Indian Journal of Agricultural Research

Field experiments were conducted during rabi Season of 2001–02 and 2002–03 to find out the effect of insitu moisture conservation and INM (Integrated Nutrient Managemant) practices on plant-water status, yield and economics of sunflower in rainfed vertisols. The experiments were laid out in split plot design with three replications. Main plot consisted of three different insitu moisture conservation methods, whereas in sub - plots integrated nutrient management practices were taken. The experimental results revealed that sowing of sunflower on broad bed and furrow in combination with application of 75% N through inorganic + 25% N through CCP + Azophos + 0.2% boron spray registered higher values of RLWC and transpiration rate with reduced leaf proline content, leaf temperature and stomatal diffusive resistance and there by increased seed yield and economics of sunflower. Flat bed method with application of CCP at 100% N substitution resulted poorest performance and there by minimum yield.