Effect of Irrigation Methods and Split Application of Nitrogen and Potash on Potato Processing Tuber Yield and Net Return under North Gujarat Conditions

Field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons of 2006–07 and 2007–08 to study the effect of fertigation of nitrogen and potash under different methods of irrigation on yield of processing grade tubers of potato c v. Kennebec. Fifteen treatment combinations comprising of five irrigation methods viz., drip (0.8 PEF) with lateral in each row and in each pair, perforated pipe, micro-sprinkler at 1.0 IW/CPE ratio (40 mm) and furrow at 0.8 IW/CPE ratio (60 mm) were relegated to main plots and three levels of fertility viz., 50%, 75% and 100% N and K of recommended dose were assigned to sub-plots, with three replications. Higher number and yield of processing grade A and medium grade B tubers were produced when the crop was irrigated with drip irrigation. Treatment I₁ (irrigation through drip with lateral in each row) recorded significantly higher number and yield of processing grade A and B tubers over I₃, I₄ and I₅ treatments, but was at par with I₂ treatment_. F₃ (100% recommended dose of N and K) recorded significantly higher number and yield of processing grade A and B tubers, but it was at par with F₂ (75% recommended dose of N and K). Treatment I₂ registered highest net return (Rs. 46302/ha) and BCR (1.64). Treatment F₃ recorded highest net return (Rs. 39668/ha and BCR (1.56).