Comparative evaluation of organic sources and fertilizer levels on performance of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in arid region of Rajasthan

Abstract

Organic matter decomposition is beneficial to plant growth and development; thus, the integration of organic fertilizers appears to be a suitable option for saving chemical fertilizers and reducing environmental pollution. In this study, a two years field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm, SKRAU, Bikaner during rabi seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22. The experiment comprising a total of 32 treatment combinations; eight sources of organics (M0-Control, M1 - FYM @ 20 t ha-1, M2 - Groundnut husk (GNH) @ 20 t ha-1, M3 -Wool waste (WW) @ 20 t ha-1, M4 -FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + GNH @ 10 t ha-1, M5 -WW @ 10 t ha-1 + GNH @ 10 t ha-1, M6 -WW @ 10 t ha-1 + FYM @ 10 t ha-1, and M7 -WW @ 6.67 t ha-1 + FYM @ 6.67 t ha-1 + GNH @ 6.67 t ha-1) and four fertilizer levels (F0 -Control, F1-50% Recommended dose of fertilizer, F2-75% Recommended dose of fertilizer and F3-100% Recommended dose of fertilizer). In the two year experiment, it was observed that incorporation of wool waste @ 20 t ha-1 registered maximum growth, yield attributes and yield of garlic, significantly superior to all the rest treatments. On the other hand, among the fertilizer levels, application of 100% RDF i.e., 50 kg N, 60 kg P2O5 and 100 kg K2O recorded maximum growth, yield attributes and yield of garlic.