Effect of NPK fertigation and planting patterns on yield and economics of potato under drip irrigation

Field experiments were conducted during rabi season of 2000 and 2001 on light textured (Typic-Ustocrept) soils at Central Potato Research Institute Campus, Modipuram to study the effect of NPK fertigation and planting patterns on yield and economics of potato. Study revealed that the paired row potato planting with 100% recommended NPK fertigation gave maximum yield (404 q/ha) and net return over variable cost of Rs. 55,812/ha followed by 75% NPK fertigation for paired row potato planting which produced 388 q potatoes/ha and net return of Rs. 49,878/ha, respectively alongwith higher benefit: cost ratio of Rs. 2.27 and 2.16, respectively as compared to conventional furrow method of irrigation (Rs. 33329/ha and B:C ratio of Rs. 1.83 respectively). The paired row potato planting alongwith single row drip latera/line was advantageous as it reduced 44% cost of drip installation in comparison to single row potato planting.