Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Fibre Yield of Sisal (Agave sisalana) in North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh, India

Sisal (Agave sisalana) historically an important crop grown in marginally degraded soils in north coastal zone of Andhra Pradesh. The leaf fiber from sisal is used for multiple purposes. The semi- perennial xerophytic sisal crop is significantly responding to nutrient management practices in rainfed soils. Pooled results of the field experiment conducted during 2020-21 to 2021-22 at Agricultural Research station, Amadalavalasa, Andhra Pradesh under All India Network Project on Jute and Allied Fibres revealed that, the growth and fibre yield parameters are responding positively to nutrient management practices. Combined application of 90: 30: 60 kg NPK ha-1 + vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1 increased number of leaves / plant by 50.4% as compared to control. Same treatment combination influenced the leaf length and width to the tune of 26% and 14% respectively compared to control. Among the treatments imposed in the experiment, the higher green leaf (49.2%) and dry fibre yield (49.4%) was recorded with 90: 30: 60 kg NPK ha-1 + vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1 over control. The effect of integrated application of nutrients to sisal was reflected in higher soil available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium status compared to only NPK application and control treatments. Overall the sisal crop growth, green leaf yield, dry fibre yield and post-harvest soil fertility status was significantly higher with conjunctive use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients compared to inorganic NPK alone. Hence, the integrated nutrient management proved to be highly rewarding in marginal, nutrient depleted and degraded soils, particularly in rainfed, semi-perennial crops like sisal.