Planting geometry affects potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) productivity and economics in North-West India

Abstract

Effect of planting geometry on productivity and economics of potato was studied at research farm, School of Organic Farming, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and at farmer fields in Punjab during autumn 2016. The mean total tuber yield did not vary with change in planting geometry from 65cm × 11.5cm to 75cm × 15cm. However, the mean highest seed size (<45mm) tuber yield (11.57 t/ha) was obtained with planting geometry of 65cm × 11.5cm which was statistically at par with 75cm × 10cm. Total and seed size tubers were the highest (712 and 461 thousand/ha, respectively) under 75cm × 10cm and were statistically at par with 65cm × 11.5cm. The seed cost was the highest with 75cm × 10cm and 65cm × 11.5cm (Rs. 107800/ha, each) and the lowest (Rs. 72000/ha) with 75cm × 15cm and was 69% higher in the former cases than the latter. The planting geometries of 65cm × 15cm and 75cm × 15cm gave the higher net returns (Rs. 209100/ha and Rs. 208100/ha, respectively) when grown for seed purpose. However, for ware potato purpose the planting geometries of 65cm × 18.5cm and 75cm × 15cm gave the higher net returns.