Effect of foliar application of nitrogen on productivity and economics of sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

A field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2017 at the research farm of the National Agricultural Science and Technology University, Kandahar, Afghanistan to evaluate the effect of foliar application of nitrogen on growth, productivity and economics of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Treatments 12 were laid out in a randomized block design with 3 replications on the sandy clay loam soil. The treatment of 50 kg N as basal + 1.5% urea foliar spray at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS) resulted in the highest seed yield (2,461 kg/ha), maximum cost of cultivation (54,800 AFN/ha), higher gross return (148,516 AFN/ha), maximum net returns (93,716 AFN/ha) and higher benefit: cost (2.71) ratio. However, this treatment was found significantly at par where 50 kg N/ha was applied basal, followed by a 1.5% foliar spray either at 20 or 40 days after sowing (DAS). Thus, a foliar spray of 1.5% N, either at 20 or 40 DAS along with 50 kg N/ha resulted in higher productivity and economics in sunflower under the semi-arid conditions of Afghanistan.