Effect of drip fertigation on soil moisture use dynamics, nutrient uptake and productivity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted for two years during rabi seasons of 2005-06 and 2006-07 to study the effect of fertigation on yield parameters and economic benefits of Ashwagandha. The treatments consist of three irrigation regimes (I1-Drip irrigation at 100% PE, I2- at 80% PE and I3-60% PE) and three fertility levels(F1-100%, F2 – 75% and F - 50% of recommended dose of N,P,K) with a control having surface irrigation and soil application of fertilizer @30-20-20 kg N, P2O5and K2O ha-1. The experimental soil was acidic in reaction and sandy loam in texture. Irrigating the crop at 80% PE with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) produced the maximum root yield in comparison to other treatment combinations. Drip irrigation produced more root (795 kg ha-1) and seed (78 kg ha-1) yields. NPK uptake increased with an increase in the level of fertilizer. Application of irrigation at 80 % PE helped to absorb maximum amount of 43.41 kg N, 7.57 kg P and 31.95 kg K. Actual soil moisture content was comparatively higher in 100 % PE than 80% PE and 60%PE.