Effect of farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizers on yield and nutrient uptake of grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus)

A field experiment was conducted during 1996–97 and 1997–98 at Bhubaneshwar, to study the effect of combined application of farmyard manure (FYM) (5, 10 and 15 tonnes/ha) and inorganic fertilizers (75 and 100% NPK) on yield and nutrient uptake of grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L). Maximum grain yield of 7.7 q/ha was obtained with application of 5 tonnes FYM/ha +100% NPK, which was 100.0 and 12.5% higher than control (no NPK) and 100% NPK respectively. The yield obtained with 5 tonnes FYM/ha +75% NPK and 10 tonnes FYM/ha + 75% NPK was at par with 5 tonnes FYM/ha + 100% NPK. Combined application of NPK and FYM enhanced the uptake of N, P and K significantly. Application of 5 tonnes FYM/ha + 100% NPK resulted in the highest gross and net returns of Rs 11, 352 and Rs 4, 362/ha, respectively.