Effect of different levels of nitrogen and leaf cutting on growth, leaf and seed yield of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 at Horticulture Research Station, Mondouri, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal, to study the effect of nitrogen (0, 15,30 and 45 kg N/ha) and leaf cuttings (no cutting, 1 cutting at 30 days after sowing and two cuttings at 30 and 50 days after sowing) on fenugreek (Trigonella foneum-graecum L.). Plant height, different yield attributing characters, green leaf yield and seed yield were increased with the increase in nitrogen level. One cutting at 30 days did not much affect the later vegetative and reproductive growth. Maximum seed yield was recorded with 45 kg N/ha (1.25 tonnes/ha) without leaf cutting followed by 45 kg N/ha and one cut (1.17 tonnes/ha). The highest green leaf yield (1.97 tonnes/ha) was recorded with 45 kg N/ha and two cutting. But the net return (Rs 40 830) and benefit : cost ratio was highest with 45 kg N/ha and 1 cutting.