (soil application) over no boron application.