Effect of preceding crops and nitrogen application on safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) yield and nutrient uptake, and on soil nitrogen

Abstract

Field investigations under dryland conditions were conducted during 1985–86 and 1986–87 on three safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)-based cropping sequences, viz. rice (Oryza sativa)-safflower, green gram (Phaseolus aureus)-safflower, and fallow-safflower. Rice and green gram received recommended fertilizer doses whereas to the succeeding safflower nitrogen was applied in quantities of 0, 20 and 40 kg N ha−1 along with uniform applications of P and K. The results revealed that safflower yield, N P K uptake, benefit-cost ratio (BCR) as well as soil N were appreciably increased with green gram as preceding crop. The fallow-safflower sequence proved most uneconomical. An N application of 40 kg N ha−1 to safflower significantly enhanced yield and NPK uptake, but failed to maintain soil N.