Improvement in Productivity, Water-Use Efficiency, and Soil Nutrient Dynamics of Summer Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) through Use of Polythene Mulch, Hydrogel, and Nutrient Management

Abstract

Agronomic management through better use of inputs benefits farmers both by enhancing productivity and profitability. A field experiment was conducted in consecutive summer seasons (2011–2013) consisting of two mulching (no mulch, polythene mulch), three hydrogel (0, 2.5, 5.0 kg ha−1), and three nutrient management treatments (organic, inorganic, and integrated) in a split–split plot design. Use of mulching and 2.5 kg hydrogel ha−1 and integrated nutrient management enhanced pod, haulm, kernel and oil yields, and net economic returns. Partial factor productivity and water-use efficiency were higher under polythene mulch and 5.0 kg hydrogel ha−1. Higher nutrient uptakes were obtained under both mulching and integrated nutrient management. Use of 2.5 kg hydrogel ha−1 resulted in more removal of N; P and K uptakes were higher in 5.0 kg hydrogel ha−1. Combination of three managements had a consequence of actual soil N loss, but gains in soil P and K after three cropping cycles.