Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of linseed (Linum usitatissimum) under mid-hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh

The effect of farmyard manure (FYM) and chemical fertilizers on growth and yield of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) under mid-hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh was studied during the winter (rabi) seasons of 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98. Better growth, yield attributes as well as yield were recorded with application of FYM @ 5 tonnes/ha over no FYM. Recommended doses of chemical fertilizers (N₅₀P₄₀K₂₀) produced taller plants with more number of primary branches, capsules/plant, seeds/capsule and 1,000-seed weight compared to 50% and 75% of the recommended dose of NPK. Highest gross and net returns (Rs/ha) were also obtained with application of the recommended dose of fertilizer, N₅₀P₄₀K₂₀.