Effect of water and nitrogen levels on yield attributes, water productivity and economics of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) in hot arid region

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at research farm, Agricultural Research Sub-Station, Hanumangarh, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan during Kharif, 2016 to study the effect of water and nitrogen levels on yield attributes, water productivity and economics of cluster bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.].Cluster bean variety RGC-1055 with seed rate of 16 kg/ha was planted using 3 levels of irrigation (100, 200 and 300 mm) and 4 level of nitrogen (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha) and analyzed in split plot design with three replication. Results showed that irrigation at 200 mm significantly increased number of pods/plant (44.7), number of seeds/pod (7.8), test weight (28.7g), net returns (Rs 31179/ha) and B:C ratio (2.1) over 100 mm irrigation level.However, water productivity (0.25 kg m-3) was highest at 100 mm irrigation level. Nitrogen level at 40 kg/ha significantly increased number of pods/plant (48.3), number of seeds/ pod (8.4), test weight (32.2 g), net returns (Rs.32273/ha), B:C ratio (2.12) and water productivity (0.27 kg m-3) over no application of N.