Influence of crop geometry and different nutrient management practices on growth and yield of aloevera (Aloe barbadensis) under subtemperate Zone of Darjeeling Hills

An experiment was carried out during the year of 2011–2013 at Regional Research Station, under the aegis of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalimpong in split plot design with three replication, having four plant spacing in main plot and six subplot accompanied with control. Plant spacing with 60 x 60 cm gave more leaf yield (106.35 q/ha) and was closely followed by crop spacing with 60 x 75 cm. Highest gel yield was registered with the 60 x 60 cm spacing under mid hill situation of Darjeeling hill and statistically better to all other treatments. With subplot treatments, highest leaf and gel yield registered with the vermicompost @ 2 t/ha (141.87 and 66.89 q/ha, respectively), and was at par with the vermicompost (@ 1 t/ha) + forest litter (1 t/ha) (138.35 and 62.69 q/ha, respectively). B: C ratio revealed that, amongst various main plot highest of this parameter recorded with the 60 x 60 cm plant spacing (1.98)and with subplot, highest benefit: cost ration recorded with the vermicompost (@ 1 t/ha) + forest litter (1 t/ha) (1.68). Second experiment revealed that, highest leaf and gel yield was registered with the 45 kg N/ha (132.02 and 70.92 q/ha, respectively), and was at par with 60 kg N/ha (130.26 and 70.11 q/ha, respectively). Optimum leaf yield was registered with the azotobactor (@ 2 g/plant) + PSB (@ 2 g/plant) + VAM (@ 2 g/plant). (128.69 q/ha), and was at par with PSB (@ 2 g/plant) + VAM (@ 2 g/plant), (126.36 q/ha). Notably highest gel yield observed with the azotobactor (@ 2 g/plant) + PSB (@ 2 g/plant) + VAM (@ 2 g/plant) (78.32 q/ha), and statistically better to all other tested biofertilizer treatments under subplot. More benefit cost ratio was observed with the 45 kg N/ha (1.98) followed by application of PSB (@ 2 g/plant) + VAM (@ 2 g/plant) (1.86).