Assessing optimum spacing, sowing method and nutrient requirement for Chia (Salvia hispanica L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR-KVK, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during rabi 2020to develop suitable agro-techniques for chia (Salvia hispanica L). The experiment was laid out in split split plot design withthree replications and twelve treatments. Treatments consists of three spacing (45 × 20 cm, 60 × 20 cm and 75 × 20 cm) asmain plots, two methods of sowing (Line sowing and Transplanting) as sub plots, two fertilizer levels (30:20:20 kg and60:40:40 kgN:P2O5:K2O ha-1) as sub-sub plots. Spacing of 45 × 20 cm (S1) recorded significantly higher seed yield (797 kgha-1), haulm yield (2960 kg ha-1), gross returns (` 1,59,462 ha-1), net returns (` 1,29,702 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (5.36)compared to 60 × 20 cm (S2) and 75 × 20 cm (S3). Method of sowing had no significant influence on growth and yieldparameters. However, line sowing (M1) recorded higher seed yield (722 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (2719 kg ha-1), gross returns(` 1,44,421 ha-1), net returns (` 1,14,640 ha-1) and B:C ratio (4.85) compared to transplanting (M2). Fertilizer level of (F1)60:40:40 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1 recorded significantly higher seed yield (744 kg ha-1) haulm yield (2766 kg ha-1), gross returns(` 1,48,845 ha-1), net returns (` 1,18,181 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (4.85) compared to the application of (F2) 30:20:20kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1. Interaction effects of (S1M1F2) recorded significantly higher seed yield (836 kg ha-1), net returns(`1,36,454 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (5.44) of chia in Northern transition zone of Karnataka.