Influence of topping and nutrient management practices on growth and seed yield of dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata)

A field study was conducted to evaluate the topping and nutrient management techniques on dhaincha during rabi 2011–12. Experiment was laid out in split-plot design by assigning topping practices (45, 60, 75 DAS and without topping) in main plots and nutrient sources (NPK, NPS, NKS, NPKS and without nutrients) in sub plots. The treatments were replicated thrice. The results revealed that topping on 45 DAS has registered more number of branches (10.2), dry matter production (6934 kg ha⁻¹) at harvest stage. With fertilizer application of NPK and Sulphur significantly recorded the higher number of pods plant⁻¹ (51.30), number of seeds plant⁻¹ (28.90), test grain weight (19.90 g) and seed yield (599 kg ha⁻¹) which was comparable with application of NPK alone. On the basis of economics, application of NPK recorded higher net return and B: C ratio followed by application of NPKS which was comparable with each other when topping was done on 45 DAS.