Effect of Spatial Configurations and Fertilizer Levels on the Performance of Castor under Dryland Conditions

The field investigations were conducted during monsoon of the year 1999 to 2004 at the Research Farm of All India Co-ordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture, Solapur to assess the response of castor to different spatial configurations and fertilizer levels under dryland condition. Results revealed that castor grain yield did not differ significantly due to different spacings. However, 60x45 cm spacing showed better performance and produced higher castor yield over the years of experimentation. Economic analysis revealed that castor planted at 60x45 cm recorded highest net returns (Rs.12311 ha⁻¹) with B:C ratio (2.18), SYI (0.53) and SVI (0.56) and moisture use efficiency (2.83 kg ha mm⁻¹). Application of fertilizer significantly increased the castor yield over control, however, the castor yield did not differ significantly due to application of 25:12.5 and 50:25 kg N:P₂O₅ ha⁻¹. The castor hybrid DCH-32 produced significantly higher grain yield (1198 kg ha⁻¹) over variety VI-9. The castor hybrid DCH-32 also recorded highest net returns (Rs.12072 ha⁻¹) with B:C ratio (2.05), SVI (0.56), SYI (0.54) and moisture use efficiency (3.10 kg ha mm⁻¹). The interaction effects between various spacing, fertilizer levels and genotypes were not significant. The castor hybrid DCH-32 planted at 60x45 cm spacing with 25 kg N + 12.5 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ fertilizer dose in Inceptisols was found better for achieving higher yield and sustainability under dryland condition of scarcity zone of Maharashtra State.