Abstract
Jatropha ( Jatropha curcas L.) is a major non edible plant having potential of biodiesel production. Two experiments were conducted to determine the irrigation, nutrient and pruning requirement of Jatropha for enhancing its productivity. The first experiment consisted of 24 combinations of four irrigation levels [unirrigated, at cumulative pan evaporation (CPE) of 180 mm, at 120 mm CPE and at 60 mm CPE] and six nutrient levels (combinations of N and P2O5). The second trial had 5 pruning treatments viz., 2/3 rd portion of branches pruned annually, 1/2 portion pruned annually, 2/3 rd portion pruned once initially, 1/2 pruned once initially and unpruned. Growth and yield parameters of Jatropha were recorded after 3, 4, 5 and 6 years of plant growth. Application of irrigation and nutrients affected significantly the various growth and yield parameters. The lowest yield during all years was observed in unfertilized and unirrigated plants and the highest (723, 598, 508 and 888 kg/ha in 3, 4, 5 and 6 year old plants, respectively) at 120 mm CPE irrigation level alongwith application of N-P 2 O 5 @ 60-20 g/plant during 1 st as well as 2sup>nd year, 75-30 g/plant during 3 rd and 4 th year, and 90-40 g/plant during 5 th and 6 th year. The growth parameters and yield of unpruned plants were significantly higher than pruned plants after 4, 5 and 6 years of age (614, 617 and 928 kg/ha, respectively). The yield of plants pruned 2/3 rd annually was the lowest after 4, 5 and 6 years of age. Therefore, irrigation and nutrients are essential for Jatropha whereas it is not necessary to prune Jatropha for improving its productivity.
Published Version
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