Management of Nutrients in Dill Seed (Anethum graveolens L.)

The present study explores the management of Nutrients in Dill Seed (Anethum graveolens L.). An adequate supply of nitrogen is associated with vigorous vegetative growth and dark green colour. Phosphorus influences the vigour of plants, and root growth and enhances maturity. The investigation was carried out during the rabi season of 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19 at College Farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Bharuch (Gujarat) to determine the requirement of nitrogen and phosphorus for dill seed for achieving maximum seed yield. Three different levels of nitrogen (20, 40, and 60 kg/ha) and phosphorus (00, 20, and 30 kg P2O5/ha) in different combinations were distributed in the plots. The nitrogen and phosphorus were applied at the time of sowing. The different dose of nitrogen and phosphorus was applied in the form of urea and SSP as per the treatment in each plot. The results indicated that application of nitrogen at 60 kg/ha significantly increased plant height, branches/plant, number of umbels/plants, seeds/umbel, seed yield (1451 kg/ha) and straw yield (6008 kg/ha), net returns (Rs. 68299/ha) and B:C ratio (2.4), while, significantly higher grain yield (1407 kg/ha) and straw yield (5977 kg/ha), net returns (Rs. 66289/ha) and B:C ratio (2.3) compared with other treatment. It also significantly increased the content and uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus at 60 kg N/ha and 30 kg P2O5/ha in seed and straw and also improved the nutrient status of the soil. Interaction effects between 60 kg N/ha and 30 kg P2O5/ha were significantly higher for umbels/plant and seed yield. Plant height in dill seed did not differ significantly due to different phosphorus levels. The number of branches per plant of dill seed did not differ significantly due to different phosphorus levels. The positive influence of P application on a number of branches/plants may be due to the increased availability of nitrogen and potassium which resulted in better plant growth.