Enhancing Rainfed Castor Growth, Seed, and Oil Yield Via Nano Urea Application

Abstract

Aims: Conventional urea fertilizer has been critical in enhancing castor yields. However, nano urea, a game-changing technology in modern agriculture, provides a significant advancement in terms of sustainable and efficient crop production. Study Design:  The experiment was conducted in a Randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatments and three replications. Place and Duration of Study: Tapioca and Castor Research Station in Yethapur during the Kharif season of 2022. Methodology: The major objective is to increase hybrid castor growth and production under rainfed circumstances by foliar application of nano urea. The castor hybrid YRCH 1 with an RDF of 60:30:30 NPK kg ha-1 was chosen for the study.  The experimental details viz; T1 - 100% N through Urea –RDF, T2 -  50 % of recommended basal N + Nano urea foliar spray @ 2 ml/l at 30 and 60 DAS, T3 -  50 % of recommended basal N + 2 % Urea foliar spray at 30 and 60 DAS, T4 -  75 % of recommended basal N + Nano urea foliar spray @ 2 ml/l at 30 and 60 DAS, T5 -  75 % of recommended basal N+ 2 % Urea foliar spray at 30 and 60 DAS, T6 -  100 % of recommended basal N + Nano urea foliar spray @ 2 ml/l at 30 and 60 DAS, T7 -  100 % of recommended basal N + 2 % Urea foliar spray at 30 and 60 DAS. Results: According to the findings of the study, applying 100% of the recommended basal N + Nano urea foliar spray @ 2 ml/l at 30 and 60 DAS is advantageous to the crop and improves the growth and yield characteristics of hybrid castor under rainfed conditions. However, when compared to other treatments, foliar application of nano urea with 50% indicated basal N resulted in significantly lower growth and yield. Conclusion: The major objective is to increase hybrid castor growth and production under rainfed circumstances by foliar application of nano urea