Growth kinetics and yield of coriander under limed acid soils of eastern plateau hill regions

Abstract

To assess the growth and yield performance of coriander, field experiments were carried out consecutively three years in acid soils of Ranchi, Jharkhand with various liming ie, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% and these were compared with control (No lime). Results revealed that the plant height and number of leaves of coriander were at par with lime except number of leaves per plant at 50DAS. Root and shoot biomass accumulation per plant, dry matter per cent at various stages, number of umbel per plant and seed weight per plant also did not vary statistically with lime. Number of umbel and seeds per plant were more with higher levels of lime. Plant water content reduced progressively with the age of plant from about 95% to around 55%. Relative growth rate (RGR) of root and shoot was more with lime application and it was highest at the age of 51-75 days followed by 76-120 days and 10-50 days, respectively. Shoot demand on root with per unit time was more than double at the age of 51-75 days as compared to initial and later stages. Seed yield of coriander was not significantly influenced by lime. However, it was 8-9 per cent more at higher levels of lime than control. The stover yield and nitrogen uptake was only significantly higher where 100% recommended dose of lime was applied. However, P uptake did not show any statistical variation with lime application. Potassium uptake was more at 75% and 100% application of lime. Most of the growth and yield data were at par with lime indicates that coriander can be adapted well in acid soils having pH 5.5 resultant not responded to lime application distinctly. In general observations, it has been recorded that yield was about to double (28.9 q ha-1) in these medium to higher fertile acid soils as compared to tradition growing areas which broken the yield barrier in this crop by taking coriander variety 'Ajmer Coriander-1'. Key