Effect of Sowing Time on Productivity and Economics of Different Kharif Crops in Scarce Rainfall Zone of Andhra Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted during 2007–08 and 2008–09 at Agricultural Research Station, Anantapur of scarce rainfall zone of Andhra Pradesh to find out the most appropriate sowing time for different kharif crops under dryland situation. The studies revealed that the productivity was higher with first fortnight of June sown crops, whereas the mean productivity was significantly decreased with successive delay in sowing time. Groundnut yield equivalents were higher with June second fortnight sown crop (593 kg/ha) and was comparable with June first sown crop (585 kg/ha) and significantly superior than other three dates of sowing. Groundnut crop recorded highest pod yield (1023 kg/ha) followed by sorghum (914 kg/ha) and better than cluster bean and castor. Two years pooled data indicates that in groundnut, higher pod yield was recorded with July first FN sowing (1355 kg/ha) followed by June second FN sowing (1305 kg/ha), June first FN sowing (1174 kg/ha) and significantly superior than July second FN sowing and August first FN sowing. In sorghum, higher seed yield was recorded with August first FN sowing (1020kg/ha) and lower with second FN of June (817 kg/ha). In redgram (1188kg/ha) and cluster bean (569kg/ha) higher seed yield was recorded with first FN of June sowing and gradually decreases with successive delayed sowings. In castor, higher yield was recorded with second FN of June (707 kg/ha) followed by first FN of June (675 kg/ha). Groundnut, redgram and cluster bean crops recorded positive net returns in all dates of sowing tried. Rain water use efficiency was gradually decreased if the sowings delayed beyond July second fortnight. Results revealed that, for groundnut, July first FN is the most appropriate time for sowing whereas, for redgram, castor and cluster bean June month is the suitable time for sowing. August first FN is the optimum time to sow the sorghum under dryland Alfisols of Anantapur district.