Monetary and non-monetary inputs on turmeric growth, nutrient uptake, yield and economics under irrigated condition

Field experiment with split plot design was conducted to study the effect of monetary and non-monetary inputs on growth, nutrient uptake, yield and economics of turmeric. Non-monetary inputs viz., two varieties (BSR 1 and BSR 2) and three planting time (15 May, 15 June and 15 July); monetary inputs viz., three spacing (30 cm x 15 cm, 45 cm x 15 cm, 60 cm x 15 cm) and three N levels (125, 150 and 175 kg/ha) formed the treatment combination. Turmeric variety BSR 2 out yielded BSR 1 in terms of growth, nutrient uptake and yield. Planting the turmeric during middle of May (15 May) was superior compared to 15 June and 15 July plantings. Among spacing, 30cm x 15cm recorded significantly higher growth, nutrient uptake and yield than 45 cm x 15 cm and 60 cm x 15 cm. The crop response was better for higher rate of nitrogen (175 kg/ha) than other levels. Economic evaluation indicated that combination of non-monetary inputs viz., planting BSR 2 at 15 May with monetary inputs viz., 30 x 15 cm spacing with 175 kg/ha N would increase the turmeric production and income of the farmers.