Growth and yield of cumin as influenced by irrigation and nutrient levels with varying crop geometry

A field experiment was conducted during three rabi seasons to study growth, profitability and productivity of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) as influenced by irrigation and nutrient levels with varying crop geometry. Three irrigation levels (12, 15 and 18-day interval) in main plot, nutrient levels (N and P₂O₅ each of 20 + 10, 30 + 20 and 40 + 25 kg/ha, respectively) in sub-plot and crop geometry (20 cm × 10 cm, 25 cm × 10 cm and 30 cm × 10 cm) in sub-sub-plot were studied in sub-sub split plot design with three replications. The highest plant height at all the growth stages was recorded with irrigation at 12-day interval but branches/plant at 18-day interval and dry matter accumulation per plant at all the growth stages of cumin was recorded with irrigation at 15-day interval. Yield attributes, seed yield (4.71 q/ha), straw yield (9.89 q/ha) and biological yield (14.60 q/ha) as well as net return (Rs. 43,497 per ha) and B:C ratio (3.33) was obtained with irrigation at 18-day interval. Higher growth parameters, yield attributes, seed yield (3.71 q/ha), straw yield (7.79 q/ha), net return (Rs. 30,502/-ha) and B:C ratio (2.23) were obtained with application of 30 N and 20 kg P₂O₅/ha. Crop geometry of 25 cm × 10 cm resulted in 15 and 6% higher seed and straw yield over 20 cm × 10 cm, respectively. Thus, application of irrigation at 18-day interval with 30 kg N + 20 kg P₂ O₅/ha at 25 cm × 10 cm crop geometry was found better for realizing higher yields, net return and profitability in cumin production.