Indian Journal of Agronomy

A field experiment was conducted from 2010 to 2012 at Gayeshpur, West Bengal to investigate the effect of irrigation schedules, and sources and levels of sulphur on yield and water-use efficiency (WUE) of summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with 3 irrigation schedules (0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 IW/CPE) in main plots and 2 sulphur sources (elemental S and gypsum) along with 4 levels of sulphur (0, 15, 30 and 45 kg/ha) in sub-plots. Pooled results showed that the highest pod (2.03 t/ha) and haulm (3.40 t/ha) yields were observed with 0.75 IW/CPE, whereas maximum WUE of 5.99 kg/ha-mm with 0.5 IW/CPE. The highest pods/plant, 100-kernel weight, shelling out-turn, pod yield, oil yield and sulphur-use efficiency were recorded with 30 kg S/ha, however, maximum oil content (48.7%) with 45 kg S/ha. From the quadratic response curve, the pod yield of 2.09 t/ha was calculated with optimum 35.7 kg S/ha. Sources of sulphur had no significant differences in pod yield, oil yield, nutrient uptake, consumptive use and WUE. Uptake of N, P, K and S was significantly varied with irrigation levels and sulphur doses. Soil residual fertility was not affected by treatments except residual sulphur. The highest gross returns, net returns and benefit: cost ratio were recorded with 0.75 IW/CPE and 30 kg S/ha.