In-situ Helianthus Annuus rainwater harvesting strategies on soil properties, growth and yield of sunflower ( L.) in rainfed sodic soils of Northern Karnataka

Abstract

An-farm experiment was carried out during kharif 2007-08 to 2010-11 on the effect of different rainwater harvesting practices along with gypsum application on soil properties, growth and yield of sunflower on sodic soil at Kyarihal village nearbyAgricultural Research Station, Gangavati, Koppal district, Karnataka state. There were nine treatment combinations viz., T -Deep ploughing with 75% Gypsum Requirement (GR), T -Deep ploughing with 50% GR, T -Tied ridges with 75% GR, T -Tied ridges with 50% GR, T -Compartment bunding with 75% GR, T -Compartment bunding with 50% GR, T - Flat bed with 75% GR, T - Flat bed with 50% GR and T -Control (Flat bed without gypsum). The pooled data of four years revealed that significantly higher and lower moisture contents were recorded in the tied ridges with 75% GR and flat bed without gypsum at seed setting stage, respectively. Similarly, leaching of salts was higher under tied ridges, while lower under flat bed system as compared to other treatments. Significantly higher germination percentage, plant height and head diameter was found in T and lower in T treatments. Significantly higher seed yield (1.04 t ha ) was observed in T followed by T (1.0 t ha ) and least (0.58 t ha ) was recorded in T . However, significantly higher gross returns ( 31,200 ha ), net returns ( 21,500 ha ) and Benefit: Cost ratio (3.30)wasobtained inT and least in control (T ).