Influence of Different Nitrogen Levels and Spacing on Seed Yield and Economics of Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare Mill.)

Abstract

The present study entitled, “Influence of nitrogen levels and spacing on seed yield and economics of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.)” was conducted during the Rabi season of 2021-22 with fennel variety HF-143 using four different nitrogen levels (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg ha-1) and three-row to row spacing (30x20 cm, 45x20 cm, and 60x20 cm). Sowing of the crop was done on 30th October 2021 in factorial randomized block design (RBD), and harvesting on 10th May 2022. The yield parameters, i.e., number of umbels per plant, number of umbellate per umbel, seeds per umbels, and seed yield (per plot and hectare), were recorded with three replications of each treatment. The economics of each treatment was also calculated. The result revealed that 50 kg N ha-1 treatment with 45x20 cm spacing was best for obtaining higher seed yield. Fertilizing the fennel crop with 50 kg ha-1 nitrogen level and sowing at 45x20 cm is economical to obtain a high seed yield. Though seed yield increased with an increase in nitrogen fertilizer dose, the rise in the value of seed yield from 50-75 kg N ha-1 was found non-significant. From the present study, it can be concluded that the fennel crop produced a higher seed yield (18.23 q ha-1), maximum net return (Rs. 1,14,670 ha-1), and benefit-cost ratio i.e., B: C (2.71) at 50 kg N with 45x20 cm spacing under the semi-arid, subtropical condition in sandy loam soil of Haryana.