Response of red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) to integrated nutrient management (INM) on growth and yield

Abstract

Amaranth is an economically important leafy vegetable valued for its high nutritional content, wider environmental adaptability, low risk of crop failure and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. However, its productivity largely depends on efficient nutrient management due to its short growth duration and C4 photosynthetic nature. A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2022–2023 at ICAR-CAZRI, KVK, Pali-Marwar (Rajasthan) to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on growth and leaf yield of amaranth. The experiment comprised ten treatments involving combinations of inorganic fertilizers (RDF) and organic manures (PROM, FYM, vermicompost, and poultry manure). 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 lowest in the application of T1 (Control) and highest in the 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. The study demonstrates that integrated use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources is an effective strategy for improving the productivity and profitability of amaranth.