Optimization of crop geometry and nutrient requirements of medium duration pigeonpea hybrid under rainfed condition

A field experiment was carried out to study crop geometry and nutrient requirements of pigeonpea hybrid ‘GTH-1’ during Kharif 2007–09 under rainfed conditions of Akola, Maharashtra. Planting of pigeonpea hybrid at a row spacing of 90 x 30 cm was found optimum. Amongst nutrient combinations, NPKSZnSO₄::20:60:25:20:15 kg/ha was optimum for realizing higher crop growth, seed yield, net return and benefit cost ratio (BCR). Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR) received by the canopy was the highest at wider spacing of 90 x 30 cm. Soil available N, P, K and S at harvest of pigeonpea hybrid were significantly influenced by spacing and nutrient levels over the initial level. Interaction effects on various plant and soil attributes due to different nutrient combinations and spacing were not significant.