Productivity of grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypocondriacus) in relation to organic nutrition under rainfed condition of Western Himalayas

A field experiment was conducted with an objective to find out suitable organic sources and their dose for optimum nutrient management in grain amaranth. The experiment was laid out with 15 treatments consisting of different rates of organic sources in randomized block design with three replications. Yield attributes and yields of grain amaranth were significantly influenced by various organic sources during both the years of experimentation except straw yield in 2008. The highest yield attributes and grain yield of amaranth (20.37 and 22.58 q/ha during 2007 and 2008, respectively) were recorded with application of recommended dose of fertilizers (60 kg N and 40 kg P₂O₅) which was at par with vermicompost 2.5t/ha + chullu cake 2.5 t/ha during both the years. Yield attributes followed same trend. Successive increase in dose of organic manures increased the yield attributes and yields of grain amaranth. Highest B: C ratio (3.93) was recorded when recommended dose of fertilizers was applied followed by FYM 8.0 t/ha (2.63) and chullu cake 2.5 t/ha+ FYM 4.0 t/ha (2.18). Vermicompost 2.5t/ha + chullu cake 2.5 t/ha treatment can be economical when the produce will be sold as organic produce with high selling price.