Effect of irrigation and nitrogen on yield and water productivity of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) and clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba)

Abstract

An experiment was carried out at village Bajju, Bikaner, (Rajasthan) during kharif season of 2016 to evaluate the effect of irrigation and nitrogen levels on groundnut and clusterbean. The treatments comprised of 3 levels of irrigation i.e. 250, 500 and 700 mm for groundnut and 100, 200 an 300 mm for clusterbean and 4 levels of nitrogen i.e. 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg N ha-1 for both the crops. These treatments were evaluated in split plot design with four replications. The results showed that increasing levels of irrigation had significant beneficial influence on the kernel/pod/seed and haulm/stover yield, nitrogen uptake by kernel/seed and haulm/stover and water productivity of groundnut and clusterbean. Application of nitrogen levels significantly enhanced the kernel/pod/seed and haulm/stover yield, nitrogen uptake by both the crops and total water productivity of groundnut and clusterbean. The increase in kernel, pod and haulm yield of groundnut with 40 kg N ha-1 were 49.6, 57.0 and 39.3 per cent over control and 15.9, 15.6 and 14.7 per cent over 20 kg N ha-1, respectively. Similarly, the increase in seed and straw yield of clusterbean with 40 kg N ha-1 were 47.3 and 37.2 per cent over control and 14.0 and 14.1 per cent over 20 kg N ha-1, respectively. Interaction of irrigation and nitrogen had significant beneficial effect on yield, nitrogen uptake and water productivity of groundnut and clusterbean and maximum values of these parameters were recorded under I3 N3 treatment in both the crops.