Response of Different Value Added Briquettes with Reference to Yield Attributes and Nutrient Status of Cashew in Konkan Region of Maharashtra

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted at Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Cattle Breeding Farm, Nileli, Tal. Kudal, Dist. Sindhudurg during the year 2015-2016 with a view to study the effect of different value added briquettes on flowering, fruiting, yield and nutrient status of cashew cv. Vengurla-4. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design with three replications and seven treatments. The recommended package of practices was uniformly followed for all the treatments including control. The different value added briquettes were prepared at Regional Fruit Research Station, Vengurle and applied by ring method in June, 2015. The observations regarding flowering, fruiting and yield attributes were recorded at appropriate stages and the data were statistically analyzed. Among the different value added briquettes studied, soil application of  Konkan Annapurna Briquettes (KAB) @ 75% + Zn + Cu + B + Mo @ 25% (T₇) recorded the maximum flowering duration (100.75 days), flowering panicles m^-2 (23.6) and sex ratio (0.23), number of nuts per panicle (3.4), yield (15.69 kg tree-1 and 3.94 t ha-1) and apple TSS (17.8°B) and further it increased yield by 37.66% over the conventional method of application of RDF through straight fertilizers (T₁). However, the maximum fruit set m^-2 (22.9), apple weight (94.9 g) and nut weight (8.4 g) was recorded by application of KAB @ 75% + Mo @ 25% (T₆). Application of KAB @ 75% + Mo @ 25% (T₆) recorded maximum available N (495.49 kg ha^-1) while, available P₂O₅content was found maximum in T₁ treatment (17.06 kg ha^-1). Whereas, available K₂O recorded significantly maximum content in T₇ treatment i.e. KAB @ 75%) + Zn + Cu + B + Mo @ 25% (410.16 kg ha^-1) and superior over rest of the treatments. Application of nutrients through briquettes instead of straight fertilizers appeared as a better option for cashew yield enhancement maintaining sufficient amount of nutrients in soil. However, further detail investigation in this direction in cashew is necessary.