S. K. Maurya

Optimization of planting geometry and water requirement through drip irrigation in sprouting broccoli

Investigation was carried out to standardize spacing and drip irrigation levels in sprouting broccoli, planted in paired row system at Vegetable Research Centre of G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) during October to February of 2013–14 and 2014–15. The experiments were laid out in three replications using two factorial randomized block design. The first factor was consisted of three spacings (60 × 30 cm, 60 × 40 cm and 60 × 50 cm), while the second one was of four drip irrigation levels (120, 100, 80 and 60% of crop water requirement) along with surface irrigation. The results indicated significant influence of spacings and irrigation levels on broccoli performance. Increase in spacing and drip irrigation levels favoured the plant growth, whereas reduced crop spacing with increased irrigation levels significantly enhanced the head yield. The highest head yield (167.84 q/ha), net returns (Rs. 1, 77, 512.30) and benefit: cost ratio (3.38) in respect of plant spacings were obtained with crop spacing of 60 × 30 cm. Whereas amongst four irrigation levels, irrigation at 100% crop water requirement was proved the best for head yield (149.83 q/ha), net returns (Rs. 1, 42, 362.30) and B: C ratio (2.91). Out of 15 treatment combinations, crop spaced at 60 × 30 cm with irrigation at 100% crop water requirement (I2S1) showed the highest head yield (181.75 q/ha), besides maximum net returns and benefit: cost ratio of Rs. 1, 97, 767.80/ha and 3.64, respectively.