Studies on the effect of planting techniques and nutrient management practice on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and profitability of garlic (Allium Sativum L.)

The experiment was conducted for 02 years at the Horticultural Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut (U.P.). The experiment was laid down in split plot design with three replications. Main plots-Planting techniques Narrow raised beds P₁, Wide raised beds P₂, Flat beds P₃, and Sub plots-Fertilizer doses/levels 100% RDF N through inorganic F₁, 100% RDF N through FYM F₂, 50% RDF N through FYM+50% RDF N through inorganic F₃, 25% RDF N through FYM+ 75% RDF N through inorganic F₄ and Control (No fertilizer) F₅. Integrated nutrient management involving organic manures and inorganic fertilizers (F₄) produced growth characters at successive stages have been represented graphically. The growth characters at 120 days interval and yield and its contributory characters have been analyzed statistically. It is evident from the findings of the present experiment that the height of the plant (67.63 and 67.33), diameter of the bulb (3.11 and 2.65), fresh weight of leaves per plant (33.17 and 31.11), dry weight of leaves per plant (7.11 and 8.05) a, fresh weight of bulb (51.98 and 50.28), dry weight of bulb (7.11 and 8.05), number of roots per bulb (82.71 and 85.03), yield q/ha (137.99 and 139.82), occurred under F₄ treatment followed by F₁ and F₃ treatment. F₄ was significantly superior to all treatments during both the years. In the present findings, the maximum height of the plant and number of green leaves were obtained under P₂ treatment followed by P₁ and P₃ treatments. While P₂ produced the maximum fresh weight of leaves, dry weight of leaves, fresh weight per bulb (47.62 and47.61), dry weight per bulb (8.18 and 9.05), diameter of bulb (3.25 and 2.44), number of cloves (22.85 and 24.90). The maximum yield 124.57 and 126.14 quintal per hectare was recorded under P² treatment during 2010–11 and 2011–12, respectively. While the minimum yield-50.80 and 51.63 quintal per hectare was obtained under P₃ treatment during both the years.