Influence of integrated nutrient management on yield, quality and economics of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) production under semi-arid conditions

The continuous use of high levels of chemical fertilizers is adversely affecting the sustainability of agricultural production and causing environmental pollution. Therefore, we must find ways to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. The use of organic fertilizers is one of the solutions for sustainable fertility and productivity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, productivity, quality and economics of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.). A field experiment was conducted continuously for 3 winter (rabi) seasons stating from 2007 to 2010 at Jobner, Rajasthan. The experiment consisted of 14 treatments for application of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) to cumin, i.e. 30 kg/ha, through different sources, viz. control, fertilizers or organic [farmyard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM), vermicompost (VC) and neem cake (NC)] alone or in combinations, was laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications. Based on three years of study the results revealed that in cumin nutrient management through organic sources, fertilizer sources alone or in combination have significant effect on growth, yield attributes, yield, economics, volatile oil content and soil fertility status. The integrated application of 50% RDF through VC + 50% RDF through fertilizers gave higher values of all the growth and yield attributes, viz. plant height, branches/plant, umbels/plant, umbellates/ umbel, seeds/umbellate and test weight to the magnitude of 14.7, 20.9, 34.8, 23.7, 40.7 and 11.3% over absolute control, respectively, closely followed by 100% RDF through fertilizers. Among the different nutrient management practices, significantly highest mean values were recorded for seed yield (474 kg/ha), straw yield (1 221 kg/ha), biological yield (1 695 kg/ha), gross monetary returns (Rupees 75 840/ha), net monetary returns (Rupees 57 861/ha), benefit:cost ratio (3.22) and volatile oil content (3.26%) in treatment with 50% RDF through VC + 50% RDF through fertilizers realizing 75.6, 46.8, 53.8, 75.6, 111.2, 8.6 and 7.9% increase over absolute control, respectively. The significantly highest value of organic carbon (0.28%) was recorded with 100% RDF through FYM, whereas 75% RDF through VC + 25% RDF through fertilizers indicated highest available nitrogen balance (146.5 kg/ha) followed with 50% RDF through VC + 50% RDF through fertilizers (145.3 kg/ha). Therefore, in cumin it can be recommended to apply 50% RDF through VC + 50% RDF through fertilizers, which will reduce the load of chemical fertilizers up to 50%.