Sodicity tolerance of fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) as influenced by application of zinc and vermicompost

A pot experiment was conducted with fenugreek as test crop in rabi season at 2008–09 to evaluate the effect of different levels of RSC waters viz., 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mmoL⁻¹, zinc viz., 0,10 and 20 mg kg⁻¹ with and without vermicompost on soil properties, yield of seed and sodicity tolerance of fenugreek. With increasing level of RSC, ECe, OC and DTPA-Zn decreased significantly while, pH and ESP of soil increased significantly. Seed yield decreased significantly with increasing level of RSC and maximum reduction was observed with 7.5 mmol L⁻¹. The Na/K, Na+ K/Ca and Na/Ca ratios increased while, Ca/Mg ratio decreased significantly in seed. Application of zinc and vermicompsot significantly increased the seed yield, soil DTPA-Zn and organic carbon while, Na/K, Na+ K/Ca and Na/Ca ratios in seed decreased significantly, however, the Ca/Mg ratio increased significantly.