Impact of Nutrient Management and Agro-forestry Systems on Growth and Yield of Sunflower

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) practices on growth, yield parameters and yield of sunflower grown under neem (Azadirachta indica) and melia (Melia azadirach) trees during kharif 2009 at Student's Farm, College of Agriculture, Hyderabad. Dry matter production, crop growth rate, leaf area index, yield components and yield of sunflower was higher in sole cropping of sunflower compared to sunflower grown under neem or melia trees. Higher sunflower yield was recorded under sole cropping (560 kg /ha) compared to sunflower grown under neem and melia trees with yields of 461 and 317 kg /ha respectively. Application of subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) green leaf manure at 5 t / ha + 30 kg N/ha produced more growth, yield parameters, and yield of sunflower compared to other nutrient management practices. The studies suggested that sunflower was compatible with neem trees. However, melia trees had severe impact on growth, yield and yield parameters. Application of green leaf manure with half of recommended dose of nitrogen recorded better yield than recommended dose of nitrogen alone.