Growth and Yield Response to Application of Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources in Lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm.] cv. Assam Lemon

Abstract

Citrus is a perennial fruit crop which is highly responsive to nutrient applied and thus require adequate amount of nutrition for obtaining optimum growth and yield. In recent years, it has been observed that organic in combination with inorganic sources of nutrient have gained popularity due to the negative impact of excessive use of chemical fertilizers on soil and environment. The experiment was conducted with seven treatments and three replications consisting recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) and RDF in combine with Organic manure and Vermicompost at different percentage during the year 2019. The treatment, T4 with 60% N of RDF + 40% N from FYM (farm yard manure) gave the best result in improving plant growth and yield. The maximum plant height increment (15.04%), highest percentage in canopy spread increment, North-South (22.17%) and East-West (20.35%), maximum fruit set percentage (37.78%), highest number of fruits (40.22) per plant and maximum yield (8.52 kg) per tree were recorded from T4 (60% N of RDF + 40% N from FYM) which indicated that the application of 60% N of RDF + 40% N from FYM may be recommended to obtain maximum yield and best quality fruit in Assam lemon.