Irrigation scheduling and fertigation in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa under high density planting system

Abstract

The trial was conducted on four-year-old pomegranate plants of cv. Bhagwa growing under high density planting system (2 m × 2 m) with four fertigation levels, i.e., 50, 75, 100 and 125% recommended dose of fertilizers and three drip irrigation levels, i.e., 50, 75 & 100% on pan evaporation basis. It is concluded that 125 per cent RDF markedly enhanced vegetative growth, yield contributing characteristics, yield and leaf N, P & K contents along with minimum acidity. However, levels F3 (125% RDF) and F2 (100% RDF) were at par with each other with respect to yield, quality and leaf nutrient status. Juice content, TSS and organoleptic score were maximum at 125 per cent RDF and TSS: acid was maximum at 100 per cent RDF. Similarly, drip irrigation (100%) at alternate day significantly increased vegetative characteristics, yield characteristics, quality characteristics and, leaf N, P & K. Based on statistical analysis of vegetative characteristics it is inferred that the treatment combination comprising 100 per cent recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) and drip irrigation 100 per cent at alternate day (I2F2) resulted in higher profitable yield (net return Rs. 5,96,177 ha-1) with quality fruits.