Productivity of safflower (Carthemus tinctorius L.) with micronutrient application under rainfed conditions in Vertisols

A field experiment was conducted under rainfed conditions in Vertisols during rabi 2004–05 and 2005–06 at Agriculture Research Station, Annigeri (Karnataka) to study the effect of micronutrients (Fe and Zn) on the productivity of safflower (Carthemus tinctorius L.). Eleven treatment combinations with various levels of ZnSO₄, FeSO₄, elemental sulphur (along with recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), and RDF + farmyard manure (FYM) were included in the study. Safflower seed yield was significantly higher (2478 kg ha⁻¹) with the application of ZnSO₄ @ 20 kg ha⁻¹ along with RDF which was 7.1 and 19.2% higher over RDF + FYM and RDF alone, respectively. This treatment also recorded significantly higher oil yield (709 kg ha⁻¹), gross returns (Rs 32222 ha⁻¹), net returns (Rs 25340 ha⁻¹) and B: C ratio (4.68).