Yield, nutrient uptake and economics of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) genotypes under nutrient supply levels in dryland Alfisols of Karnataka

A field experiment was conducted at Bengaluru to study the impact of graded levels of nutrients on yield, yield attributes, nutrient uptake and economic returns of pigeonpea {Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.} genotypes during kharif 2006 and 2007. Experiment was laid out in factorial RCBD design in which fifteen NPK combinations along with or without zinc and sulphur were tested on ‘TTB 7’ and ‘BRG 2’ pigeonpea genotypes. Significant increase in grain (1.76t/ha) and stalk yields (5.86 t/ha) of pigeonpea was recorded after application of 50, 75 and 100 kg NPK/ha along with common dose of Zn (12.5 kg/ha) and S (10 kg/ha). The increase in grain yield was attributed to improvement in number of pods/plant, test weight and grain yield/plant. Combined nutrient uptake by grain and stalk was significantly higher in 50, 100 and 75 kg NPK along with Zn and S as compared to individual application. Interaction effect of pigeonpea genotypes and fertilizer levels was significant on seed yield and nutrient uptake. Higher yield has resulted in higher net income (25.52 × 10³/ha) and B: C ratio (3.21) over other treatment combinations. The results showed that application of 50:100:75:10:12.5 kg N:P:K:S:Zn/ha is essential for obtaining high grain yield as well as net returns of pigeonpea variety ‘BRG 2’.