Response of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) to inorganic nitrogen, farmyard manure and biofertilizer

A field experiment was conducted on loamy sand soils of Jobner (Jaipur) during winter (rabi) seasons of 2000–01 to 2003–04, to study response of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) to inorganic N, FYM and biofertilizer. Maximum number of branches/plant (5.92), umbels/plant (21.28), umbellets/umbel (5.28), seeds/umbel (32.8) and test weight of seeds (4.50 g) were recorded with he application of inorganic N (100%) + Azospirillum @ 1.5 kg/ha + 5 tonnes FYM/ha, followed by 100% N through inorganic source alone and inorganic N (75%) + Azospirillum @ 1.5 kg/ha + 5 tonnes FYM/ha. Combined application of 100% inorganic N + Azospirillum @ 1.5 kg/ha + 5 tonnes FYM/ha also recorded significantly higher seed and straw yields, being 80.4 and 42.8% higher over the control and the highest net returns of Rs 6,357/ha and benefit: cost ratio of 1.39: 1. The highest uptake of N, P and K was also recorded under 100% inorganic N + Azospirillum @ 1.5 kg/ha + 5 tonnes FYM/ha.