Response of Red Amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) to Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on Growth and Leaf Yield

Abstract

Amaranth is regarded as one of the least expensive vegetables available. Its greater nutritional content, pleasant taste, wider range of environmental adaptation, lower chance of crop failure, and a number of biotic and abiotic factors suggest that there is much opportunity for its large-scale production. The availability of nutrients in the soil, which are released via the prudent use of fertilizers and manures, is essential for amaranth growth and production. But for a very short-duration C₄ crop like amaranth, an appropriate combination of organic and inorganic sources could be sufficient to supply its nutrient requirements. The main objective of the current study is to determine the optimal nutrient combination for amaranth growth and yield in the ICAR-CAZRI, KVK, Pali-Marwar (Rajasthan) farm during the 2022–2023 rabi season. The study's key findings were that various integrated nutrition management techniques had a substantial impact on growth and leaf yield characteristics at each developmental stage (i.e., 20, 40 and 60 DAS). Results were least in application of T₁ (Control) and highest in application of T₁₀ (75% RDF + 25% PROM + 25% Vermicompost + 25% Poultry manure + 25% FYM). From an economic perspective, the application of T₂ [100% RDF + FYM (25 t/ha)] came after treatment T₁₀, which likewise recorded the highest net monetary returns (Rs. 68790/ha) with a B:C ratio of 3.66. With a B:C ratio of 3.31, T₁ (Control) had the noticeably lowest net economic returns, at Rs. 40600/ha.