Increasing yield potential of potato (Solanum tuberosum) by using irrigation methods and fertilizer levels

The experiment was conducted during 1998-99 and 1999-2000 to study the yield potential of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) by adopting different irrigation methods and fertilizer levels. Eighteen treatments comprising 3 irrigation methods, viz. sprinkler, drip and furrow, and 6 fertilizer levels, viz. 80: 40 :40, 120 : 60 : 60, 160 : 80 : 80, 80 :40 : 80, 120: 60: 120 : and 160 : 80: 160 (N : P2O5 : K2O kg/ha), were undertaken in split-plot design with 6 replications. The crop was planted in November during both the years on ridges, spaced at 60 cm keeping 20 cm space between plants. The pooled results indicated that sprinkler and drip irrigation systems resulted in significantly higher potato tuber yield to extent of 43.5 and 21.2%, respectively, compared with the furrow-irrigation method. The fertilizer dose of 120 : 60 :120 N : P2O5 : K2O kg/ha resulted in significant higher yield than rest of fertilizer levels and found optimum for potato. Sprinkler irrigation gave the, maximum returns (Rs 42,850/ha) and benefit : cost ratio with 120 : 60 :120 N : P2O5 : K2O kg/ha and benefit : cost ratio and hence found less economical for potato.